The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (“AERB”) has issued a Safety Guide on Remediation of Areas Affected by Radioactive Contamination (“Safety Guide”) on May, 2019.
Objective of the Safety Guide
- The objective of this safety guide is to provide guidance for planning and implementing remediation of areas affected by radioactive contamination.
- It provides guidance for protective and remedial actions that are intended to reduce the existing exposure and to avert potential for the likelihood of such exposure from the related contamination now and in future.
- It also gives guidance for minimisation of non-radiological impacts associated with the remediation activities.
Scope and Applicability of the Safety Guide:
- This safety guide is applicable for the remediation of areas affected by radioactive contamination. The term ‘areas’ is used in its broadest sense and could include land, surface & ground waters, residential /industrial site areas and structures.
- It also provides guidance regarding remedial actions such as the removal / reduction of the source of radiation exposure, protective actions involving restriction to access or use of the affected areas.
Obligations under the Safety Guide for Licensee:
- A person licensed by AERB (“Licensee”) is responsible for remediation of on-site environment contamination resulting from nuclear or radiation facilities.
- The Licensee should inform immediately to the Regulatory Body with respect to the onsite or off-site environmental contamination resulting from the licensed facilities.
- The Licensee should also inform the Central / State / Local Government authorities as appropriately in the case of an off-site environmental contamination.
- The Licensee should submit the onsite remediation plan to the Regulatory Body for approval.
Source: Atomic Energy Regulatory Board
