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PB oversaw a team of more than 50 national and international specialists. |
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PB's EIS details how a national repository can be built with minimal impact to health and safety. |
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PB was selected to prepare an environmental impact statement on the proposed repository. |
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World-Renowned Team
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PB's Principal-in-Charge and Project Director for the EIS was David Cruickshanks-Boyd; Vic Farrington served as Project Manager. They were assisted by specialist consultants from across Australia and by world-renowned radiation experts RWE Nukem from the U.K. More than 50 environmental and civil engineers; environmental scientists; ecologists; land use planners; transportation experts; geologists and hydrogeologists; and heritage, risk assessment and radiation specialists made up the experienced project team. PB's EIS details how a national repository can be built and operated with minimal impact on the health and safety of the people and environment of Australia.
The original draft of the EIS was completed in 12 months, with final approval given by Australia's Federal Environmental Minister within two years of the EIS start date. The EIS was completed within budget despite the many unique challenges the project posed, such as:
Hydrogeological modeling—the study of possible infiltration and movement of rainwater confirmed that levels of radionuclides that might affect groundwater under the repository are so low as to be virtually zero.
Radiation risks—potential accident scenarios in the operation and closure phases of the repository were considered, and potential impacts and future risks were modeled.
Transportation—truck and train transport risks, efficiency, and safety were considered.
Flora and fauna—surveys on the impact of the repository on plants and animals around the site augmented the local knowledge base and laid out plans for a valuable study area for future conservation research.
ISO 14001—a comprehensive environmental management and monitoring plan was prepared based on the international standard of IS0 140001 certification.
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