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Role of GIS in Nuclear Industry- PFBR, a case in hand as an example
Dr. R.Venkatesan
SO/F
IGCAR,
India
Email: rv@igcar.ernet.in
Nuclear energy production encompasses identification and characterisation of sites, in fact, a number of sites, each suitable for a specific part of the nuclear cycle. This can range from fuel source repositories, fuel fabrication and power plants, auxiliary industries, fuel reprocessing, to waste management, distribution networking for power dissemination and, finally, the decommissioning and clean-up. Each of these processes involves intensive spatial data analysis ranging from siting considerations to environmental issues, concerns and management.
The site selection and site management for nuclear ore mining is carried out after extensive aerial geological and radiological survey along with ground truth campaigns. The geomorphology of the site is studied by employing the remote sensing data along with the geographical information. After the prospecting study, GIS is also used to plan the mining operation. Environmental impact Assessment (EIA) studies for siting nuclear power station is an area where the GIS technique is very often employed. Based on the base line data collected through environmental survey, an impact prediction model is employed to evaluate the impact due to the proposed project and suitable ameliorative measures are suggested. For an effective analysis and post processing of the environmental consequences, spatial depiction of the site over the geographic and terrain features become necessary. The resultant environmental management plan is thus effectively described and presented using GIS.
As the nuclear industry has been active for about four decades, decommissioning and clean-up, the focus now would be on site management for today and future generations. A valuable asset management tool would use the GIS to allow users to select a site and even individual features (e.g. buildings, services, etc.) visually and then zoom down to layers of further information. Past and present natural features continue to be important both to day-to-day site management and future development. A baseline data with various GIS layers built - in, would provide a scientific basis for future environmental impact assessment studies.
Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research is engaged in broad based multidisciplinary programme of scientific research and advanced engineering directed towards the development of Fast Breeder Reactor technology and the setting up of Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor. GIS techniques have been used extensively in different stages ranging from EIA to Decision Support for emergency management. Local data obtained from Geological survey of India has been mapped using GIS to identify the faults and lineaments, coastal morphology, hydrogeology and soil characteristics. A realistic landuse / landcover data could be generated from remote sensing satellite imagery of the site using GIS.
Emergency preparedness plan (EPP) is another statutory requirement right at the stage of sanctioning of new projects. EPP is a plan prepared in advance to minimise the consequences / adverse impacts of incidents /accidents leading to sudden release of radioactive material etc. For speedy identification and containment of the source as well as the receptor area spatial analysis becomes necessary. A web based decision support system (DSS) is thus formulated to aid the environmental managers. The system gives the picture of a real-time radiological impact through air-borne releases expected during a worst accidental scenario and forecast the movement of the radioactive plume. The data is projected over the local topography for spatial analysis and, using a suitable GIS software, response to pre-set queries are made available on-line.
In summary, GIS is found to be a valuable tool in the nuclear industry assisting the engineers and simplifying handling of tremendous spatial database for day to day application.
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