Post-accidental management. Conversion into environmentally safe conditions

The management of post-accidental situation after a very severe nuclear accident is a very complex challenge which was extensively required for the first time after the Chernobyl accident. In 1996 an international expert developed a 'Recommended Course of Action' to convert the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant Unit 4 site into safe ecological conditions. The 'Recommended Course of Action' resulted in the 'Shelter Implementation Plan' which is a still ongoing major joint international effort to manage the post-accidental situation at the site. The current article gives a summary of key elements and the decision processes which led to its successful implementation. (author)