Decommissioning as a neglected element in nuclear power plant siting policy in the US and UK

When sites for nuclear reactors have been chosen in the past it is the reactor operation that has been considered. Waste disposal and decommissioning are issues which have only recently been taken into account before a nuclear power plant is sited. This chapter examines decommissioning evidence presented to the Sizewell B Public Inquiry. It also looks at the problem in the United States using more general examples. It is shown that siting, decommissioning and land use are related issues. It is suggested that decommissioning should be a mandatory siting consideration and a factor in any normal environmental impact evaluation. The complex ramifications of decommissioning also extend to all facilities throughout the nuclear fuel cycle. (UK)