Intact decommissioning alternative for nuclear power plants

Previous studies of decommissioning options for nuclear power plants have examined potential alternatives such as immediate dismantlement, entombment, and mothballing. Immediate dismantlement is usually the favored alternative from an economic viewpoint since the other two major options are burdened by maintenance and surveillance costs of the decommissioned facility extending into the distant future. This paper describes a study of an additional option; intact decommissioning. Under this alternative, an intact decommissioning boundary would be designed and seals established, and the radioactive systems and components contained inside would be left in place without maintenance or surveillance requirements. Radioactive components, systems and structures outside the boundary would be removed. Benefits in terms of lower costs and reduced radiation exposures are indicated for this approach