The Rosatom facility in the Tomsk region has officially commenced operations for the final disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive waste. The site is currently licensed to store 15,000 cubic meters of class III and IV waste, including contaminated tools, clothing, and construction materials from nuclear facilities.
Plans are in place to expand the site capacity to 142,000 cubic meters by 2035. This facility marks the second of its kind in Russia, following an operational site in the Sverdlovsk region. A third facility is scheduled to launch in the Chelyabinsk region by the end of 2026.
The isolation system utilizes a multi-layered approach, including hermetic containers, reinforced concrete, and natural rock barriers. Engineers are incorporating bentonite clay, which expands upon contact with water to seal micro-cracks. The structure is designed to withstand earthquakes up to seven points and floods, ensuring safety for 1,000 years.
