Nuclear decommissioning: Turning waste into Wealth Legislation, health and safety regulations Tzany Kokalova University of Birmingham

Overview Topics for discussion Site monitoring strategies and methods Hazard identification and reduction Environmental impact/risk assessment Environmental principles applicable to site decommissioning Strategies and technologies

Decommissioning policy 1 Typical elements of a decommissioning policy: Allocation of responsibilities Provision of resources Decommissioning approaches Safety and security objectives

Decommissioning policy 2 Typical elements of a decommissioning policy: Radioactive waste management Waste minimisation End points for decommissioning Public information and participation

Decommissioning strategy 3 Factors influencing the choice of strategy Meeting policy requirements Availability of resources Costs Spent fuel and radioactive waste management Ask the students which factors they think will be influencing the choice of strategy and then Discuss with them details about the meaning of each of the factors. (see p.25 – 28 in File: Decommissioning policies and strategies IAEA.pdf ) Also additional information in Decommissioning on NPP and research reactors.pdf

Decommissioning strategy 4 Factors influencing the choice of strategy Safety and security Regulatory aspects Multiple facilities Knowledge management Ask the students which factors they think will be influencing the choice of strategy and then Discuss with them details about the meaning of each of the factors. (see p.25 – 28 in File: Decommissioning policies and strategies IAEA.pdf ) Also additional information in Decommissioning on NPP and research reactors.pdf

Principles 1 The IAEA nuclear energy basic principles Benefits Transparency Protection of people and the environment Security

Principles 2 The IAEA nuclear energy basic principles Non-proliferation Long term efficiency Resource efficiency Continual improvement

Principles 3 The IAEA fundamental safety principles Responsibility for safety Role of government Leadership and management for safety Justification of facilities and activities Optimisation of protection

Principles 4 The IAEA fundamental safety principles Limitation of risks to individual Protection of present and future generations Prevention of accidents Emergency preparedness and response Protective actions to reduce existing or unregulated radiation risks.

Decommissioning Assessment Comparison optimisation Characterisation results Assessment Dismantling procedures: (hands on, semi-remote or fully remote working) Radiological protection Waste classification Resulting cost Comparison optimisation Selection of a decommissioning strategy – immediate OR deferred dismantling

Health and safety considerations 1 Decommissioning of a shut down nuclear reactor is a necessary step to reduce radiological hazards in accordance with national policy. Similarly, adequate attention must be paid to the health and safety of workers who must be protected from radiological and non-radiological hazards associated with the characterisation activities. ALARP principle (in America called ALARA) Discuss with students what the ALARP Principle is: What is ALARP ? ALARP is an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Practicable. This is a radiation safety principle for minimizing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials by employing all reasonable methods. ALARP is not only a sound safety principle, but is a regulatory requirement for all radiation safety programs.

Health and safety considerations 2 The results of the characterisation can be used for further planning of the decommissioning work to: Provide dose assessments Provide risk assessments Assess various scenarios to ensure compliance with the ALARP principle Identify the types of safety and radiological protection required for the protection of workers, general public and environment. ALARP principle (in America called ALARA) Discuss with students what the ALARP Principle is: What is ALARP ? ALARP is an acronym for As Low As Reasonably Practicable. This is a radiation safety principle for minimizing radiation doses and releases of radioactive materials by employing all reasonable methods. ALARP is not only a sound safety principle, but is a regulatory requirement for all radiation safety programs.

Bibliography 1 Sources Radiological Characterization of Shut Down Nuclear Reactors for Decommissioning Purposes, IAEA TECHNICAL REPORTS SERIES No. 389. National Policies and Regulations for Decommissioning Nuclear Facilities, IAEA-TECDOC-714.

Bibliography 2 Sources Policies and Strategies for the Decommissioning of Nuclear and Radiological Facilities, IAEA NUCLEAR ENERGY SERIES No. NW-G-2.1. http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk/theory/alarpglance.htm

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