The ISAM project involved the review and enhancement of post-closure safety assessment methodologies and tools for both existing and proposed near surface radioactive waste disposal facilities. The main objectives of the project were to: (a) provide a critical evaluation of the approaches and tools used in the post-closure safety assessment of proposed and existing near surface radioactive waste disposal facilities; (b) enhance the approaches and tools used; (c) build confidence in the approaches and tools used. In order to help achieve these objectives, the ISAM project paid particular attention to discussing, agreeing and setting down a safety assessment methodology. The ISAM project primarily focused on developing a consensus on the methodological aspects of safety assessment, but also gave considerable attention to illustrating the application of the methodology to three main types of disposal facilities (vault, RADON and borehole type disposal facilities).--Publisher description.

Safety of near surface disposal facilities is a primary focus and objective of stakeholders involved in radioactive waste management of low and intermediate level waste and safety assessment is an important tool contributing to the evaluation and demonstration of the overall safety of these facilities. It plays significant role in different stages of development of these facilities (site characterization, design, operation, closure) and especially for those facilities for which safety assessment has not been performed or safety has not been demonstrated yet and the future has not been decided. Safety assessments also create the basis for the safety arguments presented to nuclear regulators, public and other interested parties in respect of the safety of existing facilities, the measures to upgrade existing facilities and development of new facilities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has initiated a number of research coordinated projects in the field of development and improvement of approaches to safety assessment and methodologies for safety assessment of near surface disposal facilities, such as NSARS (Near Surface Radioactive Waste Disposal Safety Assessment Reliability Study) and ISAM (Improvement of Safety Assessment Methodologies for Near Surface Disposal Facilities) projects. These projects were very successful and showed that there is a need to promote the consistent application of the safety assessment methodologies and to explore approaches to regulatory review of safety assessments and safety cases in order to make safety related decisions. These objectives have been the basis of the IAEA follow up coordinated research project--ASAM (Application of Safety Assessment Methodologies for Near Surface Disposal Facilities), which will commence in November 2002 and continue for a period of three years.

The Handbook of Environment and Waste Management, Volume 2, Land and Groundwater Pollution Control, is a comprehensive compilation of topics that are at the forefront of many of the technical advances and practices in solid waste management and groundwater pollution control. These include biosolids management, landfill for solid waste disposal, landfill liners, beneficial reuse of waste products, municipal solid waste recovery and recycling and groundwater remediation.Internationally recognized authorities in the field of environment and waste management contribute chapters in their areas of expertise. This handbook is an essential source of reference for professionals and researchers in the areas of solid waste management and groundwater pollution control, and as a text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in these fields.

This two-volume publication summarises the methodology for the long-term safety assessment of near surface radioactive waste disposal facilities, developed in the 'Improvement of Safety Assessment Methodologies' (ISAM) co-ordinated research project, as well as giving details of the application of the methodology to three hypothetical test cases.