The regulatory framework: work as rapidly and as effectively as possible... Decommissioning, a complex phase under surveillance The decommissioning of a BNI* is regulated by the Environment Code and the Order of 7 February 2012 “setting the general rules relative to BNIs*”. It is based on two key objectives: “Work rapidly” so that future generations do not bear the burden of decommissioning, while benefiting from the knowledge and skills of the teams present during the operation of the installation; “Work effectively”, means gradually removing the radioactive or dangerous substances from the structures and soil, with a view to the delicensing* of the installation. Clean-out will be taken as far as reasonably achievable. • With regard to “Work rapidly”, decommissioning operations are often lengthy and costly. They represent a real challenge for the licensee. The licensee must be able to draw on the installation’s operating history, in particular the know-how and knowledge of the personnel teams present during its operation. Since 2015, the strategy adopted in France aims for the following: ∙ the licensee makes provision for the decommissioning of its installation as of the design stage; ∙ the time between final shutdown of the installation and the first decommissioning operations is as short as possible. • With regard to “work effectively”, ASN asks that the licensees study a complete clean-out scenario. This scenario aims to guarantee lasting, long-term protection for people and the environment. If, owing to the nature of the contamination, it were to prove difficult to apply this approach, ASN considers that the licensee must go as far as reasonably possible in the site clean-out process. Similarly, in accordance with the general radiation protection principles, the dosimetric impact of the site after delicensing* shall be As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA principle). ASN is not in favour of introducing general thresholds and considers that it is preferable to adopt a case-by-case approach according to the intended subsequent use of the site once cleaned-out. The final shutdown of a BNI* marks the beginning of a phase that is often lengthy, and comprises new and changing risks. ASN conducts its oversight in accordance with the Decrees setting out the main steps in decommissioning, the date of completion of decommissioning and the final state to be attained. * See glossary page 30 DECOMMISSIONING FILE SUBMISSION 4 • Les cahiers de l’ASN • June 2022 THE DECOMMISSIONING FRAMEWORK
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQ0NzU=