Lessons Learned From The Deferred Dismantling Of Nuclear Facilities

Once a nuclear installation has reached the end of its safe and economical operational lifetime, the need for its decommissioning arises. Different strategies can be employed for nuclear decommissioning, based on the evaluation of particular hazards and their attendant risks, as well as on the analysis of costs of clean-up and waste management. This allows for decommissioning either soon after permanent shutdown, or perhaps a long time later, the latter course allowing for radioactivity levels to drop in any activated or contaminated components. It is crucial for clear processes and best practices to be applied in decommissioning such installations and sites, particular where any significant health and environmental risks exist. This book critically reviews the nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities. Part one focuses on the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process, from principles and safety regulations, to financing and project management. Part two covers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, detailing processes and technologies such as dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse. Finally, part three details international experience in the decommissioning of nuclear applications, including the main nuclear reactor types and nuclear fuel cycle facilities, as well as small nuclear facilities and legacy nuclear waste sites. Critically reviews nuclear decommissioning processes and technologies applicable to nuclear power plants and other civilian nuclear facilities Discusses the fundamental planning issues in starting a nuclear decommissioning process Considers the execution phase of nuclear decommissioning projects, including dismantling, decontamination, and radioactive waste management, as well as environmental remediation, site clearance and reuse

This Safety Report provides information regarding safety concerns that may arise during the safe enclosure of nuclear facilities. It identifies these issues and provides suggested approaches on how to handle them, with the purpose of maintaining the nuclear facility in a safe configuration until final dismantling occurs. It assists Member States by identifying factors that must be considered in defining the strategy, assigning responsibilities and implementing safety guidance during this long period.

Nuclear Decommissioning Case Studies: Policies, Strategies, Planning and Knowledge Management focuses on policy, strategy, planning and knowledge management in nuclear decommissioning, offering readers guidance on events that occur in early stages of the lifecycle. The book helps readers plan in advance to avoid and reduce schedule delays and cost overruns to ensure a smooth, safe and successful decommissioning. Events covered in this book range from top-level conception, to strategy selection, the drafting of procedures, and the sharing of best practices. Alongside the other case study books in this series, readers will obtain an understanding of various key points and lessons learned. Decommissioning experts, including regulators, operators, waste managers, researchers and academics will find this book to be suitable supplementary material to Michele Laraia’s reference works on the theory and applications of nuclear decommissioning. Presents a selection of global case studies that focus on the early stages of nuclear decommissioning Highlights the need to ensure sustainability plans are in place at the beginning of a nuclear project Informs decision-makers on selecting the best options Assists the reader in setting clear plans and strategies to avoid schedule delays and cost overruns

At a time when many older facilities are being decommissioned and many more are undergoing major retrofits to extend their lives, there is a wealth of information emerging to guide the design of new facilities. In this publication, the most important lessons learned in recent years are examined.

In recent years, several Member States have completed the decommissioning of multifacility nuclear sites. This publication consolidates their technical and organizational experience, and provides information and practical guidance that promotes safe, timely and cost effective implementation. All phases of decommissioning are discussed, from planning and dismantling to waste management and site release, as well as organizational schemes and funding. This publication is intended for decision makers, plant operators, contractors and regulators involved in planning, management, authorization and execution of decommissioning activities. It is particularly relevant for multifacility site operators with nuclear facilities approaching the end of their foreseen lifetime. The publication will also be of interest for the designers and builders of new nuclear installations in order to facilitate eventual decommissioning.

The objective of this report is to provide information, based on experience gained so far, on how to identify, maintain and update the necessary records for the decommissioning of nuclear facilities. Record keeping has proven to be of vital importance, since its lack may result in the costly misallocation of resources and may cause safety problems.

Nuclear Decommissioning Case Studies: Accidental Impacts on Workers, the Environment and the Public, Volume One presents a collection of international case studies that show impacts on workers, the public and the environment. Author Michele Laraia describes typical stages of decommissioning, such as categorization, hazard and risk analysis, and the risks and impacts involved at each stage. Each case is introduced before discussing its impacts, solutions, analysis, and lessons learned. This book uniquely collects, categorizes and compares radiological and non-radiological accidents, incidents and near misses which will be of great value to practitioners in industry and authorities developing nuclear programs. Finally, this book instructs readers on important prevention, mitigation and control measures to create sustainable, safe nuclear facilities. Includes various case studies and analyses on the impact of nuclear decommissioning on environmental sustainability, workers and the public Highlights the need of ensuring sustainability plans at the beginning of a nuclear project and informs decision makers on how to select the best options Guides the reader through a systematic analysis of the likelihood of incidents and how to take measures against them