Development of Radio-Analytical Services in Support of Independent Verification for Regulatory Environmental Monitoring Programme – Challenges and Lessons Learnt

Independent verification of environmental samples in South Africa is mainly restricted to the regulation of a nuclear power plant, research reactor and facilities associated with NORM. Over the years, the NNR did not have the in-house capability in this area and relied on the services of one of its license holder's laboratory, which is not a desired situation considering the need for regulatory independence. In addition, challenges in turnaround times due to the facility being a commercial entity servicing other facilities as well, contributed to delays in regulatory decision-making. The regulator took a decision to establish an independent verification laboratory, through expert support via a local Technical Support Organization (TSO). The establishment of the radio-analytical laboratory with the TSO resulted in regulatory independence and in establishing expertise within the regulator to do analyses of many other radionuclides not covered previously. As this was the first experience by the regulator to enlist a TSO in the establishment of the laboratory, (which included the following tasks: designing of the laboratory; procurement and commissioning of instruments; capacity building; development of quality management systems; and development of procedures and methods) many challenges and difficulties were experienced during the process. The experiences are detailed in this paper that covers the cost of project management, procurement delays, and limited skills within the country and in the regulator to cover specialized knowledge pertaining to analytical methodologies. Another major challenge involved on the job training without the instruments being installed and commissioned. (author)