The emptying and cleaning out of the MA 500 tanks and the pit 99 tanks represent major challenges for the facility. A priority pit 99 tank was emptied in 2024. However, nonpumpable residues remain in the bottom of this tank. The inspections carried out in 2024 highlighted the good execution of this tank emptying work, the improvement in the conditions of waste storage in a hall and the progress of the action plan stemming from the periodic safety review, particularly concerning control of the fire risk. Improvements must however be made in the monitoring of outside contractors and implementation of the recommendations resulting from the fire risk control study. FACILITIES UNDERGOING DECOMMISSIONING The decommissioning operations on the Saclay site concern two BNIs, the High Activity Laboratory (LHA) and the solid radioactive waste management zone (BNI 72). DECPROs are being carried out in two definitively shut down BNIs, namely the Osiris and Isis reactors (BNI 40) and the Orphée reactor (BNI 101). Operations are also being carried out on parts of the in-service ZGEL (BNI 35) which have ceased their activity. Two Installations Classified for Protection of the Environment (ICPEs – EL2 and EL3) previously classified as BNIs but which have not been completely decommissioned due to the lack of a disposal route for the low-level longlived waste, are also concerned by decommissioning. Their downgrading from BNI to ICPE status in the 1980’s, in compliance with the regulations of that time, could not be done today. Broadly speaking, the CEA’s decommissioning and waste management strategy has been examined by ASN, which stated its position in May 2019 on the priorities defined by the CEA (see chapters 14 and 15 of the full ASN Report). High-activity laboratory The High-Activity Laboratory (LHA) comprises several laboratories intended for research work or the production of various radionuclides. It constitutes BNI 49. On completion of the decommissioning and clean-out work authorised by Decree of 18 September 2008, only two laboratories currently in operation should ultimately remain under the ICPE System. These two laboratories are the laboratory for the chemical and radiological characterisation of effluents and waste, and the packaging and storage facility for the retrieval of disused sources. Despite the progress of the clean-out and decommissioning operations, the accumulated delays have prevented the CEA from meeting the deadline of 21 September 2018 set by the decree authorising LHA decommissioning. The discovery of pollution in certain “intercell yards” in 2017 also led to changes being made in the operations to be carried out. Investigations into the radiological status of the soils were conducted between 2019 and 2021. The licensee submitted a Decommissioning Decree modification file in December 2021. The justification for the time necessary to complete the decommissioning operations authorised by the Decree of 18 September 2008 shall be reviewed in the ongoing examination of this file. In 2024, after examining the periodic safety review concluding report submitted by CEA in 2017, ASN considered that it had no objection to the continued operation of BNI 49 pending the amendment of its Decommissioning Decree In the context of this periodic safety review, compliance actions, particular regarding control of fire-related risks, were identified. ASN also asked CEA to take measures to guarantee the integrity of certain items of equipment whose decommissioning has been delayed. The investigations and studies allowing the management of unidentified waste discovered in late 2022 in the set of structures constituting the TOTEM shielded process continued in 2024. ASN considers that the safety of the BNI 49 undergoing decommissioning is satisfactory on the whole. However, particular vigilance is expected in monitoring the condition of the ventilation ducts, particularly the internal sections which are inaccessible or display defective areas. Particular attention must also be paid to the operation of the main air manifold extractor in view of the technical problems encountered. Improvements are also necessary to guarantee the monitoring of the lightning protection facilities which, in their current state, cannot guarantee the required level of protection. ASN remains vigilant with regard to the management of the very low level waste zones of BNI 49, particularly on account of the future decommissioning work which will produce additional waste. Consequently, the adequacy of the existing waste storage areas for the future needs is of major importance to enable the decommissioning operations to run to the planned schedule. 68 ABSTRACTS – ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2024 Regional overview of nuclear safety and radiation protection ÎLE-DE-FRANCE
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