EURO-ECO 2009 Hanover 3 - 4 Dezember 2009	Environmental, Engineering - Economic and Legal Aspects for Sustainable Living
	European Academy of Natural Sciences, Hanover European Scientific Society, Hanover University of Bremen, Bremen

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The present paper reveals problems of environmental radiation monitoring for Chernobyl’s NPP exclusion zone and suggests optimization criteria for monitoring system.

Exclusion zone is one of the most contaminated areas in Europe. At present time total activity of radioactive materials located within the exclusion zone is about 0.2 MCi (about 2 MCi of activity is located inside the “Shelter” object). Until now exclusion zone is a source of radioactive contamination. Annual radioactivity carry-over from exclusion zone by Pryp’yat River is about 50 Ci.

Now activities on “Shelter” object transformation into ecologically safe system and Chernobyl NPP decommissioning are implemented within the exclusion zone. Usage of exclusion zone area for nuclear energetic needs (VVER spent fuel storage, high-level radioactive waste storage and etc.) is on the planning stage. There are also some propositions on partial soil restoration and exclusion zone downsizing.

Radiation monitoring of exclusion zone is performed by institutions of the Ministry of Emergencies of Ukraine according to the approved program. But this system lucks flexibility and provides no advances to comply changing factors. The examples are development of new radwaste storage facilities and also data provided by other institutions.

The above factors substantiate need for optimization of exclusion zone radiation monitoring with account for such criteria as activities within exclusion zone, Belarus border, possibility of zone downsizing, etc.

Optimization of exclusion zone radiation monitoring must consider the following basic criteria

• nonuniform contamination of exclusion zone area with numerous radwaste localization points (this leads to essential deterioration of radiation conditions under strong breeze, storm, tornado or fire);
• location and properties of existing and planned objects which maintenance cycle could produce extra environment contamination;
• presence of residential area partially incorporating territory of Chernobyl city with personnel hostels;
• presence of exclusion zone civilians established their pre-accident residences and engaged in farming;
• Belarus border;
• perspectives of exclusion zone downsizing and usage of soil for farming needs.

Optimization of exclusion zone radiation monitoring using the above criteria will improve the efficiency of information and management, and also will cut down maintenance costs.