Potential risk of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Station nowadays

Though the nuclear power station was permanently closed down in 2000, potential risk of radiation still remains. The sarcophagus, erected quickly after the accident, was constructed with 300 thousand tons of concrete and steel plates to cover the reactor to prevent further radiation leakage. Put in place in November 1998, the sacrophagus had undergone reinforcement and waterproofing several times. Currently, many cracks appear on the ceiling and some structures are showing signs of corrosion. The possibility of the sarcophagus' ceiling collapsing, leading to a release of radioactive dust, poses a potential risk. Moreover, as the original design of the sarcophagus did not cater for such effects as severe vibration or flooding, it may collapse in the event of natural disasters. The authority has decided to build a new confinement enclosing the existing sacrophagus that would last a hundred years. It would be possible to carry out work inside the new confinement, including dismantling of the sacrophagus and removal of radioactive fuel from the damaged reactor.

The radioactive wastes and contaminated equipment left behind in the accident are being kept temporarily in non-standard trenches and landfills. A comprehensive plan to tackle the wastes is required to avoid the spread of contamination.

The new confinement to be built to cover the existing sarcophagus.
(Source: Chernobyl Forum)