Management System Refinement Approach for Decommissioning

Abstract

The decommissioning landscape is evolving as more reactors are approaching their end of life or have already been shut down. This involves defueling the reactors, dewatering, and storing the heavy water, and end-stating most of the systems at the station. Calian reviewed regulations and Operational Experience (OPEX) from Canada and internationally to identify refinements to the management system to support activities during decommissioning.

Various decommissioning scenarios were considered from an OPEX point of view, and the advantages and disadvantages associated with each scenario were provided. This enabled the exploration of various strategies that the nuclear industry can anticipate as it plans to decommission facilities for numerous reasons. The feedback is in the form of high-level changes and modifications to the licensing basis, mostly reductions in regulatory requirements, due to reduced risk from stabilization activities.

As commercial operations of nuclear facilities cease, the progressive reduction in risk associated with decommissioning will allow for the implementation of a refined management system. Regulatory requirements can be reduced as a function of phases or milestones throughout the early phase of decommissioning activities. Each type of reduction impacts the relevant process or program of the management system without necessarily phasing out this part of the management system that will still be necessary.