Management of Radioactive Waste in Libya: Case Study

Abstract

Libya has dealt with a high number of radioactive sources since the end of the 1950s when oil exploration processes started. Today, there are more than 125 facilities in the country tha use radioactive sources for medical applications, in the oil and gas industry, and in educational institutions. Libya also has a research reactor, with nominal power of 10 MW, that has been operated by the Tajura Nuclear Research Centre (TNRC) since 1983; in addition, the TNRC produces and uses a number of radioactive sources. Naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) is also present in Libya, and they are primarily produced from the exploration and operations within the oil and gas industry. To maximize the protection of the environment and human health from the detrimental effects of radioactive waste (RW) in Libya, efforts have been made to develop and implement a sufficient and effective RW management (RWM) system. The Libyan RWM system consists of: the Libyan national policy for RWM, legislative framework, and RWM facilities. This study will explain the Libyan system of RWM and, moreover, evaluate the current state of RWM in the country using a strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis methodology to draw conclusions and recommendations.