Slovenia’s Radioactive Waste Management Procedures Receive High Marks in First IAEA DSRS-TeC Peer Review Mission

ARAO's advanced management of disused sealed radioactive sources (DSRS) highlighted by IAEA review; Slovenia explores innovative disposal options.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) completed Slovenia’s first Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources Technical Centres (DSRS-TeC) peer review mission, providing an in-depth examination of the Agency for Radioactive Waste Management’s (ARAO) practices in handling disused radioactive sources. Conducted at ARAO in Ljubljana from 30 September to 2 October, the mission was led by two IAEA specialists alongside two external experts, bringing extensive international expertise to Slovenia’s nuclear waste management processes.

Launched by the IAEA last year, the DSRS-TeC review mission is a specialized program designed to support countries in assessing and enhancing their operational standards in managing DSRSs, ensuring procedures align with international safety practices. It provides a detailed evaluation of processes and offers tailored recommendations for improved DSRS handling, including early-stage procedures such as source collection, storage, and safe disposal.

Vivian Pereira Campos, a DSRS specialist from the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy, commended ARAO’s robust commitment to safety: “ARAO’s adherence to quality management principles and operational excellence meets internationally recognized standards, guided by both national legislation and IAEA protocols, as well as EURATOM and European Council directives.” She also praised ARAO’s collaborative culture, noting that the organization regularly participates in global knowledge-sharing initiatives.

A key achievement highlighted in the review was ARAO’s clear roadmap for DSRS disposal within Slovenia. ARAO plans to deposit DSRSs at a low- and intermediate-level waste facility while exploring a co-disposal solution with spent nuclear fuel in a deep geological repository for sources that fall outside conventional waste criteria. The organization also employs reuse and return-to-supplier programs for DSRS, reflecting its commitment to responsible and efficient radioactive source management.

The mission’s final report praised ARAO’s progressive approach, emphasizing its successful integration of best practices and proactive management of radioactive waste. “The independent assessment of our activities validates our adherence to international standards and will further support our advancement in DSRS management,” said Sandi Virsek, ARAO’s CEO. “Strengthening our capacity has been a key goal, and we are pleased with the strides we’ve made in a short time.”

The DSRS-TeC review mission covered Slovenia’s entire DSRS lifecycle from disuse to disposal, offering insights on collection, conditioning, transportation, and storage. During the visit, mission activities included hands-on demonstrations and site inspections, with the IAEA team closely observing ARAO’s safe handling techniques, including procedures for dismantling moisture density gauges.

With this peer review, Slovenia takes another step in securing its position as a leader in safe and secure radioactive waste management, ensuring long-term protection for its environment and citizens.