Page 145 - Beyond Decommissioning

126 Beyond Decommissioning

This situation could pose a problem for industrial redevelopment, but in fact isolation
could be an advantage, for example for the siting of hazardous industries.
The local workforce employed at the site is an important issue at the time of
decommissioning and subsequent site redevelopment. In fact, it is a fact that some
skilled staffs leave the site on job security grounds before decommissioning is com-
pleted. In addition to their technical skills, these people are those most familiar with
the plant, not only in its original shape, but also in its redeveloped functions. Early
planning and decisions for redevelopment may persuade some employees to remain
and—depending on their skills—be involved in redevelopment activities. The availabil-
ity of skilled staff onsite is an advantage as site redevelopers will preferably recruit
local labor.
Office space is an asset of general worth, as almost any redevelopment will require
such spaces for administration, visitor reception and information, etc. Depending on
building size, reuses such as theaters and conference halls are pretty common.
Besides, most nuclear facilities offer laboratories, warehouses, etc., that can easily
be turned into administrative or cultural functions. The challenge here is to optimally
match the supply with the demand. Heritage buildings offer prestige and a
well-recognizable fascination, and may host museums and exhibition centers.
Support services, such as kindergartens, catering, motor pools, and public transport
(for students, commuters, etc.), may have supported the staff and contractors during
operation and decommissioning phases. The continuing availability of such services
should be of great advantage for businesses and industries planning to settle at the
redeveloped site. It would be crucial for the site planners to prevent the site from
remaining unused for long periods, as this condition will probably lead to the perma-
nent cessation of these services.
Nuclear workshops could be converted to nonnuclear activities, also by making use
of skilled staff (as long as they are still onsite). The decontamination of nuclear work-
shops can usually be carried out without much difficulty. Spare parts (engines, pumps,
etc.) or consumables (lubricants, heating fuel, liquid nitrogen, etc.) may be reused for
machine shops or other new installations.
Some nuclear sites include sports facilities and social clubs, originally installed
for the employees and their families. These may serve the redevelopment project
by providing amenities.
Where land is to be redeveloped for nonindustrial (residential or leisure) purposes,
a significant asset is the presence of mature trees. They can also offer other environ-
mental benefits including:
– to improve security by blocking unwanted vehicle access;
– to assist with the conservation of local flora and fauna;
– to facilitate drainage; or
– to reduce the visual impact.
In this regard, it is worth noting that many research and multiuse centers are located in
natural parks and forested areas. This immediately suggests that a preferred post-
D&ER site use could include a natural reserve, bird sanctuary, or environmental
research center. Fernald (Section 7.3.8) is a typical case in question. Another example
is given in Fig. 5.2.