509 / 536
in2017, BNI 37-B in2017, BNI 22 in2020). ASNwill also
be attentive to the progress of the strategic projects for the
decommissioning and legacy waste retrieval operations
(Diadem, BNI 37-A, the solidwaste part, management of
waste on the Saclay site).
Concerning Low-Level, Long-Lived
Waste (LLW-LL)
ASNconsiders that it is vital tomove forward in setting up
management routes for low-level long-lived radioactive
waste. Andra’smid-2015 submissionof the report required
by the PNGMDR is an essential and strategic step in setting
up such routes. ASNconsiders it necessary that, following
the examinationof this report inearly2016, theGovernment
set newobjectives for commissioningmanagement solutions
for thiswaste. Furthermore, dependingon the results of this
report, thewaste producersmay have to firstly deploy new
storage capacities to avoiddelaying the decommissioning
operations, and secondly speed up the deployment of
alternative strategies if their waste is not compatible with
Andra’s project.
In 2016, ASN will start revising the safety guide relative
to the disposal of low-level long-lived radioactive waste.
Concerning the High and Intermediate-Level,
Long-Lived Waste (HL/ILW-LL)
With regard to the Cigéo project for the disposal of high
and intermediate level, long-lived waste, 2016 will see
the submission of Andra’s safety options file for Cigéo,
containing more specifically the project’s safety options,
the technical retrievability options, a preliminary version
of the waste acceptance specifications and a project
development plan. This file will constitute the first
overall dossier on the safety of the facility since 2009.
It will be subject to an international peer review under
the auspices of the IAEA before ASN issues its opinion.
In November 2015, several members of the National
Assembly submitted a bill indicating the conditions for
creation of a reversible deep geological repository for
high and intermediate-level long-lived radioactive waste
which should be debated in Parliament during 2016.
It must in particular define the notion of reversibility.
ASN will publish its doctrine concerning reversibility
in 2016.
ASN again underlines that it is important for the waste
producers to make progress in the packaging of their
waste, particularly waste resulting fromwaste retrieval
and packaging operations, and notes that this preliminary
version of the waste acceptance specifications drafted by
Andra will enable requirements concerning the future
waste packages to be detailed.
The Cigéo project is thus entering an industrial phase
in which the responsibility of the various actors and
stakeholders must comply with the requirements of
the Environment Code and the BNI System.
ASN recommends that the cost of disposal of the
substances that could potentially be placed in deep
geological disposal but which are not included in the
current project inventory - spent fuels in particular -
be updated.
Concerning the management of the former uranium
mining sites and polluted sites and soils
With regard to the former uraniummining sites, in 2016
ASNwill endeavour to address the requests of the Dreals
(Regional directorates for the environment, planning and
housing) regarding the Areva Mines action plan for the
management ofminingwaste rock. Itwill focus inparticular
on the management of potentially sensitive situations,
especiallywith regard to the radon risk. Itwill aimto ensure
that themeasures are taken in complete transparency and
with the involvement of local stakeholders and it will
continue its work on the management of former mining
sites in collaboration with the Ministry responsible for
the Environment.
As far as the contaminatedsites andsoils are concerned, ASN
will continue in 2016 to state its position on the projects
for the rehabilitation of contaminated sites on the basis
of the principles of the doctrine it published in October
2012 andwill workwith theMinistry responsible for the
Environment on the revision of CircularNo. 2008-349 of
17thNovember 2008 relative to themanagement of certain
types of radioactivewaste and radioactive contamination
sites on the basis of its experience feedback. It will also
maintain its investment in the operationalmanagement of
the RadiumDiagnosis operation. It will pursue its action in
collaborationwith the government departments concerned
and the other stakeholders.
ASNwill alsocontinue its involvement in internationalwork
on these subjects, in particular with the IAEA, ENSREG,
WENRA, and bilaterally with its counterparts.
509
CHAPTER 16:
RADIOACTIVE WASTE AND CONTAMINATED SITES AND SOILS
ASN report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2015