This stage starts at facility shutdown, when Post Operational Clean Out (POCO) is usually carried out and “control” of the facility is handed over from the traditional plant operators to the decommissioning team. POCO may also be carried out under the operational licence. There may be no defined timescale or even demarcation of work for this stage. It depends on the type of facility, its present state and operational imperatives.
Key activities in Stage 1:
- Defuelling the reactor
- Removal of process materials and other non-fixed items of plant
- Transfer of irradiated fuels for reprocessing or long-term storage
- Monitored closure may take place over a number of years