Intact decommissioning of nuclear power plants: a dose assessment

Technical Report · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1986

OSTI ID:6052180

Ostrow, S L; Oztunali, O O; Grant, T J; Healey, J H; McCaul, C; Romero, I

Several alternative methods for decommissioning nuclear power plants have been studied, including mothballing, entombment, and dismantlement/removal. Compliance with current NRC regulations and interpretations greatly favors immediate dismantlement, primarily due to the ongoing economic costs associated with maintenance and surveillance in the other methods. This report defines and examines the feasibility and radiological characteristics of a fourth option: intact decommissioning. Under this procedure, after the fuel and radioactive liquids and wastes are removed, the bulk of the most highly radioactive items in the plant (e.g., the reactor vessel and internals, and the primary system) would be left in place within an established, sealed intact decommissioning boundary, such as the Reactor Building. Radioactive items outside the boundary would be removed. The boundary would provide long-term protection against the environment. It is assumed there would be no maintenance or surveillance. The effect on the public of eventual release of residual radioactivity through all reasonable pathways is evaluated and compared to that determined for the other decommissioning options. 34 figs., 47 tabs.

• Research Organization: Ebasco Services, Inc., New York (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6052180
• Report Number(s): AIF/NESP-034; ON: TI86901286
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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