31987A0350

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OPINION OF THE COMMISSION

of 12 June 1987

concerning the Torness Nuclear Power Station (United Kingdom)

(Only the English text is authentic)

(87/350/Euratom)

The General Data concerning the plan for the disposal of radioactive waste from Torness Nuclear Power Station were provided by the United Kingdom Government to the Commission, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, by letter received 1 April 1986.

In the course of the meeting of the group of experts set up pursuant to the Treaty, which took place on 5 June 1986 in Brussels, the representatives of the United Kingdom Government provided further complementary information and details.

On the basis of the data thus obtained and having consulted the Group of Experts, the Commission drew up the following opinion:

1. The distance between the power station and the nearest territory of other Member States is 293 kilometres, in this case to Ireland.

2. Although the Torness authorized limits for gaseous and liquid effluents in normal operation have not yet been finalized, 'best estimate' and certain 'worst case' forecasts of arisings have been estimated and the competent authorities have indicated upper limits to the values which may be adopted as limits. However, even if the latter values are attained the discharges will not be liable to cause exposure, significant from the health point of view, of members of the population of another Member State.

The Commission notes that the experts are of the opinion that the maximum envisaged discharge limits for liquid effluents appear to be unnecessarily high. They, therefore, recommended that the limits be fixed at levels taking into account the 'as low as reasonably achievable' principle.

3. No disposal of solid radioactive waste is planned on the site. Spent fuel will be transferred to Sellafield for reprocessing after temporary storage at the power station.

4. In the case of unplanned discharges of radioactive substances which might arise in accident conditions such as considered in the General Data, doses liable to be received in other Member States by external radiation and inhalation will not be significant from the point of view of health. Ground contamination, however, could give rise in Ireland to potential doses which would require a temporary ban or restrictions to be imposed on the consumption of certain foodstuffs originating from the contaminated area.

In conclusion the Commission is of the opinion that the implementation of the plan to dispose of radioactive waste from the Torness nuclear power station is not liable in normal operation to result in the contamination, significant from the point of view of health, of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State. However, the Commission considers that, before the plant is operational, the United Kingdom authorities should set discharge limits for liquid effluents which fully reflect the application of the 'as low as reasonably achievable' principle.

Unplanned discharges resulting from accidents of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data could give rise to a contamination requiring a temporary ban or restrictions on certain foodstuffs in order to ensure that the exposure of the population is not significant from the point of view of health. The Commission therefore recommends that the negotiations between the United Kingdom and Irish Governments on the arrangements which will apply in the event of an accident in a nuclear installation in the United Kingdom be pursued as a matter of urgency to a successful conclusion.

This opinion is addressed to the United Kingdom.

Done at Brussels, 12 June 1987.

For the Commission

Stanley CLINTON DAVIS

Member of the Commission