Document: NUREG-1555
Document ID: 724f7f82-1d60-46ea-9aab-949a05da6c1d
Document Type: esrp
Title: DECOMMISSIONING
Source: NUREG-1555
Source URL: https://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/nuregs/staff/sr1555/initial/
Revision Date: 2007-10
Chapter: 5
Section ID: 5.9
CFR Part: 
CFR Title: 

Content:
facility is placed in a safe stable condition and maintained in that state until it is subsequently decontaminated and dismantled to levels that permit license termination. During SAFSTOR, a facility is left intact, but the fuel has been removed from the reactor vessel, and radioactive liquids have been drained from systems and components and then processed. Radioactive decay occurs during the SAFSTOR period, thus reducing the quantity of contaminated and radioactive material that must be disposed of during decontamination and dismantlement. ENTOMB—This alternative involves encasing radioactive structures, systems, and components in a structurally long-lived substance, such as concrete. The entombed structure is appropriately maintained, and continued surveillance is carried out until the radioactivity decays to a level that permits termination of the license. The following input should be included for operating license and combined license reviews: Regulations in 10 CFR 50.75 and 10 CFR 50.82 presented technical and financial criteria for decommissioning licensed nuclear facilities. These regulations address decommissioning, planning needs, timing, funding methods, and environmental review requirements. At the time of applying for a license to operate a nuclear power plant, the applicant must show possession or “reasonable assurance of obtaining the funds necessary to cover the estimated costs of permanently shutting the facility down and maintaining it in a safe condition” (10 CFR 50.33). NUREG-1555 5.9-6 October 1999 Applicants for operating licenses of commercial nuclear power reactors are required to submit a report as specified in 10 CFR and required by 10 CFR contains a certification that financial assurance for radiological decommissioning will be provided. This information must be submitted with or before the application for an operating license. The amount stated in the certification may be based on a cost estimate for decommissioning the facility.