Potential consequences of the Fukushima accident for off-site nuclear emergency management: a case study for Germany

Abstract

The Fukushima accident led to high radionuclide releases into the atmosphere for more than 3 weeks. This situation has not been assumed when the concepts of nuclear emergency preparedness were developed internationally. The results of simulations studying potential implications of Fukushima-like source terms on nuclear emergency preparedness are presented. Two hypothetical source terms are considered. Radiological consequences are assessed with the decision support system RODOS. Atmospheric dispersion calculations are based on meteorological monitoring data from June and December 2010, respectively, to study potential seasonal effects. Simulations are performed for two nuclear power plant sites in Northern and Southern Germany, respectively. These sites are chosen due to their differing meteorology and topography. Predicted radiation doses of members of the population are compared with dose reference levels actually recommended for initiating protective measures in Germany. Potential implications of general interest for nuclear emergency planning are discussed.

Improving the Reliability of Decision-Support Systems for Nuclear Emergency Management by Leveraging Software Design Diversity

“…For example, input case ensembles can be generated by varying different parameters of the Fukushima data set. Such a study builds upon the approaches used in [31] and [30], while providing additional means for the application of verification criteria (such as the Gaussian boundary condition, the mass conservation principle, etc.) using the methods introduced in this work.…”

“…One study also discusses the modifications that needed to be made to the RODOS system in order to support several release phases spread over several weeks, as was the case of the Fukushima accident [30]. This type of release had not been foreseen by the creators of the system before the Fukushima accident.…”

The German Dose Rate Monitoring Network and Implemented Data Harmonization Techniques

“…The comparability of these data is crucial for a meaningful interpretation, not only in the event of a nuclear accident with trans-boundary implications, but also for the correct interpretation of the data under natural background conditions. Furthermore, data assimilation techniques used in decision support systems like RODOS (19) strongly depend on harmonized data complemented by an appropriate uncertainty budget based on both, the physical characteristics of the detectors and on an appropriate description of effects from the measurement site. Therefore, metrological sound ambient dose equivalent rate data are a prerequisite for adequate environmental radiation monitoring in Europe.…”

Creating and running worldwide accident scenarios with JRodos

“…From there they are automatically picked up by the system, the calculations are carried out and the generated results are saved; this feature is particularly attractive when the calculation times become bothersome. The latter method was applied recently for a case study in Germany (Gering et al, 2013).…”