Garnering International Perspectives on Current Practices

Legacy Uranium Sites

• Russel Edge, LM (Moderator)
• Maria de Lurdes Dinis, Porto University, Portugal – The Long-Term Stewardship of Uranium Mine and Milling Remediated Sites in Europe
• Peter Waggitt, Northern Territory Department of Primary Industry and Resources – Legacy Uranium Mine Sites in Australia’s Northern Territory
• Arnaldo Mezrahi, Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission – Legacy Uranium Sites: Brazil
• Michelle Roberts, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – International Cooperation to Remediate Uranium Legacy Sites in Central Asia

Peter Waggitt discussed the importance of models in describing the environmental work related to his projects in Australia. “You can talk through 3D printed models,” said Waggitt.

Recognizing how much power stakeholders can have over projects, Waggitt said, “Find out who the right people are and talk to them. Get stakeholder buy-in. Be quick to apologize. Use common sense and be polite and respectful.”

“We need to establish trust early on, from when the geologist picks up the first stone,” Waggitt said.

Michelle Roberts highlighted the importance of clear communication and record keeping to avoid surprises in the future. She provided an example of a school that was built atop a medical waste landfill with radioactive needles. Clear communication was essential in avoiding potential exposure.

Roberts emphasized the importance of working with developing countries that may not have the financial resources to clean up waste as wealthier nations do.