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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Plan for reevaluation of NRC policy on decommissioning of nuclear facilities

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6805230

Recognizing that the current generation of large commercial reactors and supporting nuclear facilities would substantially increase future decommissioning needs, the NRC staff began an in-depth review and re-evaluation of NRC's regulatory approach to decommissioning in 1975. Major technical studies on decommissioning have been initiated at Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory in order to provide a firm information base on the engineering methodology, radiation risks, and estimated costs of decommissioning light water reactors and associated fuel cycle facilities. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is now considering development of a more explicit overall policy for nuclear facility decommissioning and amending its regulations in 10 CFR Parts 30, 40, 50, and 70 to include more specific guidance on decommissioning criteria for production and utilization facility licensees and byproduct, source, and special nuclear material licensees. The report sets forth in detail the NRC staff plan for the development of an overall NRC policy on decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

Research Organization:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. (USA). Office of Standards Development
OSTI ID:
6805230
Report Number(s):
NUREG-0436
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English