20 Oct (NucNet): The disposal of radioactive waste from the first and second stages of the dismantling of the St. Laurent A nuclear power station in central France is not liable to result in significant radioactive contamination in another member state, even in the event of an accident, the European Commission has said.
In an opinion made public in English today, the EC said it had carried out its assessment under the provisions of the Euratom Treaty after receiving data from France relating to plans for the disposal of radioactive waste from St. Laurent A.
The EC said that based on the data it had received, France’s disposal plans are not liable to result in radioactive contamination that would be significant from the point of view of health, of the water, soil or airspace
“During normal dismantling operations the discharges of liquid and gaseous effluents are not liable to cause an exposure of the population in another member state, or in a neighbouring country, that would be significant from the point of view of health;” the EC said.
Solid radioactive waste is temporarily stored on site before being transferred to licensed treatment or disposal facilities located in France. There are no plans to export radioactive waste out of France.
The St. Laurent A nuclear station, on the Loire river about 30km from Orléans, has two obsolete UNGG (Uranium Naturel Graphite Gaz) gas-cooled reactor units. The first began commercial operation in 1969 and was permanently shut down in 1990. The second began commercial operation in 1971 and was permanently shut down in 1992.
