Belarus, Russia discussing construction of storage area for spent nuclear fuel from Belarusian NPP

MINSK. June 4 (Interfax) - The possible construction of a storage area for spent nuclear fuel from the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant in Belarus is being discussed with all interested parties and Russia's Rosatom, Belarusian Energy Minister Viktor Karankevich said.

"The possible construction of a storage area for spent nuclear fuel from the Belarusian NPP, including a temporary container-type storage facility, is being considered," the Belarusian state-run news agency BelTA quoted Karankevich as saying.

"This will help optimize transportation and technological processes related to the preparation and dispatch of spent nuclear fuel for processing in the Russian Federation," he said.

The joint work involves a broad range of interested ministries, agencies and specialized organizations, Karankevich said. Prospecting and a survey are in progress to choose the best site for a radioactive waste disposal facility in Belarus, he said.

It is planned that specialized bodies of Rosatom state corporation will be included in the elaboration of pre-project and design documentation for the project's technological part and the development of its physical safeguards as consultants, developers and suppliers of technologies, taking into account their extensive practical experience in this area, Karankevich said.

"Consultations are being held with the Russian side on drafting and signing an intergovernmental agreement on the design and construction of the facility," he said.

A new program of the Russia-Belarus Union State is being drafted to ensure safe handling of radioactive waste, Karankevich said, adding that the Emergency Situations Ministry is the designated representative of Belarus in this area.