Review

  • Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology
  • Volume 14(3); 2016
  • Article

Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology 2016;14(3):267-277. Published online: Sep, 30, 2016

A Radionuclides Suite Selection for Site Characterization and Final Status Survey in the U.S. NPPs

  • Pengfei Zhao ; Yeo Ryeong Jeon ; Yongmin Kim ; Jong Seh Lee ; Seokyoung Ahn
Abstract

For the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant, a site characterization and final status survey require a site-specific suite of radionuclides that could potentially still be present in the site during or after the decontamination processes. The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission (U.S. NRC) requires a Decommissioning Technical Base Document (DTBD) along with a Site Characterization and Historical Site Assessment (HSA) from the utility for decommissioning to proceed. Both the DTBD and HSA are preliminary components of the Radiological Site Survey investigation process and should be included in the final License Termination Plan (LTP) for site release and reuse consideration from the U.S. NRC and the utility company. This study reviews the United States Nuclear Power Plants (U.S. NPPs) decommissioning cases and is especially focused on the methodologies used for determining a site-specific suite of radionuclides before and during the site characterization and final status surveys. In 2017, Kori-1 will be ready for decommissioning and related preparations are ongoing, this review will help Korea to prepare regulatory guidelines and give technical background for the safe and successful decommissioning of NPPs.

Keywords

Nuclear decommissioning,Radiological site survey,Site characterization,Final status survey,DandD