RADIOACTIVE WASTE SAFETY
The radioactive waste generated during operation and decommissioning of nuclear
installations, radiation facilities and associated activities may pose hazards to the public
health and the environment. Therefore, there is a need for effective regulatory oversight of
such activities in accordance with the national regulatory requirements and internationally
accepted principles and best practices.
PNRA plays its regulatory role with the aim to minimize the generation of radioactive waste
by requiring the licensees to use proven technologies and adopt such methods that not only
control the volume reduction but also the safe management of radioactive waste. PNRA has
compiled regulatory requirements in “Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management -PAK/915”.
Moreover, a “National Policy on Safe Management of Radioactive Waste, Decommissioning and
Spent Nuclear Fuel in Islamic Republic of Pakistan” has been developed which sets out
responsibilities of government, licensees and regulators for safe management of radioactive
waste.
Currently, radioactive waste generated by nuclear installations and radiation facilities is
being stored safely at their respective sites whereas Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources
(DSRS) are being stored at two designated radioactive waste management facilities including
PINSTECH Predisposal Radioactive Waste Management Facility (PPRWMF) and KANUPP Radioactive
Waste Storage Area.
Release of Radioactive Effluents to the Environment
The operation of nuclear and radiation facilities results in discharge of radioactivity to
the environment in the form of liquid and gaseous effluents. PNRA regulates such discharges
under the national Regulations on Radioactive Waste Management - PAK/915 through its
rigorous regulatory processes. PNRA approves the discharge limits for the radioactive
effluents and ensures that the releases of radioactive effluents to the environment are kept
within the permissible levels and as low as reasonably achievable.