Page 35 - Beyond Decommissioning

16 Beyond Decommissioning

Fig. 2.1 EBR-1, allegedly the first nuclear power plant in the world, has been preserved as a
national museum; open to free tours.
Credit to the US Department of Energy.

in order to salvage supposedly valuable materials, two thieves subtracted the radioac-
tive sources, fractured them, and spread the contamination on themselves, their
families, and neighbors. Several fatalities resulted. The root cause of the accident
can be attributed to the hospital having been deserted, indeed a case of lack of
decommissioning planning (or missing reuse of a disused facility).
By and large, when a property is used it will be well maintained in order to fulfill its
intended use. Although it should be observed, some owners have little interest in the
well-being of their properties. For example, industrial companies forced to close their
plant or warehouse as the economy has changed will try to minimize maintenance and
other expenses.
The redevelopment projects should transform the postindustrial landscape through
community and interdisciplinary efforts that integrate functionality, industrial
heritage, and public participation into long-term solutions based on socioeconomic,
cultural, environmental and aesthetic objectives, and the reconciliation of different
interests. In this regard, land planning should strike the right balance and timing