An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Review Service for Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management, Decommissioning and Remediation (Artemis) team of experts have recently concluded a five-day mission to Malta. The mission was carried out at the request of the Government of Malta and hosted by the Commission for the Protection from Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation of Malta, which is responsible for authorising and regulating the use of ionising and non-ionising radiation. The team comprised experts from Albania and Cyprus, as well as three IAEA staff members and two observers: one from the European Commission and one from the Portuguese Environment Agency.
Malta utilises radiation sources in medical and industrial applications and ensures the safe management of radioactive materials that are detected occasionally in shipments entering its ports. “Malta is to be congratulated for its safe radioactive waste management and for seeking continuous improvement through the Artemis review process,” said Peter Johnston, Director of the IAEA Division for Radiation, Transport & Waste Safety. Review team leader Michael Tzortzis said, “This review was specifically tailored to address the challenges faced by a small island country having only small volumes of radioactive materials and wastes.”
The Artemis team noted that Malta has established a centralised storage facility for disused sealed radioactive sources and radioactive waste, and plans to continue to explore and evaluate options for safe and secure long-term management of radioactive waste. The team also identified recommendations and suggestions to maintain and further improve the safe and responsible management of radioactive waste and disused sealed radioactive sources in Malta. The team recommended that the government of Malta should ensure sufficient human and financial resources are available, particularly for the regulatory body to acquire and maintain appropriate competence to be able to perform its regulatory functions, ensuring the unimpeded implementation of the Radioactive Waste Management Programme.
“The Radiation Commission greatly appreciated the opportunity to discuss how Malta is managing its radioactive waste,” said Paul Brejza, Executive Secretary of the Commission for the Protection from Ionising and Non-Ionising Radiation of Malta. “The Artemis report will enable us to further develop our radioactive waste management practices.”
The final mission report will be provided to the Government of Malta in around two months.
