ABSTRACT
This chapter begins with the alternative decommissioning methods and associated issues. It deals with a review of actual decommissioning experience in the US and abroad, environmental impacts, the transport of radioactive nuclear waste, and post-decommissioning land use options. The greatest concentration of experience with nuclear power plant decommissioning is in the United States. Several categories of nuclear power plants have been decommissioned in the US, from experimental research reactors to licensed power reactors. Many of the environmental impacts of nuclear power plant decommissioning will be positive, partially offsetting negative impacts of plant construction and operation. The decommissioning of nuclear power plants results in a large volume of solid and liquid nuclear waste for disposal. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission currently stipulates that any decommissioning method is acceptable, but that a nuclear power plant licensee must address plans for decommissioning the nuclear facility before an operating license is issued. The chapter concludes with future decommissioning problems and potential mitigation strategies.
