International Atomic Energy Agency Safeguards Impacts on Geological Repositories

The International Atomic Energy Agency began technical studies on safeguards measures necessary to effectively and efficiently detect the diversion of nuclear material from geological repositories in 1988. The IAEA held consultants' meetings in 1991 and 1995, and an advisory group meeting in 1997 to support its development of safeguards policy and safeguards approaches for geological repositories. repository safeguards in 1997. The IAEA convened the International Program for the Development of Safeguards on the Final Disposal of Spent Fuel in Geological Repositories (SAGOR Program) in 1994. Program issued its final report recommending safeguards approaches for generic spent fuel conditioning plants, operating repositories, and closed repositories in 1998. After completion of the SAGOR program in 1999, the IAEA established the Geological Repository Safeguards Experts Group to provide guidance on safeguards approach implementation issues.