ASN publishes guides in English regarding the decommissioning and remediation of basic nuclear installations

Published on 26/02/2020 at 11:30

Information notice

In France, once a basic nuclear installation (BNI) is definitely shut down, it must go through the decommissioning and remediation process, with the end goal of achieving a predetermined final state in which all the hazardous substances have been removed.  Accomplishing these decommissioning operations can often present a technical and project management challenge to licensees. 

ASN issues the following three guides to provide its recommendations for operators of BNIs of what practices for decommissioning and site remediation it considers to satisfy the regulatory objectives.  These guides may apply to sites current in operation that are undergoing partial decommissioning or performing remediation activities at a specific location (e.g. soil remediation).

With the aim of sharing information at an international level and maintaining collaboration with international counterparts, these three ASN guides have been translated into English.

Guide 6: Final shutdown, decommissioning and delicensing of basic nuclear installations in France

At the end of their operation cycle, basic nuclear installations (BNIs) are shut down and undergo a decommissioning process, with the end objective being delicensing of the site and release of the land for other activities.  The term decommissioning generally covers all of the activities carried out after shutdown that are performed in order to achieve a pre-defined end state.  These activities include cleaning and dismantling of equipment and structures, remediation of the grounds and disposal of all waste. This guides outlines the decommissioning process.

Published on 29/08/2016

ASN Guide No. 6

Final shutdown, decommissioning and delicensing of basic nuclear installations in France

Guide 14: Complete post-operational clean out methodologies acceptable in basic nuclear installations in France

All basic nuclear installations (BNIs) evolve over the course of their operation.  As certain areas or buildings change or are demolished, the licensee may be required to perform post-operation clean-out activities to eliminate contamination.  This guide lays out ASN’s recommendations regarding the remediation methodology to be used by licensees.  

Published on 29/08/2016

ASN Guide No. 14

Complete post-operational clean out methodologies acceptable in basic nuclear installations in France

Guide 24: Management of soils contaminated by the activities of a basic nuclear installations in France

This guide is intended for basic nuclear installation (BNI) operators at sites where soil contamination leading to the undertaking of a remediation or soil management procedure has been detected.  The guide outlines the procedure for managing and cleaning contaminated soils, including classification, excavation, and disposal of the soil.  The guide was developed in conjunction with IRSN and ASND to clarify and harmonize the guidance relating to soil remediation in documents issued by several organizations.

Published on 29/08/2016

ASN Guide No. 24

Management of soils contaminated by the activities of a basic nuclear installations in France

Date of last update : 08/11/2022