Page 79 - Beyond Decommissioning

60 Beyond Decommissioning

appreciation of pristine conditions is an important factor in deciding upon a redevel-
opment option (though not necessarily a redevelopment objective per se).

“7.3. For a new facility, planning for decommissioning shall begin early in the design
stage and shall continue through to termination of the authorization for
decommissioning.”
“7.5. The decommissioning plan shall be updated by the licensee and shall be
reviewed by the regulatory body periodically (typically every five years or as pre-
scribed by the regulatory body), or when specific circumstances warrant, such as
if changes in an operational process necessitate significant changes to the plan ….”

“7.6. For existing facilities where there is no decommissioning plan, a suitable plan
for decommissioning shall be prepared by the licensee as soon as possible. The plan
shall be periodically reviewed and updated by the licensee.”

“7.7. Appropriate records and reports that are relevant to decommissioning (e.g.,
records and reports of events) shall be retained by the licensee throughout the lifetime
of the facility. The design of the facility, modifications to the facility and the facility’s
operating history shall be identified and shall be considered in preparing the
decommissioning plans ….”

“Requirement 11: Final decommissioning plan prior to the conduct of
decommissioning actions, a final decommissioning plan shall be prepared and shall
be submitted to the regulatory body for approval.”

“7.14. Interested parties shall be provided with an opportunity to examine the final
decommissioning plan and, as appropriate and subject to national regulations,
supporting documents, and to provide comments prior to its approval.” This is about
the role of the stakeholders, which is as important in redevelopment as is in
decommissioning.

It should be considered that early planning for decommissioning should begin at
the siting, design, and construction phase. Based on decommissioning experience,
it has been proven that specific construction details and provisions incorporated at
the early stages of the nuclear project will be conducive to smooth and cost-effective
decommissioning 40 or 60 years later. A few examples include impermeable surfaces,
ample maneuvering spaces around components, hoisting aids, minimization of con-
gested environments, and no underground components.
Regardless of being redevelopment intrinsically linked to decommissioning, at first
sight it may appear difficult to design and construct a plant in view of its post-
decommissioning redevelopment: there are simply too many uncertainties about
the selected reuse option. In general, concrete planning for redevelopment can use-
fully start after several years of operation, certainly well in advance of final shutdown.
However, the concept of design and construction for building adaptability is grow-
ingly being investigated (Bianchi and Turturiello, 2015). It has been posited that lack
of consideration for future change leads to higher refurbishment costs, greater use