Environmental Protection In New Nuclear Power Programmes

Protection of the environment is one of the cornerstones of sustainable development, a key consideration for Member States embarking on new nuclear power programs. National requirements and international instruments increasingly reflect this concern and for the provision of opportunities for interested parties and stakeholders to be involved in decision-making processes. This new edition provides valuable guidance to Member States on issues related to environmental protection when considering a new nuclear power plant. It aligns more closely with the phased approach and takes into account Revision 1 of IAEA Nuclear Energy Series NG-G-3.1 and highlights the interface with other infrastructure issues. It also considers lessons learned from the 30 Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) missions conducted to date, and ensures consistency, and alignment of approaches and terminology with other relevant IAEA publications. This publication is primarily intended for Member States who are considering or embarking on new nuclear power programs, and specifically the decision makers and technical specialists who are involved in environmental protection.

Intended for use by government officials, and those working for regulatory bodies and operating organizations, this publication will assist in the application of IAEA Safety Standards Series No. GSR Part 3 in relation to the concept of exemption of practices or sources within practices from regulatory control. It addresses the application of a graded approach to the concept of exemption through the use of generic exemption and specific exemption. It explains the concept of exclusion and its relationship to exemption and clearance. The recommendations provided in this publication are applicable to all facilities and activities that use, manufacture, process, trade or store radioactive sources or material containing either natural or artificial radionuclides. The Safety Guide primarily addresses exemption from regulatory control in planned exposure situations. Although, the concept of exemption is only applicable to planned exposure situations, guidance on the application of a screening approach for decision making in managing certain existing exposure situations is also provided.

This publication provides a holistic approach to environmental protection in new nuclear power programs. It describes the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, the subsequent utilization of the EIA, and the necessary infrastructure for such processes. The presumption is that a Member State embarking on such a program already has an environmental regulatory framework in place, which may not be developed for nuclear power but for industrial projects, therefore the emphasis is on the environmental aspects that are unique to a nuclear power plant project. The publication is addressed to senior managers, project managers or coordinators and technical specialists of government authorities and agencies, including the regulatory body, operating organizations and supporting industries and other organizations involved in environmental issues.

This publication provides practical guidance for performing strategic environmental assessments (SEAs) for nuclear power programmes. It incorporates the latest knowledge and draws on best practices in conducting SEAs. Based on inputs from SEA experts from across the world, it lays down an effective SEA process that contributes to: strengthening decision making for nuclear power programmes; achieving environmentally sound and sustainable development; and improving good governance and building public trust and confidence in decision-making. Importantly, SEA for nuclear power programmes can ensure effective communication with the public and other stakeholders. Consequently, significant emphasis is placed on stakeholder engagement and public participation. Further, appropriate tools for assessment and quality review are presented for all stages of the SEA process.

With the nuclear issue back on the agenda worldwide, this highly topical collection steers a path through the controversies, presenting the views of proponents of nuclear expansion, examining the challenges that face them and exploring the arguments of those who support alternative approaches.