Occurrence of a nuclear accident and the reliability of the power plant operator

The Federal Administrative Court had to examine the question of whether a nuclear licence issued under conditions contravening the person-related requirements of section 7, sub-sec. (1), nos. 1 and 2 Atomic Energy Act may present an infringement of third party rights. Another item under investigation was whether incidents in the operation of a facility may indicate a lack of reliability of responsible persons, or lack of expert knowledge of operating personnel. The Court did not come to a decision concerning the question of supplementary licences and whether they have to specify in every case the applicant for and receiver of the licence, and concerning the question of a change of the operator of a facility subject to licensing according to section 7 Atomic Energy Act, if in this case the person-related licensing conditions are not changed in the framework of a universal succession. (Federal Administrative Court, decision of April 17, 1990 - 7B 111.89 - (VGH Mannheim)). (orig./RST)