Decommissioning

Decommissioning is the process of retiring a facility from service and reducing residual hazards so the site can be released from regulatory control or repurposed. It is applied to nuclear facilities, ships and submarines, offshore installations, industrial plants, and other assets. The aim is to protect workers and the public, limit environmental impact, and manage waste under applicable laws.

The typical sequence includes planning and authorization, cessation of operations, dismantling and decontamination, waste management, site remediation, and verification for site release. Planning involves risk and hazard assessments and a decommissioning plan reviewed by regulators. Execution covers dismantling equipment, decontaminating structures, packaging and transporting wastes, and site cleanup. In many cases, long-term surveillance or maintenance follows release.

Nuclear decommissioning generally follows three options: immediate dismantling (DECON), safe storage (SAFSTOR), or entombment (ENTOMB). The choice depends on regulations, facility characteristics, waste volume, and funding.

For ships, offshore platforms, and industrial plants, decommissioning involves removing operations, dismantling structures, removing hazardous materials, plugging wells, and restoring the environment according to environmental and safety laws.

Economics and governance: decommissioning is funded by dedicated funds or government programs, with milestones and transparency. Public communication and stakeholder involvement are important, and guidance from bodies such as the IAEA and national regulators informs the process. The overall result is a safer site and a record of the activities for future generations.