ASN Report 2018

radionuclides emitting “alpha” radiation. This is one of the main decommissioning risks, and it should get greater, more specifically with decommissioning of the Gas-Cooled Reactors and the Chooz A reactor vessel. ASN notes that the technical dialogue with the teams in charge of the NPPs undergoing decommissioning and waste management is sometimes difficult. As a general rule, ASN considers the EDF files to be either insufficiently detailed (as is the case with EDF’s triennial reports on the long-term expenses, with the general operating rules relative to waste management and certain studies submitted under the PNGMDR), or incomplete (e.g. certain environmental analyses are missing in the periodic safety reviews). This means that ASN has to make numerous demands for additional information, which delays the decision-making process and can ultimately have an impact on the decommissioning or waste management project time frames. ASN expects EDF to provide technical information that enables the risks and drawbacks in its files to be assessed as soon as they are received. 4.3  ̶  Assessment of the nuclear safety of the CEA’s facilities undergoing decommissioning The main challenge for the CEA is to ensure the decommissioning of the definitively shut down facilities, to retrieve and package the legacy waste and to manage its radioactive waste and materials that have no identified use. In the defining of its decommissioning strategy (see point 4.1.3), the CEA has defined a new organisation to manage the decommissioning of its facilities, which in principle seems suitable. It should lead to tangible progress in the management of the decommissioning projects and compliance with deadlines. The CEA has reviewed the safety of the majority of its facilities and submitted the corresponding review reports at the end of 2017. These reports are currently being examined. Due to the significant duration of the decommissioning operations, ASN may request priority reinforcement work to maintain the safety of these facilities. Lastly, ASN will be particularly attentive to the maintaining of appropriate monitoring, maintenance and operating measures over time. 4.4  ̶  Assessment of the nuclear safety of Orano’s facilities undergoing decommissioning The Orano facilities undergoing decommissioning are mainly situated on the La Hague and Tricastin sites. The inspections carried out by ASN in 2018 underlined the need to step up the rigour and safety of the worksites, the monitoring of outside contractors and the management of waste. The licensee must improve operating rigour and the level of safety of some older facilities presenting safety risks until the radioactive substances stored in them have been removed. ASN notes, particularly at La Hague, significant delays in the various legacy waste retrieval and packaging and decommissioning projects, leading to failure to meet the set regulatory deadlines. Some delays are linked to Orano having given priority to the plants in operation, to changes in scenario and the need to review design studies. ASN has asked Orano to increase its project management capacities in order to successfully move forward with the WRP and decommissioning operations. ASN report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2018  347 13 – DECOMMISSIONING OF BASIC NUCLEAR INSTALLATIONS 13