integrated metrology community.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Currently about 5 tonnes of waste is produced by the average European each year and only 38% of the waste in the EU is recycled. The European Union’s waste policy has the goal to improve waste management and stimulate innovation in recycling. However, to achieve these objectives a traceable metrological network is needed to quantify the effectiveness of recycling processes and waste reduction methods.
EURAMET has supported the formation of the European Metrology Network for Radiation Protection, which has as focus on managing radioactive waste in an environmentally sound manner. Additionally, EURAMET projects have focused on waste management for radioactive waste such as ‘Metrology for Radioactive Waste Management’ (ENV09, MetroRWM).
Many EURAMET projects have supported metrology for waste management, inlcuding the ones listed below:
| In situ metrology for decommissioning nuclear facilities |
| Metrology for oxidised mercury |
| Metrology for sampling and conditioning SO2 emissions from stacks |
RELATED CASE STUDIES
Fit for purpose emissions testing
The European Industrial Emissions Directive maps out stricter limits for allowable emissions of sulfur dioxide from large industrial plants. Evidence emerged that the standard reference test method may not be capable of reliably proving compliance at targeted lower concentration levels. Faster, less labour-intensive instruments showed potential as a basis of a more sensitive method but could not be adopted as a standard method without necessary quality procedures.
RELATED NEWS STORIES
EMPIR project on the measurement of radioactive waste helps to reduce risk
Improved radioactivity measurement capabilities help nuclear site operators manage waste quickly and effectively.
Comprehensive guide to detecting mercury in the environment publicly available
Mercury is highly toxic to humans, animals and ecosystems. Its oxidised forms are particularly harmful but prior to the work of this project lacked validated methods for detection.
EMPIR environment project collects and evaluates data on radioactive waste
Activities to support the development of a good practice guide on measurements for radioactive waste has begun in CIEMAT Spain.