From Meadow To Lawn: When Nuclear Decommissioning is Over

Abstract

The traditional, safety-driven image of nuclear decommissioning tends to view decommissioning as a process ending by unrestricted release of remaining facilities and site. And yet, although this image may be right insofar as nuclear safety and radiation protection are concerned, a lot of work still remains after the above-mentioned (radiological) end state is reached. This paper intends to draw attention to post-decommissioning aspects, which are inevitably linked to the nuclear decommissioning strategy, and are essential for successful completion of the whole project. Moreover, the paper shows that thorough planning for decommissioning should not be limited to its nuclear or radiological component. This paper will focus primarily on three aspects:

• conventional demolition, landscaping, and demobilization
• environmental remediation of the site
• and reuse and redevelopment.