DECOMMISSIONING OF RTGs IN NORTH-WEST RUSSIA: THE NORWEGIAN APPROACH FOCUSING ON RISK AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS

摘要

The nuclear legacy in north-west Russia continues to be a large concern forrnRussia’s neighbouring countries, the international community and indeed Russia itself.rnPotential radiation hazards to humans and the environment from accidents at nuclearrninstallations and waste storages should be a focus area. The process of removing arnpotential radiation hazard may lead to an increase in risk in the short term. However,rnthis risk is usually of minor importance when decommissioning radioisotope thermoelectricrngenerators (RTGs), compared with future potential risks if the ‘do nothing’rnoption is chosen. Removing and securing RTGs has been a priority task for Norway inrnrecent years. Fifty-five RTGs were removed and secured by the end of 2004. A furtherrn31 RTGs are planned to be decommissioned in 2005. It is important to minimize risksrnwhen decommissioning. Risk assessments and environmental impact assessments thatrnaddress different options are key tools used to provide a minimum risk to humans andrnthe environment from a specific measure. Such an assessment was performed in 2004,rnand additional assessments are planned during 2005 activities. International consensusrnon requirements for these assessments is needed to reduce potential risks from radioactiverncontamination, especially when Western donor countries fund specific projects inrnRussia.