Radioprotection 2024 , 59 ( 2 ), 69 – 79 © The Authors , Published by EDP Sciences 2024 https :// doi . org / 10.1051 / radiopro / 2023043
Available online at : www . radioprotection . org
ARTICLE
Comparative qualitative and quantitative analysis of guidelines for nuclear accident recovery
L . Canet 1 , 2 , M . Takada 1 ,* and T . Yasutaka 1
1 National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology ( AIST ), 1-1-1 Higashi , Tsukuba , Ibaraki 305-8560 Japan . 2 AgroParisTech , 22 place de l ’ Agronomie , 91120 Palaiseau , France . Received : 1 September 2023 / Accepted : 11 December 2023
Abstract – Nuclear accidents have impacted the territory , population , and environment over a long time . With their global and multifaceted impacts , increasing preparedness for such events will help achieve better and more sustainable long-term recovery . Recovery and response guidelines exist internationally for preparing for nuclear accidents . The qualitative and quantitative analysis of 13 recovery guidelines realized in this study help to better understand the general emphasis points , specificities , and potential topics that need to be further developed in the wake of sustainable remediation . Currently , recovery and remediation prioritize waste management , population protection , and well-being , with less focus on environmental and economic aspects . To meet sustainable needs , these less-emphasized areas should be addressed to foster more comprehensive and resilient recovery strategies .
Keywords : Recovery / remediation / nuclear post-accident / guideline
1 Introduction
Nuclear accidents , such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant ( FDNPP ) accidents , not only cause environmental contamination by radioactive materials but also affect the socioeconomy through evacuation , relocation , restrictions on land use and agricultural shipments , decontamination , and compensation . Therefore , recovery plans must consider not only environmental recovery , but also social and economic restructuring . The Chernobyl accident in 1986 and FDNPP accident in 2011 , highlighted the importance of preparedness and the need for international cooperation in managing nuclear accidents . The evolution of guidance occurred through regular and consistent updates , fueled by the acquisition of new knowledge and information aimed at better preparing society for future events . Vital lessons learned from past experiences , such as the Chernobyl and Fukushima incidents , serve as invaluable benchmarks for assessing the exigencies of effective response and recovery strategies ( Ohba et al ., 2021 ; Fushiki , 2013 ; Cléro et al ., 2021 ). By continually learning from past incidents , we can increase our ability to respond effectively to nuclear emergencies and safeguard both public well-being and the environment .
Nuclear accidents progress in three phases , each requiring specific actions and considerations . The initial phase , known as the response or early phase , involves immediate emergency
* Corresponding author : momo . takada @ aist . go . jp measures , such as rapid evacuation , containment , and decontamination , to minimize the release of radioactive materials and safeguard public health ( ICRP No . 146 , 2020 ). This was followed by a transition phase as the situation became clearer . It is characterized by efforts to stabilize the situation and assess the extent of the damage . As the transition phase evolves and the situation stabilizes , the recovery phase ensues , focusing on the restoration of affected areas and the rehabilitation of impacted communities . This phase relies heavily on the implementation of remedial options , which encompass a range of strategies , including soil remediation , waste management , and infrastructure reconstruction . Management of the extensive volume of radioactive waste ( IAEA No . NW-T-1.31 , 2022 ) following a nuclear accident presents significant challenges , and is one of the main issues for recovery . Effective waste management practices are essential to ensure the safe disposal or containment of radioactive materials , thereby mitigating long-term environmental and health risks . The costs associated with nuclear accidents are important ( JCER , 2019 ) and encompass various aspects including emergency response , transition planning , recovery efforts , remediation actions , and long-term monitoring . These costs include infrastructure repairs , compensation for affected individuals , and implementation of preventive measures for future incidents .
The recovery process following a nuclear incident encompasses not only environmental aspects , but also social and economic dimensions , making it a multidimensional
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