Once a BNI* is definitively shut down, it must be decommissioned. The decommissioning of a BNI* is prescribed by a Decree, issued after consulting ASN. A decommissioning file describes all the envisaged work and, for each step, explains the nature and scope of the risks presented by the facility, as well as the means used to manage them. This file is the subject of a public inquiry among the local residents, associations and competent administrative authorities. On the basis of the file, the decommissioning decree specifies the main steps in decommissioning, its completion date and the final state to be attained. In addition, the Environment Code requires that the safety of a facility being decommissioned, in the same way as that of all the other BNIs*, must undergo a periodic safety review. This periodic safety review shall take place every 10 years. ASN ensures that the installation complies with the provisions of its decommissioning decree and the safety and radiation protection requirements through to its delicensing*. These requirements are consistent with an approach that is proportionate to the safety implications of the installation. On completion of decommissioning, a BNI* can be delicensed by an ASN resolution approved by the Minister responsible for nuclear safety. It is then removed from the list of BNIs* and is no longer governed by this system. In support of its delicencing* application, the licensee must notably provide a file containing a description of the state of the site after decommissioning (analysis of the state of the soils, remaining buildings or equipment, etc.) and demonstrating that the planned final state has indeed been reached. Depending on the final state reached, ASN may require the implementation of active institutional controls* as a condition of delicensing*. These may set a number of restrictions on the use of the site and buildings – as is the case on certain industrial sites (limited to industrial use only for example) - or precautionary measures (radiological measurements to be taken in the event of excavation*, etc.). WHO PROVIDES THE FINANCING? The Environment Code defines the system for securing the funds to meet the nuclear costs for the decommissioning of nuclear installations, and managing the spent fuel and the radioactive waste. The financing of decommissioning is inspired by the “polluter-pays” principle. As of the creation of the installation, the nuclear licensees are required to cover the cost of this financing, taking care to make provision for the funds needed for its decommissioning. They are obliged to submit triennial reports on these costs and annual update notices to the Government. Provisioning is carried out under direct control of the State, which analyses the situation of each licensee and can prescribe the necessary measures should it be found to be insufficient or inadequate. In any case, the nuclear licensees remain responsible for the satisfactory financing of the decommissioning costs. ...in compliance with a rigorous process Decommissioning challenges • 5
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NjQ0NzU=