BELGOPROCESS. sustainability report 2007

Transcription

1 BELGOPROCESS sustainability report 2007

2 Belgoprocess is an essential link IN the NUCLEAr INDUSTRy We aim to concentrate our activities in three areas. 1. Processing, conditioning and temporarily storing of radioactive waste; 2. Decommissioning shut down nuclear installations and the clearance of contaminated buildings and sites; 3. Operation of disposal sites for conditioned radioactive waste. These activities are proof of our commitment to society. Our aim is to minimise the undesired effects of the nuclear option in the interests of the public, while remaining active on both the Belgian and international markets. It is our mission to carry out that task professionally, while consciously addressing safety issues and monitoring our impact on the ecological and social environment. We also pay close attention to the interests of our customers, our co-workers and the government. In doing so we contribute to the socio-economic development of the region into a leading example in Europe. Developing, expanding and applying environmental technology is a major component in our long-term strategy. We show that radioactive waste can be treated safely and responsibly. Our workforce is a fundamental factor in the implementation of this mission. Its collective efforts and concern for shared values enable us to achieve our goals. This makes us proud to be Belgoprocess.

3 Abbreviations used STATEMENT FROM THE MANAGEMENT A31 A3X ALARA B09 Becquerel BN BR3 Burnable alpha contaminated solid waste. Alpha contaminated solid waste. As low as reasonably achievable. Alpha contaminated organic liquids. Unit of radioactive radiation, the decay of one atomic nucleus per second. Because of the fact that it is a very small unit, one usually works with multiples MBq (mega or million) and GBq (giga or billion). Belgonucleaire, Dessel. Belgian Reactor 3; prototype of a research reactor of the PWR type of the Centre for Nuclear Research SCK; is now being decommissioned and decontaminated. Building 155X Storage building for radium contaminated and non-radium contaminated alpha containing conditioned waste with geological final destination. Building 156X Storage place for nuclear fuel from the BR3. Building 280X Building on site 2 for the treatment and conditioning of medium and high active waste in dry storage. Category A CILVA COGEMA Eurobitum HLCW HLSW HRA Low-level short-lived waste. Central infrastructure for the processing of low-level solid waste. Compagnie générale des matières nucléaires (reprocessing plant), La Hague. Installation for the conditioning of liquid concentrates in bitumen. High-level conditioned waste. High-level solid waste. Storage site for medium- and high-level non-active waste. ILCW Intermediate-level conditioned waste. ILSW Intermediate-level solid waste. IRE IRMM National Institute for radio isotopes, Fleurus. Institute for reference materials and measurements. LLCW MONA Low-level conditioned waste. The non-profit association Mols Consultation on Nuclear Waste vzw NIRAS National Institute for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Fissile material. Non-active waste Historic radioactive waste (period to 89); these are batches of radioactive waste from the past or from old installations and sites. PAMELA Pyrolysis SCK Sievert Site 1 Site 2 Solarium STORA Pilot installation at Mol for the Vitrification of High Active Liquid Waste Undergoing conversion for the processing of part of the historic HRA/ Solarium waste. Chemical process whereby a substance in a low-oxygen environment is broken down by exposure to heat into simpler compounds. Studiecentrum voor kernenergie (Centre for Nuclear Research), Mol. Unit for dose. Because this is a large unit the millisievert (one thousandth) and the microsievert (millionth) are often used. The dosage rate is expressed per unit of time, e.g. nanosievert per hour. Site of the former experimental reprocessing plant Eurochemic at Dessel, now managed by Belgoprocess. Site of SCK s former waste processing department "Waste", now operated by Belgoprocess. A covered storage area for intermediate level waste, situated at site 2. Radioactive Waste Study and Consultation Group, Dessel. Weighted radioactivity In the discharge licence formula, a weighting factor is assigned to the measured radioactive materials. This provides a gauge of the various radioactive materials harmful effects on man. Belgoprocess sets its goal to carry out all its activities to guarantee the safety of its staff and the public, the protection of the environment and to limit the damaging consequences of these activities to the lowest level reasonably possible. They are carried out within the standards, legislation and licences imposed by the Competent Administration and within the requirements set within Belgoprocess. Belgoprocess carries out these activities in accordance with the strategy formulated by NIRAS and taking the limitation of the means available into account. These activities relate to every phase of the treatment and storage of radioactive waste, the decommissioning and decontamination of all other services. Belgoprocess implements an appropriate and integrated Quality, Safety and Environmental policy as one of the means for realising this goal. The main objectives of this policy are: Achieving and maintaining an adequate level of quality of the services provided in compliance with the prescriptions imposed by the principal and its own management bodies; Creating a safe and healthy working environment both for nuclear and conventional aspects of the work. This is achieved through the following consecutive measures, which are defined after an analysis of the working environment. If possible risks are avoided, if not possible risks are reduced, collective protective measures then take precedence over personal protective means and finally highrisk situations are reported and staff are trained to carry out their tasks in a safe way. Belgoprocess sets itself the goal to keep the number of industrial accidents and the collective dose as low as reasonably possible. Minimising the environmental impact of the activities of Belgoprocess on the neighbourhood. Based on an environmental monitoring programme Belgoprocess shows that the impact on the environment is guarded and that this impact is negligible. The discharges of contaminated materials in water and atmospheric emissions are limited and reduced insofar as possible. In addition Belgoprocess sets itself the goal to avoid the generation of waste insofar as possible. When waste materials cannot be avoided, Belgoprocess strives to recycle them maximally. Belgoprocess is open to communication with all parties involved in all its activities. The environment is a constant point for attention for its own staff. An open and clear dialogue with local residents, the competent authorities and other parties involved is an essential part of the Belgoprocess enterprise. Place the necessary trust in its own management bodies and the parties involved. Constant improvement in relation to quality, safety and the environment is strived for and controlled through good management together with an active involvement of all employees. Belgoprocess uses an adapted care system for the implementation of that policy that comprises an organisational structure, responsibilities, process descriptions and aids. The care system conforms to the international ISO-9001 standard and strives for conformity with ISO and OHSAS This objective is realised progressively. By signing this Declaration the Management at Belgoprocess undertakes to do everything in its power to maintain the care system as described in this handbook and regularly to assess its results. René Gilis General Manager

4 CONTENTS SUSTAINABILITY P. 4 ADDED VALUE IN 2007 P. 6 belgoprocess: A PROFILE P. 10 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF BASIC ACTIVITIES P. 14 A PROACTIVE SAFETY POLICY P. 20 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY P. 24 ENTERPRISE ON BEHALF OF MAN AND SOCIETY P. 32 finance P. 38

5 1 SUSTAINABILITY Belgoprocess stands for continuity in quality and safety. By fulfilling various projects Belgoprocess has a polyvalent infrastructure to process a diversity of radioactive waste, to condition it and to store it on an interim basis. This applies not only to newly supplied radioactive waste but also for historic waste and the clean-up of nuclear facilities that have been put out of use. Belgoprocess is synonymous with a sustainable solution for Belgian radioactive waste. Belgoprocess fulfils this important social role in an autonomous manner, within a strict regional, federal and international framework. Belgoprocess is gaining increasing international recognition for the results it has achieved.

6 Prepared for tomorrow The year 2007 was an excellent year for Belgoprocess, with impressive operating results, increased safety in the workplace and an increased commitment to environmental responsibility. Our main activities continue to be the long-term contracts for the National Institute for Radioactive Waste (NIRAS). These contracts will be renewed by the end of 2008 for another period of five years. Even closer co-operation with NIRAS, including the formation of a policy committee and other consultative structures, will guarantee efficient operations. Beside waste producers, the state remains our main customer for the management of technical liabilities, accounting for 70% of our turnover. Our customers can be assured that Belgoprocess will continue to offer and deliver top-quality services, while safeguarding the safety of employees and local residents and paying attention to the environment. A new trend in the coming years will be the diversification of our activities. There is an increasing appreciation of our specific expertise and experience in waste processing, storage and decommissioning. Countries from Europe, the Middle East and Asia are increasingly turning to us to benefit from our expertise. In Belgium too, we have an excellent reputation as an expert partner in the decommissioning and decontamination of installations. The buildings of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant, which after years of meticulous decontamination will be demolished in 2008, are an important industrial reference for Belgoprocess. As part of the industrial fabric in the Kempen, Belgoprocess is responsible for job creation in this region, together with other companies, such as the Study Centre for Nuclear Energy (SCK CEN). The decommissioning of the Belgonucleaire plant could be the first step towards a permanent collaboration. The exploitation of the future surface recovery site in Dessel may also become an important activity for Belgoprocess. Development of people Our employees are an important asset for Belgoprocess to achieve its objectives. Several initiatives were launched to develop this human potential. Worth mentioning are: the optimisation of company departments, setting up a Human Resources department whose tasks include coaching and competence management, and enhanced consultation. Finally, a new long-term personnel plan is being prepared ensuring that also in the years to come the tasks entrusted to us are performed in a responsible manner. Belgoprocess is recruiting new personnel and seeks to be prepared for tomorrow. Sustainable development is a consistent theme running through our business operations. Thanks to the improved efficiency of our processes, we are committed to using energy and ancillary materials as efficiently as possible. Safety for our employees and local residents is a top priority for us. Belgoprocess is rightly expected to handle the financial resources provided by the community in a responsible manner. With this annual report, we seek to deliver on those expectations. We want to be ready for tomorrow. It is with pleasure that we can inform you that from September 2008, after a rich academic career, Mr Walter Bogaerts will take up the position of general manager at Belgoproces. Good luck, Walter! Robert Vandenplas Chief Executive Officer René Gilis General Manager 5 Belgoprocess

7 2 ADDED VALUE IN 2007 In 2007, Belgoprocess initiated the process of making some important structural changes to its business objectives. It is quite natural that with the reduction in nuclear liabilities, the amount of work to be carried out will decrease over the years. To ensure that employment levels are maintained, Belgoprocess has opted for active entrepreneurship by undertaking new employment programmes. Of course the work for NIRAS, involving the removal of both passive and active waste, will always have the highest priority and these programmes will still make up the bulk (over 90%) of Belgoprocess's activities over the next few years. Belgoprocess s new employment activities will focus on the following four areas: the exploitation of the near surface disposal site, participation in the decommissioning projects of Belgonucleaire, commercial activities and, finally, the processing of waste from abroad. The year 2007 saw the necessary preparations being made to ensure that these future activities are successfully completed.

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9 2 ADDED VALUE IN 2007 Good results from our processing plants The year 2007 saw the successful commissioning of PAMELA, the new processing plant for the treatment of alpha-bearing and intermediate level and high-level waste. The commissioning went smoothly without technical problems and the functionalities, including the volume reduction factors, processing speeds, remotecontrolled cutting of glove boxes etc. were all achieved. Once again it was demonstrated that Belgoprocess is able to realise important projects within the agreed schedule and budget. This important achievement was greatly appreciated by both NIRAS and the waste producers. The production figures for 2007 also show the excellent results achieved by the other processing plants, including CILVA, 280X and the A3X sorting plant. The forecast operating results and the policy objectives in this area were also achieved. The smooth completion of the decommissioning programme and the preparations for demolition of building 101 are also worthy of mention. In June 2008 a start will be made on the conventional demolition of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant in accordance with the proposed schedule. The implementation of concept studies by Belgoprocess for the future dismantling of buildings 5/22 was also greatly appreciated by NIRAS and an external team of experts. Good safety record 2007 was an excellent year for safety. Belgoprocess broke its record for the least number of days lost by accidents at work. Thanks to the commitment of the entire workforce, we succeeded in working for a whole year without a single industrial accident. Only at the end of the year were there two accidents, fortunately with limited consequences. Belgoprocess wishes to keep up this excellent track record by paying even greater attention to its safety policy. Last nuclear transports of vitrified waste 3 April 2007 saw the 14 th and for the time being the last nuclear transport of vitrified high-level radioactive waste from the COGEMA reprocessing plant at La Hague in France. This marked the end of a series of transports of a total of 390 canisters of nuclear waste to storage building 136 on the Belgoprocess site. In the past these transports had always taken place amid great media interest. All these transports were completed smoothly and the vitrified waste was safely unloaded and stored in building 136. Preparations are now underway to prepare building 136 for the reception of different waste in Positive developments in commercial orders The share of commercial orders handled by the company went up from 2% to 4% in This favourable development was mainly the result of the preliminary studies into the construction of a processing plant and the required storage facilities for radioactive waste in the Middle East, to be built according to the Belgian model. This new project means that in the future important contracts will continue to be awarded to Belgoprocess. Various tenders for other nuclear projects were prepared and submitted jointly with an external consultancy. Decisions on these tenders are expected in the course of As regards the decommissioning of Belgonucleaire, Belgoprocess initiated a project to demonstrate the cutting of glove boxes in Pedi tents. The development of this technique, together with the possibility to cut glove boxes within the PAMELA project and Belgoprocess s wide experience and knowledge in the decommissioning, decontamination and release of radioactive material and in radioactive waste management, are important assets for the decommissioning of this plant. In order to process waste from abroad, Belgoprocess needed to meet the administrative procedures and conditions set by the government. These documents will be approved by the Boards of Directors of Belgoprocess and NIRAS in mid New personnel policy A new personnel policy is needed in order to ensure the optimum implementation of the long-term programme, including the alternative employment programmes. Initially, ninety employees will take early retirement over a period of ten years. On the other hand, the total workload during this period will be more or less the same as it is now. The reduction in work on passive waste will be largely compensated by new activities. To be ready for its future tasks, Belgoprocess will need the required personnel resources as well as the necessary structure and organisation. By mid-2008, a revised personnel plan will therefore be submitted to the Board. For the definition and introduction of the new personnel policy, an HRM cell was set up in 2007, whose duties include the further development of the Belgoprocess 8

10 From 1 September 2008, Walter Bogaerts will be the new general manager of Belgoprocess. He will replace René Gilis, who will take early retirement on that date. Walter Bogaerts has a PhD and a civil engineering degree in chemistry and was formerly professor of chemical engineering technology and materials engineering at the Catholic University of Leuven. The HRM cell. competence management system on which the new personnel policy will be based, the recruitment and selection of personnel, job classifications, etc. Positive financial result The financial year closed with a credit balance of 1.3 million euros after deduction of taxes. This positive result was precisely in accordance with expectations. The financial result was less than that for It is worth noting that considerable provisions were made for major repairs and to finance the more comprehensive pension plan. Future prospects The order prospects for 2008 and subsequent years are very positive. Worth mentioning is the fact that the workload for the various projects has increased significantly and that, as part of the Belgoprocess-NIRAS partnership, Belgoprocess will have an engineering capacity for the management of these projects. The preparation, finalisation and adoption of the new five-year programme, with accompanying financing, is important for the continuity of Belgoprocess's business operations. The high point of 2008 will no doubt be the demolition of the first part of the former reprocessing Eurochemic plant. This will allow Belgoprocess to demonstrate that seriously contaminated plants can be decommissioned with a limited amount of nuclear waste being generated and with respect for the environment. 9 Belgoprocess

11 3 BELGOPROCESS: A PROFILE Founded in 1984, Belgoprocess is a limited liability company with its registered office in Dessel. Since 1986, it has been a subsidiary of the National Agency for Radioactive Waste and Enriched Nuclear Fuels (NIRAS). NIRAS was itself set up by Act of Parliament (8/8/1980) and by Royal Decree (30/3/1981). From NIRAS, Belgoprocess receives the task of processing the radioactive waste that is produced in Belgium and that is not processed by the producers themselves. All the conditioned waste is also stored by Belgoprocess while it awaits disposal. Belgoprocess also provides services to other customers in Belgium and abroad. It currently performs these tasks with a workforce of around 248 employees. Belgium, a small country with a sizeable nuclear programme, has opted for the centralised processing and management of its radioactive waste. This ensures uniformity of management and policy, which improves definitely the benefit of quality assurance and control.

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13 3 BELGOPROCESS: A PROFILE SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE ENTERPRISE Nuclear power now accounts for over half of the electricity produced in Belgium. Radioactivity also plays an important role in health care and in industrial and scientific applications. All these activities produce a residual quantity of radioactive waste materials which require special handling. Belgoprocess acts as the final link in the chain, ensuring that this radioactive waste is processed and stored in such a way as to minimise the risk of harmful effects to man and the environment. In concrete terms, this means that choices are made which ensure the safe management of radioactive waste and which also minimise costs. Only through the achievement of the dual objectives of cost control and safe management can the interests and expectations of society be upheld and satisfied. Radioactive waste is safely processed and managed in a manner that is both ecologically and economically responsible. These producers bear the cost themselves of processing and subsequently storing the radioactive waste that they produce. For the processing of radioactive waste from the past and the dismantling of old installations, the network administrator levies a supplementary charge on electricity (kwh) consumed in Belgium. This money is paid into a fund that is managed by NIRAS. Supplying objective and transparent information about the management of radioactive waste in Belgium and the role of Belgoprocess is an essential and obvious element of the social task that Belgoprocess is required to fulfil. This sustainability report aims to contribute substantially to this. THE CLIENTELE Apart from a small number of services to other customers, Belgoprocess Belgian clientele is represented by contracts with NIRAS. These contracts with NIRAS account for 96% of turnover. Nearly half of the financial value of the contracts with NIRAS relates to the management of installations. The remaining proportion of the installation costs is paid by the group of waste producers. Another part of the orders from NIRAS consists of decommissioning and decontamination assignments, studies and projects and tasks related to waste management. The final 4% consists of various other assignments within Belgium and of foreign consultancy contracts. This harnessing of know-how and resources is still limited, but will be of more strategic importance for the company s long-term development. The opening for the processing of foreign waste in Belgium adds a new dimension to this sustainable enterprise strategy. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF ACTIVITIES The choice in favour of centralised processing and management means that all radioactive waste produced in Belgium ultimately comes to Belgoprocess. Radioactive waste materials are received from power stations, hospitals, laboratories and industry. The purpose of processing these waste materials is to protect people and the environment against the potentially harmful effects of radioactivity, both now and in the future. To achieve this objective, Belgoprocess ensures that the raw and heterogeneous waste is converted via a series of treatment and conditioning processes into a compact and chemically stable final product. Compliance with the conditions of federal and regional licences, which are based on strict international radiological and environmental standards, ensures that the environment is protected. To this end, Belgoprocess has the best available technologies and installations, wich are all situated in the municipalities of Dessel and Mol. While waiting the exploitation of a disposal site, the processed and conditioned waste materials are temporarily stored above-ground. Belgoprocess current activities can be divided into two core areas. Firstly, there is the processing, conditioning and temporary storage of radioactive waste. Secondly, Belgoprocess is responsible for the decommissioning of deactivated nuclear installations. SAFE PROCESSING AND STORAGE Radioactive waste materials are sorted at source in accordance with NIRAS instructions. The physical and chemical properties determine the type of treatment that can be used. After solid waste has been sorted, its volume is reduced by incinerating or compressing the waste materials. All waste water is collected in tanks and reduced to a small volume of sludge by means of chemical or thermal treatment. The residue of the waste materials is then encased in cement or concrete, and formerly also in glass, and packed in steel drums. These drums are temporarily stored in concrete constructions which provide a screen against the radiation. These drums will later be permanently disposed of in a stable layer, where the radioactivity will diminish over time. Belgoprocess regularly receives news coverage when a consignment of vitrified waste is received at the site. These consignments contain the vitrified residue of Belgian fissionable material which is sent to France for recycling (reprocessing) and is taken into storage by Belgoprocess. DECOMMISSIONING OF INSTALLATIONS Nuclear installations which are no longer used need to be decontaminated and dismantled in a safe and responsible manner. This means that all radioactive materials are removed. If necessary, concrete walls are carefully stripped down. During decommissioning, Belgoprocess aims to recycle the large majority of the decontaminated buildings and plants as non radioactive raw materials in order to subsequently transform the small quantities of radioactive materials into the smallest possible quantity of radioactive waste. When buildings are cleansed of radioactivity, they can be dismantled using conventional methods. Belgoprocess 12

14 has the right organisational structure and the necessary competencies to extend its activities to include the operation of disposal sites. Such sites enable radioactive waste to be permanently removed from the biosphere, so that radioactive waste represents no further problem for future generations. Belgoprocess has set out these ambitions in its mission statement and assignment declaration. The political decision concerning the final disposal of conditioned short-lived low and intermediate active waste was taken in Belgoprocess assumes that this site will be operated by its personnel in the future. Historic waste at the Solarium (site 2). Belgoprocess is decommissioning installations which belonged to the former reprocessing plant Eurochemic in a safe and responsible manner. Eurochemic was the first non-military plant in Europe where irradiated nuclear fuel was reprocessed. Operations ceased at the plant in In addition to the Eurochemic installations, Belgoprocess is also decommissioning other installations which have been shut down, most of which are located at the Belgoprocess site in Mol-Dessel. DISPOSAL OF WASTE The third core activity of Belgoprocess, the operation of disposal sites, remains a theoretical possibility for the time being. As a nuclear operator, Belgoprocess already 13 Belgoprocess

15 4 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF BASIC ACTIVITIES The handling of radioactive waste is one of the basic activities of Belgoprocess. On the basis of its policy vision, Belgoprocess first and foremost strives to ensure the safety of people and the environment. The handling and management of the waste always focuses on restricting the risk to people and the environment in a responsible manner. The reduction of the volume of radioactive waste and encasing of the residual materials results in a high-quality product that fully meets NIRAS requirements. The minimisation of the final volume ensures that disposal costs are minimised. In this way, ecological and economic factors are weighed up. Belgoprocess also has the task of decommissioning deactivated nuclear installations in a safe and responsible manner. Here too, the continual weighing up of ecological and economic factors constitutes a significant element of policy. The decommissioning of installations generates large quantities of materials, and as much of these as possible are recycled as secondary raw materials.

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17 4 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF BASIC ACTIVITIES 1. THE PROCESSING OF SOLID WASTE Low-active waste Low-active solid waste is processed in the CILVA installation. Last year, the following quantities of waste suspected of beta-gamma and alpha contamination were processed: m of waste was supercompacted. The average net volume reduction factor (after packaging in 400 l overpacks) was tonnes of solid and 10.5 tonnes of liquid waste was incinerated together. 15 tonnes of ash and dust was formed during the incineration and off-gas filtration. The overall mass reduction factor was m of waste was pre-compressed and packaged in 200 l barrels with a volume of 26 m x 400 l drums were conditioned in CILVA. Each one satisfied NIRAS quality requirements. Medium-active and highly active waste In building 280X the content of 212 concrete containers with historically medium waste, originating in the SOLARIUM field were discharged, prepressed and characterised for the preparation of further conditioning. This led to 6 drums of 200 l for packaging in CILVA, in 55 drums of 400 l which were cemented in 280X and was the contents of 29 drums transferred to PAMELA for processing. Alpha-contaminated waste Two installations on site 1 are reserved for the processing of alpha-processed waste, more specifically PAMELA infrastructure, which was commissioned in 2007, and the A3X installation, which is located in building 110. In the PAMELA infrastructure 64 drums of 400 l were conditioned. In the A3X installation 1, litre drums have been sorted here in accordance with the physical-chemical content. The AX3 waste will be compacted and cemented in the PAMELA infrastructure. 2. THE PROCESSING OF LIQUID WASTE Low-active waste Low-active waste water is chemically and biologically processed in the installations on site 2. The sludge created as a result is stored in anticipation of bituminisation. In 2007 no bitumen campaign was carried out. Waste water is discharged into the Nete at Mol after treatment and inspection. In 2007, a total of 24,511 m 3 of purified waste water was discharged into the Nete. Organic and watery liquids containing organic matter were incinerated together with the solid waste in the CILVA incinerator. Medium-active and highly active waste Belgoprocess receives small quantities of medium-active liquids from the IRE. These are condensed together with the internal flows of medium-active wastewater and stored as concentrate. Their conditioning has been deferred because of the small production volume. Alpha-contaminated waste Belgoprocess has a pyrolysis installation for the processing of alpha-contaminated liquids. In the past, the organic effluents batch was completely processed by the pyrolysis installation, with the exception of just a few small quantities. The remaining liquids cannot be processed in a standardised manner in this installation. A specially tailored treatment process has to be devised. 3. THE STORAGE OF CONDITIONED WASTE Belgoprocess stores all conditioned waste that is produced in Belgium while it awaits final disposal. This means that low, medium and high-active waste that is conditioned by Belgoprocess itself, as well as waste conditioned by other producers, is stored by Belgoprocess. 18,621.9 m 3 of conditioned waste was present in the storage areas of Belgoprocess at the end of Storage of low active waste At the end of 2007, 13,605 m 3 of low-active conditioned waste is present in buildings 150 and 151 on site 1. The Frisomat sheds on site 2 contain 300 m 3 of low-active conditioned waste. Building 155 entered service at the start of This storage building was designed for the interim storage of radium-containing and other alpha-contaminated conditioned waste with geological recovery as the final goal. As a result of this storage building, conditioned waste that has always been stored in the Frisomat sheds on site 2, can be transferred to site 1, where it can be stored in favourable circumstances. This action contributes to the purification of site 2 and to the further reduction of the radiation dose on and around the site. In 2007, m 3 was stored on an interim basis in building 155. Storage of medium-active conditioned waste 4,104 m 3 of medium-active conditioned waste is stored in the bunkers of building 127X. The new storage bunker in building 136X for technological and secondary waste, conditioned by COGEMA in La Hague under Belgoprocess 16

18 irradiated fuel reprocessing contracts, has not yet been commissioned. High-active conditioned waste The volume of high-active conditioned waste in storage buildings 129X and 136X on site 1 is m 3. In 2007 building 136X received two transports of vitrified waste from COGEMA in La Hague, France. This amounts the total of received transports to 14. The transports to and storage of this waste in building 136X both progressed entirely to plan. Once again, no increase was detected in the dose rate at the perimeters of Belgoprocess premises. The HLCW waste accounts for over 98% of all radioactivity in storage at Belgoprocess and just 1.4% of its volume. Spent nuclear fuel Spent nuclear fuel from the SCK (BR3 reactor) is in temporary dry storage in building 156X. This consists of a total of seven Castor containers, temporarily held here pending a decision regarding its reprocessing or disposal. Inspection of conditioned waste On 23 June 2006, the ministerial council decided that low and intermediate active short-lived conditioned waste will be stored in a surface storage area in the town of Dessel. Whilst awaiting transport to its final destination, this conditioned waste will for the time being be stored at Belgoprocess sites. In the meantime, a well-defined programme is being implemented to ensure that the conditioned waste which is produced continues to be stored safely during this temporary storage period. This programme involves each drum of conditioned waste being taken out of storage, inspected and made the subject of additional documentation, before being returned to storage. If any abnormalities are detected during this inspection, safety measures are immediately taken to prevent the contamination of the storage buildings. At the end of 2007, more than 3/4 of the low and intermediate active short-lived conditioned waste were inspected. In a small number of drums rusting or swelling has been observed. Some of these were intended in 1982 for disposal at sea within a period of two years. Other drums were produced to be stored for 10 to 15 years only while awaiting disposal. This deadline has now long since been passed. Because the inspections have not brought to light any serious problems, immediate corrective measures have not yet had to be taken. However, an investigation is being conducted into the reasons why certain drums show defects after a number of years of temporary storage. This will enable preventive action to be taken to ensure the guaranteed lifespan of newly produced drums of conditioned waste. This management procedure for waste in temporary storage is conducted as a responsible and sustainable management measure on behalf of society and in the long term. Administrative recording of conditioned waste Before conditioned waste is cleared by NIRAS for temporary storage and subsequent disposal, Belgoprocess as the waste processor is required to demonstrate that the content and packaging meets NIRAS approval criteria. This means that the authorisation files for the original waste, for the primary packaging and for the treatment and conditioning process have to be approved, that the waste has to be radiologically and physico-chemically defined on the basis of approved methodologies and isotope vectors, and that proof has to be provided in the form of conformity documentation to show that the waste really has been conditioned and defined in line with the procedure set out in the authorisation files. A long-term plan has been drawn up covering all these activities with regard to each batch of conditioned waste, and is being systematically implemented. The plan has been extended, and will take around ten years to complete. This policy of precisely defining waste with a view to its subsequent safe disposal is another instance of the sustainable policy of both NIRAS and Belgoprocess. It should be mentioned that, more than a third of the preparatory work had already been carried out which is needed to complete all the authorisation files, methodologies for radiological characterisation and conformity files. 4. DECOMMISSIONING AND DECONTAMINATION Significant decommissioning and decontamination work was again carried out at Belgoprocess sites 1 and 2 in The purpose of the decommissioning and decontamination of the disused installations is to unconditionally release as much material as possible and to recycle it as secondary raw material. Decommissioning teams were deployed at site 1 for the decontamination and decommissioning of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant. On site 2 minor demolition work was performed in the framework of normal maintenance work and concrete blocks and concrete storage containers were decontaminated from the Solarium in an abrasive jet facility in building 260. Decommissioning work on site 1 56 out of 106 cells have so far been cleared of radioactive contamination at the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant. In 26 of the remaining cells, ongoing clearance work was continued or completed. In another 20 cells, concrete decontamination work is in progress. There remain just 4 cells, zones or corridors, in which activities have yet to be started. During the decommissioning of building 101A last year, a total of 206 tonnes of contaminated materials was produced. 61% of this is eligible for release. During clearance works of a few intervention areas, a markedly larger quantity of metal and miscellaneous materials was produced. However, concrete production remained rather limited during the removal and decontamination of pipework channels and during the removal of discharge pipework that was concreted in. Efforts to decontaminate the eastern section of the building and to prepare it for demolition continued. In 2007, more than 4,510 m² of structure surface was measured as being completely free from contamination. In total, 326 tonnes of material was produced on site 1 in 2007, consisting of 83 tonnes of metal, 191 tonnes of concrete, 29 tonnes of miscellaneous material, and 23 tonnes of barite. Over 69% of this is eligible for unconditional release. While taking account of shifts in the programme it can be proposed that the globally executed decommissioning work on site reached the target degree of progress and the proposed quantity of material to be removed. Decommissioning work on site 2 In 2007, on site 2 only very small decommissioning work was carried out within the framework of normal maintenance work to the operational installations. 17 Belgoprocess

19 4 SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF BASIC ACTIVITIES STORAGE OF CONDITIONED WASTE LLCW MLCW HLCW Processing of radioactive waste 15,000 14,000 13, ,000 10,000 9,000 8,000 7,000 6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 m 3 12,439 3, ,730 3, ,168 3, ,495 3, ,708 3, ,244 4, Waste type Processing type Quantity of waste processed Combustible low-active waste Incineration (tonnes) Non-combustible low-active waste Reduction and repackaging (m 3 ) Supercompacting (m 3 ) Medium-active and alpha contaminated waste water Concentration by condensation (m 3 ) Combustible liquids Incineration (tonnes) Suspect waste water Conventional treatment (m 3 ) 27,670 19,982 22,027 17,680 22,331 Low-active waste water Flocculation (m 3 ) 2,478 3,574 2,586 2,340 2,415 Purified waste water Controlled discharge (m 3 ) 30,119 23,215 25,153 19,961 24,511 Conditionering van radioactief afval Waste type Type of conditioning Quantity of end product produced Processed low-active waste Cementing (m 3 ) Sludge from water treatment Bituminisation (m 3 ) Medium-active solid waste Cementing (m 3 ) Bituminisation (m 3 ) Concentrate from condensation Bituminisation (m 3 ) High-active solid waste Cementing (m 3 )

20 These works produced 16 tons of metal, 3 tons of concrete, 2.5 tons of miscellaneous materials. By making maximum use of available techniques, less than 2% of this total quantity produced was removed as radioactive waste. The entirety of the work carried out on site 2 during the year resulted in the production of 92 tonnes of metal, 651 tonnes of concrete and 3 tonnes of miscellaneous material. Out of this total of 746 tonnes of produced materials, 95% was eligible for unconditional release. As a result, the targeted level of progress was achieved, as was the quantity of materials for removal. Decontamination A considerable quantity of metal was produced during the decommissioning and decontamination work on sites 1 and 2 in 2007, and was eventually decontaminated at the abrasive jet facility in the central decontamination infrastructure on site 1. The total quantity of metal decontaminated by abrasion in this installation was 76 tonnes. For the decontamination of various other materials with a total volume of 11 tonnes, other techniques were used. In the new installation on site 2 for the decontamination of concrete containers, 279 containers have in the past year been abrasively decontaminated, released and removed. Furthermore, 41 decontaminated containers have been reused and 26 containers were provisionally stored after decontamination and release whilst awaiting further crushing and release by the concrete sampling plant. These containers came from the HRA Solarium project. 624 tonnes of concrete and 67 tonnes of metal were produced. More than 96% of the concrete was eligible for release after crushing and sampling. For the metal this amounted to 98%. During 2007, 714 tonnes of concrete was also released after being crushed and sampled in the concrete sampling facility on site PROJECTS Processing historic waste In the past the strategic decision was taken to pro cess the historic HRA/Solarium waste partly in a newly built infrastructure, 280X, and partly in the existing PAMELA infrastructure (building 131). Building 280X has become operational since The modification works to building 131X were completed in 2006 and successfully commissioned. Processing of radioactive waste has started at the beginning of Dismantling project 105X/122X The buildings 105X and 122X functioned as storage installations for high-active liquids produced by the processing factory Eurochemic. The intention is that these storage buildings are dismantled. Three possible alternatives will be implemented either by Belgoprocess or in collaboration with external companies AllDeco and WAK. The first two alternatives, based on extensive decontamination and hands-on dismantling of the tanks, are compared to a third alternative, which is the complete remotely controlled dismantling of the tanks. On the basis of this comparative study and a number of cold tests carried out on an identically constructed tank, the final dismantling concept will be decided in This project will be developed further in the coming years and implemented so that the actual dismantling of the installations 105X and 122X can start. Near surface disposal project Belgoprocess is planning to exploit the disposal site that will be constructed from 2012 onwards, and will be operational from Category A waste will be disposed at this site. Conditioned waste drums or non-conditioned waste products will be placed in concrete caissons, after which the whole will be filled with concrete. This end product is called monolith. An IPM building (Installation Production Monoliths) will be constructed for the production of these monoliths. The design study for this construction has been awarded to Belgoprocess, and the implementation is planned for the period SUPPORTING TECHNICAL ACTIVITIES Sustainable enterprise also involves supervision work to ensure that the activities relating to the processing and storage of waste, and those relating to the decontamination and decommissioning of deactivated installations can be carried out safely. Restriction of environmental effects must be a striven for in a responsible manner. The maintenance of sites, buildings and technical facilities on operational stand-by is crucial. In view of the extent of the sites and the available infrastructure at Belgoprocess, this requires an annually recurring financial input on a large scale. Thus for example the following activities are performed: Wide-ranging activities are carried out for the preventive and remedial maintenance of installations, buildings, roads and vehicles. Utilities are provided and distributed (electricity, steam, water, compressed air). Installations and sites are secured and monitored. Technical activities undergo risk evaluations in order to identify potential risks in advance and take measures or impose operating conditions so as to prevent incidents. Licence applications are drawn up and cleared with the relevant authorities with a view to the safe operation of technical activities. General infrastructure for radiation protection is kept operational in order to monitor dosage levels in buildings and installations and restrict the radiation doses received by personnel. A sophisticated suite of laboratories is used to carry out supporting analyses and control analyses. Insurance is arranged. The necessary investments in basic infrastructure are made in order to maintain the required operational level. Management tools are set up and procedures applied to achieve the desired results. 19 Belgoprocess

21 5 A PROACTIVE SAFETY POLICY Sustainable operations are only possible if every activity is conducted and completed safely by all the parties concerned. For this reason, safety is an integral, high-priority element of Belgoprocess industrial policy at all times, and the necessary safety considerations are deliberately integrated in every step of the industrial process. The central elements are the personal safety of employees and the need to protect the environment and the general public. Given the nature of Belgoprocess activities, there is always an environmental factor to be taken into account. This sustainability report distinguishes between personal and internal safety on the one hand and external safety and the environment on the other. External safety and the environment are closely monitored when internal activities have the potential to influence or have an impact externally. Information about the external prevention policy can be found below in the section Environmental policy.

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23 5 A PROACTIVE SAFETY POLICY INTERNAL SAFETY: ANTICIPATING EVERY RISK Ensuring internal safety involves promoting employees personal safety and anticipating all risks. Active prevention, protection and risk management are regarded as essential to ensuring safety in the workplace. Belgoprocess is aware that ongoing education in safe behaviour is both necessary and worthwhile. In view of the social importance of our activities, the transparency of our safety performance is crucial. It is therefore easy to see why measurable performance, expressed in clear, concrete figures, contributes to the desired safety culture. In effect, in 2007 was started with the systematic implementation of the safety points mentioned in the action plan which was drawn up during the 10-yearly in It concerns about 40 improvement actions, of which the renewal of a part of the underground system of pipes on site 2 is an important issue. In imitation of site 2 in 2007 was started with the 10-yearly revision of site 1. Workstation analyses were once again carried out. A considerable part of this work involved the workstation analyses at the modified PAMELA plant. The workstation analyses are repeated every three years. The analyses take into account any experience gained and any circumstances which may possibly have changed. With regard to first aid, refresher training courses were organised for the industrial assistants. These examples emphasise the concern for internal safety and protection of the personal safety of the staff. EXCEPTIONALLY LOW ANNUAL DOSES The continual implementation of the ALARA principle results in exceptionally low individual and collective annual doses. Belgoprocess thus underlines its constant concern for its employees. For 2007 the collective dose for 210 category A* and B* employees was man-msv. This represents a low average individual dose of 0.56 msv. This collective dose is divided as follows among our departments: waste processing 43.1%, technical services 9.4%, decommissioning and decontamination 34.4%, and finally the services for safety and environment 13.1%. The individual annual dose for 183 members of staff was less than 1 msv. The highest individual annual dose was 5.62 msv. Thus the individual annual doses remained not just far below the legal maximum annual dose of 20 msv, but also well within the limit of 10 msv which Belgoprocess has set as its target. In the context of the company s reporting obligation to the government, two incidents occurred in A first incident concerns the internal contamination of an employee while manipulating containers in building 151 (INES 1). The second incident occurred in building 127 where a container, upon discharging it from a lorry, made a minor fall (INES 0). * Definitions of persons with work-related exposure category A: persons with work-related exposure who can accumulate an effective dose of over 6 msv in any successive rolledforward 12-month period, or who can accumulate an equivalent dose in his or her eye lens, skin or limbs that is more than threetenths of the dose limits set out in article (cf. ARBIS). category B: all persons with work-related exposure not belonging to category A. PERMANENT SENSITISATION FOR THE PREVENTION OF RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION In 2007 one case of internal contamination was recorded (see previous paragraph). Belgoprocess continues to sensitise its staff in relation to protection against internal contamination. Number of accidents Level of frequency Level of seriousness The level of frequency shows the relationship between a multiplication of the number of accidents by 1 million and the number of hours of exposure. The level of seriousness shows the relationship between 1000 times the number of calendar days actually lost and the number of hours of exposure. Belgoprocess 22

24 THE HSW COMMITTEE ENSURES DIALOGUE AND SAFETY CONSCIOUSNESS The Committee for Health and Safety at Work (abbreviated CHSW) is regarded within Belgoprocess as an important personnel consultation body. At monthly meetings of the CHSW, consultation takes place about safety policy and recorded results, and about employees physical and mental health. The environment also lies within the Committee s remit, and is discussed extensively. The initiatives taken by the Committee demonstrate the point that it performs useful, preventive work. Any accidents are subject to an in-depth investigation and discussion, to prevent any recurrence in the future. On tours of the premises, Committee members identify unsafe situations or circumstances so that these may be improved, after which amelioration measures are taken. The Health and Safety Executive [CPBW] is also closely involved in the audits of the welfare inspection and those of certification bodies. EN ROUTE TO AN INTEGRATED SAFETY SYSTEM In 2007, there were only two industrial accidents, which corresponds to a frequency degree of This is a significant fall from the figure in previous years and an excellent result, especially when we consider the nature of certain activities. In October, Belgoprocess reached the milestone of 12 successive months without any accidents at work. This was a unique achievement in the company s history. The accident severity rate also dropped as a result and was The company s aim is to keep the number of industrial accidents each year as low as possible. In doing so, Belgoprocess counts on the awareness of its employees to work safely and to try and reach a new record. To achieve this, a number of awareness campaigns were launched last year to ensure or improve safety. Progressive bonuses for the entire workforce were, for example, linked to periods of 6 months to one year without an accident. Since then, each accident is also reported throughout the company by means of a poster campaign, with an analysis of the possible causes and the measures that have been taken. Other initiatives were also taken to safeguard or improve safety: The storage depots for chemical products were thoroughly inspected and the explosion safety document finalised. The system of work permits and underlying safety procedures was also improved. The safety procedures and instructions were reviewed as part of the internal reorganisation. The existing method for monitoring the hand-arm vibration of decommissioning personnel was modified as well. FIRE SAFETY At every stage from the design of a nuclear installation through to its operation, strict safety requirements are taken into account, and the most up-to-date protective systems are used. However, the possibility of human or technical error can never be completely excluded. In any case, Belgoprocess must be prepared to take suitable measures to limit the consequences of such accidents as far and as swiftly as possible. To this end, Belgoprocess has its own fire fighting team amongst other things. This internal service consists of 15 volunteers who are employed in various Belgoprocess departments. Every month, the fire-fighters are drilled in the use of emergency and fire fighting techniques in a nuclear setting. In addition to conventional fire fighting equipment, use is also made of adapted suits which protect the fire-fighters against the risk of nuclear contamination. The internal fire service has special equipment for the performance of its tasks. In 2007, a number of detection and sprinkler installations were adapted and/or extended. As well as the fire fighting exercises organised at Belgoprocess, the internal fire service attended externally additional training in an acknowledged centre. The sports programme to stay in good condition has become a fixed component of their monthly exercises. MANAGING EMERGENCY SITUATIONS In accordance with legal requirements, Belgoprocess has its own internal emergency plan, the purpose of which is to ensure that internal and external emergency services interventions are swift and coordinated in emergency situations. The plan was drawn up so as to deploy all available human and material resources as effectively as possible. This is the best guarantee the company can give that personnel, the public and the environment will be protected in the event of a disaster. The organisation of thematic emergency plan exercises on a regular basis is a legal requirement. For this reason Belgoprocess organized a nuclear emergency plan exercise in February which aimed to test the communication and reciprocal fact exchange. Such emergency plan exercises are run in collaboration and consultation with the Government Crisis Centre (CGCCR). This exercise was combined with a complete evacuation exercise on both sites. 23 Belgoprocess

25 6 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Belgoprocess has a social responsibility to work in an environmentally safe manner and continually to ensure the environment is safe. Operating a sustainable environmental policy thus means first and foremost that the environment in the immediate vicinity of its sites should receive long-term protection. This is a concrete example of Belgoprocess sustainable enterprise at work. Firstly, the generation of waste needs to be prevented. Secondly, materials should be internally or externally recycled where possible. They should only be regarded as waste and treated accordingly as a last resort, when recycling is technically or economically unfeasible. All activities that Belgoprocess performs on its site are subject to strict requirements in order to limit the potential impact on the environment in a responsible manner. Concern for environmental protection together with concern for safe, high quality work form the three cornerstones of our integrated care policy concretely described as: safety-environmentquality.

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27 6 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY BELGOPROCESS ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY Belgoprocess seeks to restrict the environmental impact of its activities in a responsible manner. Compliance with legal standards and licensing conditions is not an end in itself. Belgoprocess environmental policy is based on an approach in which safety, quality and care for the environment are inextricably linked. Moreover, the company seeks to demonstrate via its local area monitoring programme that it does monitor its impact on the local environment, and that that impact is negligible. Its environmental policy is set out in the Belgoprocess policy statement, which is integrally reproduced at the beginning of this sustainability report. It makes clear that ensuring that its own environmental and safety performance is understood is seen as crucial by Belgoprocess. Auditing is a valuable tool for acquiring and maintaining this understanding, providing an independent view of the functioning of the organisation and the technology used. ASSURANCE SYSTEM BASED ON ISO STANDARDS Belgoprocess has been ISO-9001 certified since 1995 for a significant proportion of its activities. Over recent years efforts have been made to integrate the safety & environment sectors in one assurance system. Belgoprocess currently operates a system of care which complies with the ISO-9001 standards (quality), ISO (environment) and OHSAS (safety) for all its processes and activities. By this certification by an independent and recognised certification body (SGS) an important and formal step forward was taken, even though it is never complete and always on-going. Belgoprocess continues to carry out its industrial activities in a safe and qualitative manner and with respect for the environment and its neighbours. The aim to achieve continuous improvement with regard to the environment, health and safety, and quality is permanently pursued and mastered by good management, with an active involvement of all employees. BELGOPROCESS LICENCES Belgoprocess holds all the necessary federal operating licences for its installations on both site 1 and site 2. It also holds both a federal and a regional licence for the discharge of its industrial wastewater in the Nete at Mol, plus the necessary licence for pumping groundwater. For new installations or significant extensions to existing installations, or the dismantling of shutdown nuclear installations, Belgoprocess draws up a licence application. When necessary a safety report and an environmental impact report can be added to the licence application. DISCHARGES INTO THE ENVIRONMENT 1. Waste water discharges The discharge of purified wastewater into the Nete at Mol is subject to a regional discharge licence and a federal operating licence. Belgoprocess has its own radiological and biological purification installation for wastewater, which subjects all wastewater to extensive purification before it is discharged. The purified wastewater is first carefully sampled and analysed to determine whether the purification has been sufficiently effective and whether the discharge conditions can be satisfied. If this is the case, the purified wastewater is discharged via a 10 km subterranean pipeline into the Nete at Mol (surface water). Belgoprocess also runs a self-monitoring programme at the discharge point in the Mol-Ezaart measurement station, based on the values stipulated in the two licences. The measurement station is accessible at all times to regional and federal officials, who are able to take control samples and have them analysed. In 2007 Belgoprocess discharged 24,511 m 3 of purified wastewater into the Nete at Mol. This was just 20% of the permitted volume. The total discharged weighted radioactivity was GBq or 0.24% of the permitted value. Sr-Y-90: 7.3% H-3: 13.1% Alfa: 7.7% Other bèta: 4.4% Co-60: 27.5% Chemical load in tonnes (2007) Parameter Discharged load in tonnes/year Na 2 SO Na 3 PO Suspended matter 0.14 NaCl 7.40 SiO NaNO NaNO Rest 0.12 Total Cs-137: 40% Belgoprocess 26

28 Non-conditioned waste waiting to be processed. Radiological The total discharged measured radioactivity was 1,889 GBq. The actual radioactivity of the various radioisotopes for 2007 is made up as follows: weak beta radiation and the relatively harmless isotope 3H accounted for 99.98%, and all other radio-isotopes accounted for just 0.02%. This group of other radioisotopes can be divided as follows: 3% alpha total, 23% Cs-137, 15% Sr-Y-90, 23% Co-60 and 36% other beta. The total discharged weighted radioactivity was GBq or just 0.24% of the permitted value. The graph on page 26 provides an overview of the percentage composition of the discharged weighted radioactivity for Physico-chemical Belgoprocess operates a self-monitoring programme based on the continuous sampling of the parameters included in the discharge licence. In total, around 15 parameters are monitored. The averages for 2007 remained well below the legal discharge standards for each licensing parameter. The total discharged salt load was 12 tonnes in The table illustrated on page 26 gives an overview of the most relevant parameters and their respective loads, expressed in tonnes. Belgoprocess discharges have no effect on the biological quality of the watercourse which receives them, as is apparent from the biotic index for the Nete at Mol. According to the findings of the PIH (Provincial Public Health Institute), which records the biological quality of the Nete at Mol at three locations for Belgoprocess every spring and autumn, the quality could be regarded as medium (to good) upstream measuring point and as good for the two downstream measuring points. Dose impact as a result of wastewater discharges The calculation of the dose impact on man of the discharge of liquid effluent in the Nete at Mol carried out by Belgoprocess was realised using a conservative calculation model. This model was developed by the NRPB (National Radiological Protection Board), a specialised consulting and engineering office from the UK, for the average resident on the bank of the Nete at Mol. This fictitious resident on the bank was exposed in 22 different ways in the model to the radioactivity of the discharged wastewater. Of these 22 methods 19 relate to the internal contamination through inhalation of contaminated particles or by consumption in food, that may have been in contact with the wastewater. The other 3 relate to direct radiation of the wastewater or sludge. The basic assumption is that the average bank resident spends 50 hours a year on the bank, swims 10 hours in the Nete and stays in places where dredged sludge is used as fertilizer for 300 hours and moreover that he obtains 10% of his food from plants and animals in the immediate vicinity of the Nete at Mol. The dose to which such a fictitious person would have been exposed in 2007 as a result of the discharges in that same year, are calculated at 0.05 µsv. This dose was of the same negligibly low level as the values for the previ- 27 Belgoprocess

29 6 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ous years. The dose the average resident on the bank would be exposed to during the following 50 years as a result of the discharge in 2007 can also be calculated. This so-called subsequent dose is 0.09 µsv. This very low dose has to be weighed up against the legally permitted dose of 1,000 µsv (1 msv) which the population may receive on a annual basis. Compare this with the naturally occurring radiation in the Campine region which amounts to approximately 2.4 msv (2,400 µsv) per annum and it is more than clear that an annual dose of 0.05 µsv is insignificant (nearly 50,000 times smaller). 2. Atmospheric emissions Belgoprocess categorises atmospheric emissions into those from nuclear installations and those from conventional installations. A significant effort has been made to reduce emissions. This has involved the use of a sophisticated filtration system with preliminary filters and high efficiency filters, and of gas purification. The High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are very effective, and retain over 99.95% of dust particles released into the air. Emissions from the chimneys of nuclear installations consist mainly of ventilation air. The discharge limits for the chimneys on the sites are set out in the nuclear operating licence and the associated safety report, or are imposed under article 36.1 of ARBIS. Belgoprocess moreover voluntarily complies with VLAREM rules regarding emissions from the chimneys of its conventional installations, with regard to both the medium-sized furnace installations on site 1, the small furnace installations on site 2 and the incineration installation for radioactive waste on site 1. Radiological discharges The chimneys of the nuclear installations are continuously sampled, so that a concrete total overview is obtained of alpha- and beta-emissions. The various chimneys on Belgoprocess sites 1 and 2 only emitted a minimal fraction (maximum 2.1%) of the relevant authorised limits in The radon-emissions from the waste stored at the Solarium are not included in this figure. Since the start up of building 280X in the controlled zone on site 2, the suctioned air in question has been emitted via the chimney on 280X. In 2007 a total of 2.28 MBq (1.53 MBq alpha and 0.75 MBq beta) was emitted via the licensed chimneys on Installation for pumping cleared waste water to the Nete at Mol. Belgoprocess 28

30 Production data During the period a total of 12,507 tonnes of material was produced during dismantling activities. Of this, 9,988 tonnes or 80% was released. Only 20% was treated as radioactive waste of which: Concrete: 8,731 tonnes, of which 7,133 tonnes was fit for recycling (82%) Metal: 2,705 tonnes, of which 2,072 tonnes was fit for recycling (77%) Miscellanious: 496 tonnes, of which 256 tonnes was fit for recycling (52%) 80% total 82% concrete 77% metal 52% miscellanious radioactive waste recycling site 1 and site 2 (excluding tritium and radon). The quantity of tritium emitted through the incineration installation s chimney was 0.28 GBq, or 0.028% of the permitted value (1 TBq per year). The quantity of radon emitted through the chimney of building 280X was 11.7 TBq or 69% of the permitted value (17 TBq per year) for this installation. The measurements show that emissions from the chimneys on both sites were below the emissions limits in Other discharges Belgoprocess has two medium-sized (2 x MW) furnace installations for steam production on site 1 and two small ones (2 x 162 kw) on site 2. Flue gas emissions from these installations are measured four times a year on site 1 and at least once every 5 years on site 2. Belgoprocess also has an incineration installation for low-active solid waste on site 1, with a nominal capacity of 100 kg/h. Emissions measurements are made on the incineration gases every year. The furnace installation on site 1 complied with the CO, dust and SO 2 emission standards in For NOx, levels were detected which still lay within the permitted tolerance of 30% as mentioned in VLAREM II. For the furnace installations on site 2, emissions limits are consistently complied with. Dose impact due to gaseous discharges For atmospheric discharges too, a calculation model is used to determine the subsequent dose incurred by the most critical person over 50 years as a result of the atmospheric discharges in The total subsequent dose the most critical person incurs from discharges from Belgoprocess chimneys is 7.8 µsv. This is entirely due to the inhalation of radon discharged via the chimney of building 280X. This value is well below the maximum dose of 1 msv which a member of the public may incur as a result of industrial activities. The exploitation of building 280X means that, in due course, all drums with radium from the Solarium will be processed, ensuring that the emission of radon on site 2 will also be substantially decreased. As a result of other atmospheric discharges in 2007, the most critical individual in the population incurred a maximum (subsequent) dose of 15 nsv or µsv, which is as insignificant as in previous years. 3. Solid waste Due in particular to the industrial decommissioning work performed by Belgoprocess, large volumes of materials are generated. An extensive material management programme ensures that a substantial proportion of these materials are decontaminated to below the release limit, as a result of which they can be recycled as secondary raw materials. Only small volumes of radioactive waste are left. The material from the controlled zone mainly consists of concrete rubble and scrap metal. The treatment of this waste flow must ultimately result in a high recycling percentage after release. To this end, special installations have been designed and built which are capable of eliminating radioactive contamination from concrete and/or scrap metal. After sampling at the concrete sampling installation, the concrete rubble is released for use as a secondary raw material for road construction. The metal is released after treatment at an abrasive jet facility. The fraction of materials which, due to size restrictions, cannot be released after treatment with the available resources and after measurement, is sent to a melting oven in Sweden to be melted down, sampled and released after measurement. The volumes of released materials are systematically recorded and reported to the FANC. The branch of the FANC (Bel-V) conducts independent control measurements of the released materials. Non-nuclear waste materials are sorted and temporarily stored at an internal container park. They are then removed and treated by authorised processors. All these waste materials are recorded in a waste materials register, which is submitted each year to the Flemish Environmental Administration, through the Internal Environmental Report Section (IMYV). During 2007, a total volume of 1,102 tonnes of various waste materials (conventional waste and released materials) was removed from Belgoprocess sites. 922 tonnes consisted of released materials. The main waste flows for 2007 were, in order of importance: construction and demolition waste (74%), scrap iron (9%), chemical waste (8%), clearance waste (5%), paper waste (3%) and wood waste (1%). These materials primarily derived from the release of concrete containers and 20-foot containers on site 2, from the demolition of the pumping station on site 2 and from the continued demolition 29 Belgoprocess

31 6 ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY of the former Eurochemic reprocessing plant. Most of the waste that leaves Belgoprocess premises is recycled (± 91%). ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS Monitoring the local environment In consultation with the competent government, Belgoprocess has set up a legally required local environment monitoring programme which enables the radiological impact of its industrial activities on the environment to be determined. This programme consists of radiological checks on the water, soil and atmosphere. Water and soil Every quarter, samples are taken from the Nete at Mol before and after the discharge point for the purified water that is discharged by Belgoprocess. These samples are used to determine the radiological and physico-chemical parameters. The measured concentrations in the water of the Nete at Mol are close to the environmental quality standards for surface water in VLAREM II. It can therefore be deduced that the impact of Belgoprocess discharges is negligible. In addition, every year, sludge samples are taken from four different places on the bed of the Nete at Mol. Regular contamination checks are performed on the groundwater and rainwater at both Belgoprocess sites and in the local area. The measured concentrations are quite low, and usually remain below the detection limit. Atmosphere Environmental radiation on the sites, at their perimeter and in the vicinity of Belgoprocess is measured quarterly using TLDs (thermoluminescent dosemeters). In total, 48 dosemeters have been set up, as follows: nine dosemeters spread out over site 1 uncontaminated MATERIAL RECYCLing four dosemeters on the perimeter of site 1 four dosemeters in the broader vicinity of site 1 two dosemeters, spread out over site 2 five dosemeters on the perimeter of the controlled zone of site 2 twelve dosemeters in the broader vicinity of site 2 twelve dosemeters spread out along the banks of the Nete at Mol. The results of the yeardosemeters at the broader vicinity of site 1 varied for 2007 between 73 and 79 nsv/h, which corresponds to the level of the natural background radiation in the Kempen. In the vicinity of site 2, higher values were measured ( nsv/h). At one site in the vicinity of site 2 a Process of decommissioning decommissioning contaminated material DECONTAMINATion of MATERIALs RADIOACTIve waste waste processing local dose was measured of 485 nsv/h. In the vicinity of that site conditioned waste is stored while awaiting transportation to the new storage facility for low-radioactive conditioned waste (building 155X) on site 1 of Belgoprocess. The transport to the new storage facility, will and shall contribute gradually to a significant limitation of the radiation around site 2. Measurement of radon on and around site 2 A total of 26 radon dosemeters have been set up on site 2, including eight in the immediate vicinity of the Solarium. Radon containing containers are stored at the Solarium while awaiting processing and conditioning. The measurements confirm that the higher radon concentrations were all found around the Solarium. Belgoprocess 30

32 Semi-automatic control stand voor dose measuring and visual inspection. 14 Rn-detectors were also set up around the Belgoprocess site. The measurements for 2007 yielded results that correspond to variations of the natural radon background. Atmospheric contamination Air is monitored at the Dessel Town Hall and at three locations on site 2. The alfa and beta atmospheric contamination levels are insignificant for Belgoprocess

33 7 ENTERPRISE ON BEHALVE OF MAN AND SOCIETY The main aim of Belgoprocess activities is to treat radioactive waste in such a way as to minimise the risk of harmful effects to man and the environment in a responsible manner. In concrete terms, sustainable enterprise means for Belgoprocess that for each policy decision, the impact on man and society is taken into account naturally together with the ecological and economic parameters. This approach enables Belgoprocess to provide a satisfactory response to the demands made by society concerning the management of radioactive waste in general and the cost of that management in particular. Its future-oriented mission can only be carried through to a successful conclusion if it is taken on by the whole company. Thus sustainability starts in-house, with the company s own employees.

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35 7 ENTERPRISE ON BEHALVE OF MAN AND SOCIETY OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT BASED ON PROCESS MANAGEMENT All activities performed by Belgoprocess, both technical and administrative and supporting activities, fall under one of the 19 business processes identified within Belgoprocess. These processes are categorised as main processes, management processes and supporting processes. For each process, a coordinator is appointed responsible for the management of his/her process and for achieving the set objectives and who must improve this process where possible. To this end, performance indicators are identified and the measured values are used as guideline parameters. Through such a process of continual improvement, Belgoprocess attempts to optimise its operational management on an ongoing basis, with the ultimate goal of ensuring the satisfaction of stakeholders or interested groups. The employee is central to this operational management model. It is through his/her unremitting dedication that the desired results are achieved. CHARTER FOR STANDARDS AND VALUES Belgoprocess employees play a central role in carrying out the company s mission. Their competence, commitment and team spirit are significant factors in determining the stability of operational management, and hence the welfare of society. These are the people who convert the abstract concept of sustainable enterprise into concrete actions on a day-by-day basis. Every action they perform must comply with the basic code of conduct provided by Belgoprocess. This code is recorded in a charter which contains nine basic rules. These fundamental rules of conduct must contribute to smooth collaboration and a healthy working atmosphere. Belgoprocess can only fulfil its social role satisfactorily when these basic rules are incorporated in its everyday operations. The text of the charter is given in full opposite. Belgoprocess wishes to inform you of its code of conduct in this way. It is through the collective dedication of its employees, their motivation and their attention to values and standards that Belgoprocess is able to fulfil its social responsibilities and achieve its objectives. Because the workforce represents the most important factor in carrying out Belgoprocess longterm mission, the company naturally attaches real value to employment conditions, job security, training and internal communication. WORKING ON EDUCATION, SAFETY AND MOTIVATION PAYS Employees actions must be continually focused on the safety requirements of society. For this reason, a great deal of attention is paid at Belgoprocess to training, motivation and well-being, and to a safe, high-quality working environment. 'Competency Management' is introduced as part of the personnel policy programme. In doing so, the company aims to develop the knowledge and skills of the personnel and to adapt them to future requirements. ONGOING FURTHER TRAINING Belgoprocess seeks to keep its personnel competent, satisfied and motivated, and is well aware of the relevance of suitable training here. Well-trained employees feel more secure, derive more enjoyment from their work and have more options for developing in their job. They will also function more effectively. Belgoprocess activities set strict requirements in terms of quality, safety and the environment. The company is conscious of the importance of suitable ongoing training for its personnel, especially in connection with the application of the latest techniques in the processing and management of radioactive waste. Each newly recruited personnel member undergoes a comprehensive induction and training week. The attendance of training courses then becomes a recurrent for a smooth cooperation and a healthy working atmosphere: 1. Treat your colleagues with respect, dignity and trust. Be convinced that they are also acting in the best interests of the company. 2. Help each other. Be happy to give and ask for support. Accepting help is not a sign of weakness. Make enough space to give extra help to your colleagues. Exchange your own experience and lessons, both successes and failures. 3. Inform everyone directly concerned with the subject immediately, truthfully and fully. Listen to the opinions of others. 4. Earn trust by making and fulfilling commitments, by keeping promises and discussing necessary changes before implementing them. 5. Try to understand our aims and strategies and actively support them by discussing them, mentioning them and trying to fulfil them (e.g. joint use of materials). 6. Never undermine your colleagues or their work, either directly or indirectly. 7. Work together to resolve points of discussion in a good spirit. If necessary talk together to a person in a superior position in the company hierarchy and accept and support the solution proposed by them. 8. Contribute constructively by showing professional and ethical conduct. Take care of tools, pay attention to order and cleanliness and to your own and your colleagues safety. 9. Encourage the permanent compliance with this code of conduct. Belgoprocess 34

36 paid sick leave within guaranteed monthly income (days/man-year) theme throughout the employee s subsequent career. Belgoprocess policy provides for an average training duration of 2% of annual working hours. THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT At Belgoprocess, the personnel department is responsible for the conditions of employment of each employee. The personnel department s tasks include attendance registration, payroll administration, personnel administration and the provision of personnel information, recruitment and selection, managing training, the definition and application of employment conditions, and the provision of support to the general management in its contacts with trade union organisations and in conducting the social dialogue. The personnel department also supports all personnel activities. Support for activities such as the staff party is provided in close consultation with the Belgoprocess Employees Association. tion plan. Replacements will doubtless help lower the average age of the workforce. A rejuvenation of the workforce will be realised gradually. FEWER WOMEN The percentage of female employees in the total workforce was 14.1%. Compared with the gender ratio in society as a whole, Belgoprocess only has a small percentage of female employees. However, it should be borne in mind that female employees are traditionally under-represented in this sector. Reasons can be provided for this historic imbalance. A great many functions, such as decommissioning activities, require highly physical work and are thus less attractive to women. Moreover, employment in the controlled zone is prohibited for pregnant women. However, the more highly qualified positions such as those for project engineers or environmental coordinators and administrative functions are increasingly being filled by women. personnel according to age group <21y y y y y y y y. 46 >55 y. 29 personnel according to years of service 0-5 y y y y y y. 32 >30 y. 24 NEW, SUSTAINABLE ORGANISATIONAL FORM Following on from the CLA Reorganisation Plan, the Board of Directors has decided to introduce a new organisational form. As of , a technical operations department, a department responsible for the policy on safety, environment and quality assurance, and an administrative department. The introduction of this new organisation will lead to an increase in efficiency and hence yield increased returns. PERSONNEL ANALYSIS FIGURES REVEAL A STABLE WORKING ENVIRONMENT At the end of 2007, Belgoprocess had 248 employees. Eleven personnel members left on early retirement. One personnel member was fired. A low level of employee turnover has historically been a constant factor at Belgoprocess. All members of personnel have white-collar status. WORKFORCE REJUVENATION PROCESS STARTED During this reporting year, the average employee age was 45. Out of the 248 employees, 38 had less than six years seniority at Belgoprocess. During 2007 two more employees left on early retirement at the age of 57. Anyone reaching the age of 57 can, if he wishes, take time credit under the terms of the recent reorganisa- PART-TIME WORK ACCEPTED Belgoprocess allows part-time work, as the working programme for the technical liabilities is shrinking and financial resources are insufficient to tackle what remains of the liabilities at an accelerated pace. Work is therefore continuing at a steady pace with a relatively constant level of occupation. Spreading work over time and part-time employment are acceptable solutions for the situation Belgoprocess finds itself in. This way, the present employment is safeguarded. At the end of 2007, 29 personnel members were working part-time. Just over half of the staff converted their 13th month into special leave. This is also a constant over recent years. SICK LEAVE UNDER CONTROL The average number of days off sick per person was 9.1 days in Short sick leave (less than 1 month) increased with 12%. In order to allow an external comparison it is naturally important to implement the same definition. The social secretariats maintain the ratio of days off in relation to theoretical days to be worked. These 'days which theoretically have to be worked also include leave days. This gives Belgoprocess a somewhat more positive picture of absenteeism due to illness. The social secretariat SD Worx process data concerning days 35 Belgoprocess

37 7 ENTERPRISE ON BEHALVE OF MAN AND SOCIETY off for over 460,000 employee and over 13,900 employers. This social secretariat concluded that short sick leave (less than 1 month) keeps increasing in Belgium (from 2.26% to 2.38%). The general sick leave increased from 4.99% to 5.19%). If we assess Belgoprocess on the basis of this criteria we conclude that short sick leave in 2007 was 2.09% and general sick leave 3.45%. CORRECT COMMUNICATION IS VITAL Belgoprocess delivers services with a considerable social impact and is therefore aware of the need for effective radioactive waste management. Because the company carries out public interest tasks, Belgoprocess regards open dialogue with local people and the distribution of accurate information as indispensable. Transparency and the faithful recording of activities and their effects on the environment are the only way of responding to the demands posed by a critical public. Belgoprocess knows that a sound reputation is essential if it is to provide services of lasting value. During 2007, a wide range of information channels were continually used to share the results of the sustainability policy with all individuals, groups and organisations which have a stake in the effective functioning of Belgoprocess. INTERNAL COMMUNICATION Careful waste management is an indispensable element of the nuclear option. Belgoprocess employees play a central role in the performance of this mission. Their commitment is therefore essential. The staff newsletter, lunchtime briefings and the intranet are the tangible result of an active internal communication policy for employees. In 2007, the newsletter Belgopress appeared 3 times. This newsletter spotlights a personnel team and topical issues are considered in more detail. During lunchtime sessions, business-related topics are explained by guest speakers, with an opportunity for questions and answers. Intrabel, the Belgoprocess intranet, gives employees relevant business news quickly and succinctly. EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION 2007 was characterised in relation to external communication by a lasting interest from a political angle and increased interest from foreign companies in the activities of Belgoprocess. The increased interest from the various political parties should be explained on the one hand by the energy debates and on the other by the finalisation of the present disposal dossier. Extra efforts were also made in 2007 concerning external communications in order to bundle and present the results of Belgoprocess in a follow-up issue of the sustainability report. RAISING AWARENESS OF THE NUCLEAR ISSUE 52 technical tours were organised in These tours were realised in the framework of commercialisation campaigns and informative visits. In total 726 people benefited from such a technical visit to the Belgoprocess installations. Moreover 11,611 people received information on radioactivity s role in society and the management of radioactive waste materials in 2007, via Isotopolis, the Belgoprocess information centre. Traditionally, the majority of these visitors have been pupils from secondary schools. Belgoprocess 36

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39 8 FINANCE The professional way Belgoprocess carries out its duties enjoys international recognition. The company watches over the quality of its personnel team and continually optimises its infrastructure. Moreover all assignments are carried out under a strict legislative framework. The legislative framework not only supervises the way in which Belgoprocess carries out its duties but also ensures that these duties are carried out at a reasonable price. A professional company attitude and an adequate legal supervision offer principals and society as a whole the best guarantees. They not only ensure that the radioactive waste produced is processed, conditioned and managed appropriately but also ensure that this is realised at the correct price.

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