GEOLOGICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR RADIOACTIVE WASTE DISPOSAL IN EGYPT

Disposal of radioactive waste in geologic environment is considered the most practical way to ensure the isolation of the disposal system from the biosphere on condition the site has characteristics that meet the criteria and regulations posed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In Egypt considerable amounts of low and intermediate levels of radioactive wastes are accumulated due to the peaceful uses of radio-isotopes. This study aims at the use of the Geographic Information System to locate some potential areas for receiving a repository for disposal the low and intermediate levels of radioactive waste in the Egyptian territory taking into account the regional aspects like: seismicity, potential for flooding , population density, hydrogeology and socio-economic impacts. Based on the geological and environmental settings of Egypt, the Nile Delta and its Valley, Sinai Peninsula and areas of historical heritage value are excluded from our concern as potential areas for radioactive waste disposal. The other rest parts of Egypt that represented by the Eastern and Western Deserts are considered potential areas for receiving much attention and studies in order to select favorite sites and to predict the long term performance of the disposal system