Background

In 1957, the Euratom Treaty tasked the Commission to promote and facilitate nuclear research in EU countries. The treaty also asked the Commission for research and training programmes (article 1). To carry out research and training, the treaty established the Joint Nuclear Research Centre (JNRS). This was the predecessor of today's Joint Research Centre (JRC) (article 8). In the early 1960s the Commission and four EU countries signed agreements for research sites:

• Belgium (Geel),
• Germany (Karlsruhe),
• Italy (Ispra) and
• the Netherlands (Petten).

Some of these sites already had nuclear science and research installations. Over time new facilities were added.

The Decommissioning & Waste Management (D&WM) programme was launched in 1999. Every four years the European Commission provides an update of the programme progress. To deliver on the D&WM Programme, we at the JRC are supported by a group of independent experts. The quality management system has been certified ISO 9001 by the independent body DNV.

Today, the nuclear research conducted by JRC scientist used various installations (EURATOM programme) . Since the 1980s, the JRC has reduced the need for nuclear research installations in Ispra. The legislation requires JRC-Ispra to decommission these facilities. This includes to safely manage any existing radioactive waste and nuclear material. These activities are known as "historical liabilities".

Programme management

The Programme currently includes more than 100 projects. It focuses on:

• waste management facilities realisation/refurbishment,
• decommissioning of shutdown nuclear facilities and
• management of radioactive waste and nuclear material.

The programme is a long-term nuclear enterprise. It spans four decades, and requiring significant financial and human resources.

The programme evolution, schedules and the budget are constantly monitored and controlled.

Strategies

The D&WM programme has three phases:

1. Waste management. Decommissioning work is limited to specific studies and licensing procedures. We reinforced the existing waste management infrastructures. Where possible, we remove nuclear and special materials (which no longer support the site activities).
2. Treatment and conditioning of existing waste and at the recovery, collection and off-site shipment of irradiated and nuclear material.
3. Decommissioning of the nuclear installations, site clean-up and remediation up to the "green field". 

"Green field" is a status where no significant radioactive hazard remains.