An
overvi
ew
of the
Master
plan
The
cAt project
in Dessel
A long-term solution
for Belgian category A waste
MORE
INFORM
ATION
about
the cA
t proje
ct:
www.
niras-c
at.be
In 2006, ONDRAF/NIRAS, the body responsible for radioactive waste management in Belgium, began work
on developing an integrated project of category A waste surface disposal in Dessel (cAt project). As a result,
ONDRAF/NIRAS has been very busy over the past few years. The design of the cAt project is taking shape, the
legal framework is being put in place for guaranteeing financing and the planning phase and the necessary
licence applications are in the preparatory stages.
ONDRAF/NIRAS provides an initial description of all aspects of the cAt project in its Master plan: a unique
concept, integrating the Dessel repository into a project with long-term social and economic added value for the
region. The Master plan articulates the vision shared by ONDRAF/NIRAS and the local partnerships STORA
(Dessel) and MONA (Mol) on the cAt project in March 2010, and is based on the report from the STOLA Dessel
partnership (November 2004). This Master plan will further evolve over the coming years. With time, it will be
concretised on the basis of detailed implementation plans. It will thus develop into a final Master plan when all
sub-projects are ready for implementation.
This brochure serves as an overview of the Master plan and aims to provide all interested parties with information about the cAt project. More information about the cAt project and the complete Master plan can be
consulted on www.niras-cat.be.
I hope you enjoy reading this brochure.
Jean-Paul Minon General Manager of ONDRAF/NIRAS
1
The cAt project in a nutshell
Collective design,
will also remain significant throughout
able development by dealing responsibly
collective realisation
the further elaboration of the project and
with raw materials, paying attention to
Openness, transparency and coopera-
the realisation of the disposal site. The
nature and the environment, communi-
tion are vital in the realisation of the
entire cAt project will also be followed
cating in an open and transparent way,
cAt project and local partnerships were
by a collective steering committee from
investing in participation and dialogue,
closely involved in the development of
ONDRAF/NIRAS, STORA and MONA, in
and fostering innovation.
the repository concept right from the
which the mayors of Dessel and Mol have
start. The principles of “collective design”
an advisory role.
The cAt project contributes to sustain-
In 2006, the Federal Government gave the all-clear
for the cAt project in Dessel. This project offers a solution
Cohesion between the building blocks
for disposal of low and medium-level short-lived waste
guarantees the integration of the cAt project.
(in short: category A waste) in Belgium. The cAt project
is unique in terms of the way in which the repository in
Dessel will be integrated into a social, added-value project
for the region in the long term.
Project structure:
seven building blocks,
Integration as key word
sures safety in the short and long term.
values are a constant element in all build-
one integrated project
With the choice of surface disposal,
The concept limits the impact of the re-
ing blocks of the cAt project.
The cAt project is an extensive project
ONDRAF/NIRAS and the local partner-
pository on both man and the environ-
ships STORA and MONA are opting for an
ment and guarantees permanent super-
The repository
sues. ONDRAF/NIRAS has, therefore, divid-
integrated project in Dessel. Or, in other
vision of all installations.
and its surroundings
ed the project into seven sub-projects: the
which will deal with a vast amount of is-
words, a disposal project which is safe
Simultaneously, the cAt project also
The social acceptability of a disposal site
disposal, the communication centre, the
and technically flawless, in combination
accommodates societal concerns. At the
for radioactive waste is partially deter-
Local Fund, consultation and participation,
with various added-value projects which
same time as realising the repository,
mined by the way in which the installa-
spatial planning and mobility, employment
are good for prosperity and wellbeing in
ONDRAF/NIRAS is again working with
tion fits into its physical environment.
and retention of nuclear know-how and
the region both today and in the future.
the local partnerships on achieving re-
ONDRAF/NIRAS, therefore, pays a great
safety, environment and health. Cohesion
alistic added value for the inhabitants of
deal of attention to the visual integration
between these building blocks, both on an
Safe disposal and added value
the Dessel and Mol region. A fund set up
of the disposal site into the surroundings.
organisational level and on site, is essential
for the population
to support sustainable local projects and
Furthermore, a congruent logistics chain,
as this will enable integration in the cAt
The disposal concept, developed in col-
activities, the realisation of spatial op-
the coherent spatial arrangement of the
project to be guaranteed.
laboration with the local partnerships,
portunities and the creation of new jobs
components and optimum accessibility of
guarantees technical feasibility and en-
are just a few examples of this. The added
the site add to a clear design.
4
The cAt project in a nutshell
Communication
centre
Local
Fund
Consultation
& participation
Repository
concept & safety
Safety,
environment
& health
Spatial
planning
& mobility
Employment
& retaining
nuclear know-how
The cAt project in a nutshell
5
2
Disposal progress
1
1 The radioactive waste is encapsulated
in a 400-litre metallic drum. Each drum
has its own identification card so that the
specific characteristics and its origins are
always known.
2 The waste drums will be placed in groups
of four in a concrete case or caisson, in
The disposal:
the heart of the cAt project
Active intervention
which they will be encapsulated with
by future generations
mortar. As a result, this will form a mono-
to guarantee safety
2
lithic block.
The monolithic blocks are the units
is then no longer
which are then placed into the disposal
required.
modules.
3 These modules are concrete bunkers with
thick walls made of reinforced concrete.
3
Each module measures 27 by 25 me-
Disposal is the key sub-project within the cAt project. This sub-project encompasses
tres and will hold about 900 monolithic
the detailed implementation of the repository, including the caissons, the monoliths,
blocks. Twenty modules, which will take
the caisson plant, the installation for the production of monoliths (IPM), the disposal modules,
about four years to build, will be built in
the installation’s roof structure, the final cover and the various outbuildings.
the first phase. Fourteen modules will
then be built in the second phase. Once
a module has been filled, it will be sealed
with a concrete roofing plate.
to be less effective than anticipated, other
4
barriers must guarantee uncompromised
4 All modules will have a fixed roof that pro-
safety both during the 300-year active
vides protection against all weather condi-
Category A waste:
dioactive and limited quantities of long-
ry A waste will be generated in the future,
monitoring period of the repository and
tions.
surface disposal
lived substances. Surface disposal is a
among other things upon dismantlement
beyond. Once the disposal has been com-
as long-term solution
long-term solution, immobilising waste
of nuclear facilities, and this will also
pleted, the final barriers are put in place
5 In time, the fixed roof will be replaced by
Category A waste refers to low-level and
and separating it from man and the envi-
reach its final resting place in the new
around the waste. Active intervention by
a permanent, waterproof final cover over
medium-level short-lived waste that has
ronment. The category A waste remains
repository in Dessel.
future generations to guarantee safety is
the disposal modules. The cover consists
been processed and conditioned. This
confined and isolated for at least 300
then no longer required. Supervision is
of a sophisticated system of natural mate-
waste contains a small quantity of ra-
years. This period of time is required for
A short overview
still possible but is not essential. The con-
rials and foils and will be tested with a trial
the waste to lose most of its radioactiv-
of the disposal process
cept of the repository in Dessel is already
cover first. The cover must offer protection
ity as a result of the decay of short-lived
The cAt project will dispose of a total of
being applied elsewhere in the world, for
against erosion, invasive roots, infiltrat-
elements. This guarantees safety without
about 70,500 m³ of category A waste on
instance in France, Spain and Japan.
ing water, desiccation and freezing, etc. It
the need for active intervention by future
the surface.
During surface disposal,
waste is encapsulated and
isolated from man
and the environment.
6
The disposal: the heart of the cAt project
generations.
The installation for surface disposal in
is up to future generations to decide when
The concept of surface disposal aims to
Dessel is designed so that it meets the con-
to replace the roof with a permanent, im-
Category A waste is currently being
contain and isolate the radioactive waste
dition of “retrievability”. This means that
permeable cover. When that time comes,
temporarily stored after processing at the
to prevent any risks for man and the en-
it is possible to retrieve the secured waste
there will just be two hillocks of about 20
Belgoprocess site (the industrial subsidi-
vironment by applying consecutive barri-
safely with the same or similar methods
metres visible in the landscape.
ary of ONDRAF/NIRAS in Dessel). Catego-
ers around the waste. If one barrier proves
as those used for the disposal itself.
The disposal: the heart of the cAt project
5
7
Monoliths:
The disposal modules
the key to safety
The disposal modules are designed to
A monolith is a caisson (a covered con-
ensure that disposal can take place in a
crete case with a 12 centimetres thick
robust and safe way and so that safety is
wall and covered by a roof) in which the
guaranteed in the long term. The mod-
waste will be encapsulated with immobi-
ules are equipped with an inspection area
lisation mortar. The mixture of concrete
and a drainage system. These will allow
and mortar has been chosen so that the
any tears or water seepage to be detected
monolith’s durability is guaranteed.
promptly.
The monoliths simplify the operation
ONDRAF/NIRAS will operate the re-
of the disposal site, increase the safety of
pository itself. It has more expertise than
the disposal operation and, last but not
anyone to guarantee safety, both dur-
least, guarantee safety in the long term.
ing disposal of the waste and in the long
à
term.
ONDRAF/NIRAS has developed three different monoliths.
The first type is suitable for encapsulating standard drums,
the second for non-standard drums. The third type will be used for bulk waste,
mainly originating from dismantling nuclear facilities.
The monoliths
simplify the
also ensured. The closeness of all compo-
at the MPF until they can be transported
nents also ensures logical and efficient
to the disposal modules by rail. Annual
process and increase
organisation of the process. Finally, the
monolith production will amount to ap-
safety during
local production of caissons is also good
proximately 1,000.
waste disposal
disposal and
in the long term.
1
Prototypes
The fact that they are vital for safety,
In order to test and further substantiate
As a result, ONDRAF/NIRAS will be
means that the monoliths must meet very
the design process, ONDRAF/NIRAS has
seeking a private partner for operation of
strict conditions. Both the raw materials
set up three prototypes:
the caisson plant. An investigation is cur-
and the production processes are, there-
1 A subsidence test monitoring the
rently being carried out into whether this
fore, monitored extremely carefully.
for local employment.
subsidence of the subsurface under
Three prototypes
a weight comparable to that of a filled
will substantiate
private partner can develop additional,
Placement of the monoliths in the dis-
non-nuclear activities. These activities
posal modules is not a random procedure.
should contribute towards local employ-
The monoliths with the highest radia-
2 A demonstration test in which part of
The caisson plant
ment opportunities and, besides that,
tion levels are placed at the bottom of the
the module, including the inspection
The caissons will be manufactured on-
also lower the cost price of the caissons.
modules. In addition, the various heights
area, is constructed.
site, at the disposal site. The closeness
module.
of the different types of monolith require
3 A test cover, involving following up and
of the plant simplifies quality control of
Monolith production
different groupings within the modules.
studying the behaviour of the covering
production and the caissons’ technical
facility (MPF)
In order to facilitate this degree of flex-
layers.
conditions. Furthermore, this provision-
At the MPF, the waste is placed in a caisson
ibility, the MPF is equipped with buffer
ing of the production installation for the
and filled with mortar to form concrete
(lag) storage.
monolithic blocks (MPF) with caissons is
monoliths. The monoliths will be stored
8
The disposal: the heart of the cAt project
2
the design choices
for the disposal.
3
The MPF will be run by Belgoprocess.
The disposal: the heart of the cAt project
9
3
The communication centre:
the core of information on
radioactive waste management
around the communication centre. The
one hundred interactive set-ups, annual
data on the network will allow inhabit-
temporary exhibitions, a scientific thea-
ants to obtain information about the cAt
tre and rooms for workshops.
project from a distance, via TV or website.
The network can also be used for initia-
In the short term: the DIN test
tives from the local communities, such as
project and the information path
community television.
Effective realisation of the communi-
room will not only
The theme park will provide appealing
cation centre at the chosen location re-
be used for lectures and
information in a relaxed setting about
quires a revision of the regional plan. It
conferences, but also
radioactive waste management and its
will, therefore, take several years before
broader context. It will target a broad
construction of the communication cen-
and diverse audience including schools,
tre can begin. Despite this, and in order to
families, groups and clubs and companies
get started on communication about the
and will be able to accommodate around
cAt project, ONDRAF/NIRAS is launch-
40,000 visitors per year. The theme park
ing a test project about the DIN and is lay-
will consist of an activity area with up to
ing out an information path for visitors.
… the
multifunctional
for social events.
Radioactive waste disposal is not an everyday activity.
The residents of the surrounding municipalities also demand
clear and transparent information about the waste management.
The communication centre will constitute an accessible and attractive
collection of all information regarding the cAt project. It must become
the local reference point par excellence for information on category
A waste disposal and, in a broader sense, on radioactive waste
management and its context.
Information
inhabitants, but also aim at a broader and
and training programmes, but which can
about radioactive waste
more varied audience from outside the
be also be used for social events.
management
area.
The communication centre’s planned
form an important part of the industrial
location is in Dessel’s nuclear zone, where
centre to theme park for young
heritage in the area and the link with ra-
the Gravenstraat and the Kastelsedijk
and old
dioactive waste management can serve as
intersect. In this way, a visit to the com-
The contact and reception centre will be the
a specific advantage for the region’s iden-
munication centre can also be combined
central contact point for local people in
tity. For that reason, the communication
with a visit to the repository and the pro-
relation to the cAt project and all of the
centre will not only focus on the region’s
totypes.
nuclear facilities in the region. The visi-
Residents in the regions will also be
tors will be provided with information
able to use the infrastructure of the com-
about nuclear activities in the area and
Residents in the region
munication centre. It will be a flexible
can approach the centre with all of their
will also be able
concept, including, for instance, a multi-
questions and comments.
centre’s infrastructure…
functional room that will not only serve
ONDRAF/NIRAS will therefore estab-
to accommodate lectures, conferences
lish a digital and interactive network (DIN)
10 The communication centre: the core of information on radioactive waste management
à
From contact and reception
The nuclear activities in Dessel and Mol
to use the communication
The theme park about radioactive waste
management, aimed at a broad and diverse audience.
à
A visit to the communication
centre can be combined with a visit
to the repository and the prototypes.
The communication centre: the core of information on radioactive waste management
11
4
5
Assure involvement and participation:
today, tomorrow and beyond
From the very beginning,
participation has formed an
The Local Fund: sustainable long-term
opportunities for Dessel and Mol
essential part of the cAt project
and it must stay that way in the
future. Apart from keeping a
close eye on the cAt project itself,
the population would also like
to be actively involved in other
nuclear activities in the area.
This has already been achieved
today within both partnerships
It is no more than reasonable to expect the cAt project to deliver a range of benefits for the local
communities. These added values are included in all building blocks of the cAt project and are, thus,
inextricably linked to it. Furthermore, a Local Fund will be created as a means for realising additional
and these partnerships will retain
this wide ranging task in the
long term.
socio-economic projects and added value activities for the region.
What is the Local Fund?
Why a fund?
The Local Fund:
Involvement is crucial
zens is therefore indispensable through-
multiple roles and tasks in the future. In
The Local Fund is a cash fund that will
The repository has a life expectancy of
added value for
Over the course of the years, an extraordi-
out the duration of the cAt project.
some cases, they will have an executive
be financed by one of the two ONDRAF/
just a few hundred years. A fund is a suitable instrument to create a continuum of
numerous generations.
nary participation model has developed
NIRAS funds that will provide funding
for the entire cAt project. The Local
role with concrete responsibility (e.g.
around disposal of category A waste. The
Different times, different roles
management of the Local Fund); in oth-
socio-economic values and provide con-
inhabitants of the Dessel and Mol munici-
Decisions that go beyond day-to-day op-
ers, they will have more of an advisory
Fund will support projects and activities
tinuous financial resources over many
palities are closely involved in the realisa-
erations of the repository will be required
role towards the councils and other or-
that will improve quality of life for
generations. Furthermore, a fund allows
The value of the Local Fund
tion of the aggregate cAt project via the
at various moments. These decisions may
ganisations involved.
the local residents and create sustainable
for the anticipation of changing societal
The initial amount of money for the Local
local partnerships STORA and MONA. A
involve issues such as the construction of
Participation will, therefore, be a re-
opportunities for the region. These
needs. After all, it is neither possible nor
Fund, required in order to achieve added
partnership between ONDRAF/NIRAS,
the second series of modules, adjustments
curring issue over the coming years and
projects and activities may be of a diverse
desirable to currently estimate the types
value, amounts to between a scientifi-
the municipalities involved and their citi-
of the waste volumes and closure of the
decades and for the entire life of the re-
nature and may include social, economic
of projects and activities that will provide
cally determined and reasonable 90 and
modules. To ensure a socially acceptable
pository. The functions of the partner-
or cultural projects. In essence, they
added value to local communities a few
110 million euros. The Local Fund will be
course of action as regards that process,
ships and their operational shape may
provide added value which is more far-
decades from now.
managed equally by STORA and MONA,
ONDRAF/NIRAS wishes to maintain a
evolve in time. This will vary from project
solid relationship with the surrounding
to project and will depend on the cAt
good relationships with
area in the future and allow the residents
project phase and also on the social devel-
the surrounding area.
to participate in relevant developments.
opments which will occur over the com-
The partnerships will hence be faced with
ing decades.
reaching than the added value created by
the cAt project itself.
12
The Local Fund: sustainable long-term opportunities for Dessel and Mol
the local partnerships in Dessel and Mol.
ONDRAF/NIRAS would
also like to maintain
Assure involvement and participation: today, tomorrow and beyond
13
6
à
Spatial planning and mobility
The N118 will become the main access road to the disposal site.
The cAt project will occupy a considerable area in the northern nuclear zone of Dessel-Mol.
The planning phase and the licences which go hand in hand with the construction of the repository
site and the whole nuclear region. In or-
spatial opportunities for the region within the framework of the cAt project. In addition, they are
der to resolve the traffic problems in Geel
to closely follow government initiatives for improving regional traffic conditions. ONDRAF/NIRAS
and Retie, an improvement scheme for
is opting for rational access to the disposal site, with as many supplies as possible being transported
the N118 is seen as vital.
via the canal.
The improvement of the N118 has been
included in the mobility study and action
plan that the Province of Antwerp has
The landing quay on the Bocholt-Herentals canal
will limit the impact on road traffic. Companies in the
surrounding area may also make use of it.
à
are vital for realising the cAt project. ONDRAF/NIRAS has also committed itself to realising maximum
had drawn up for the region. ONDRAF/
NIRAS will follow up on these initiatives
and contribute towards facilitating this
The communication centre
and expansion of the
SME zone Stenehei
require zoning changes.
14 Spatial planning and mobility
Spatial opportunities
tal assessment (Environmental Impact
and zoning changes
Assessment) during which the impact of
The cAt project creates several distinct
the planned reallocation on nature, the
Minimising road transport
opportunities for spatial development
environment and the surroundings will
In order to limit the impact of the dis-
within the Dessel municipality. ONDRAF/
be investigated. The SIPs must take ac-
posal site on road traffic in the area, a
NIRAS has made a commitment to STO-
count of the results of the environmental
quay will be built on the north bank of the
RA and Dessel to help realise those oppor-
assessments.
Bocholt-Herentals canal, in the immedi-
tunities. The communication centre and
scheme.
ate vicinity of the caisson plant, the MPF
the expansion of the SME zone can only
Access from the road
and the repository. The quay can also
take place if the land within the nuclear
The N118, located between Geel and the
serve a tourism function and companies
zone is reallocated. These activities are
access complex of highway E34 at Retie,
in the surrounding area may also make
not strictly nuclear and, as a result, a revi-
will be the most important access road
use of it. By organising the site in a logical
sion of the regional plan through a Spatial
to the disposal site. In addition, this road
manner and clustering the various proc-
Implementation Plan (SIP) is required.
may play a significant role in the emer-
ess elements, transport at the disposal
Both SIPs must undergo an environmen-
gency evacuation plan for the disposal
site will be kept to an absolute minimum.
Spatial planning and mobility
15
8
7
Employment and retention
of nuclear know-how
The stimulation of employment
In the event of an
is one of the distinct
incident, the emergency
opportunities provided to the
plan will facilitate
Safety, environment and health:
top priorities
region by the repository. In order
a suitable response.
to embed the unique nuclear
know-how within the region,
ONDRAF/NIRAS will work with
several partners on expanding
a knowledge centre around
the topic of radioactive waste
Local residents will obtain information
management.
about the state of the repository via channels such as a digital and interactive netWhen disposing of radioactive waste, the top priorities are safety, the environment and the health
of those living in the surrounding areas. ONDRAF/NIRAS has, therefore, opted for technology
that offers the best guarantees in terms of safety, environment and health. In addition, it is taking
maximum precautions to also guarantee safety for the entire lifecycle of the facility. As an extra added
value for the population, ONDRAF/NIRAS is also launching a health monitoring programme in Dessel
and the surrounding areas in collaboration with leading research centres.
work.
What if…?
Emergency plan
No matter how well thought through the
safety management at the disposal site
is, an incident can never be entirely ruled
out. For this reason, ONDRAF/NIRAS
is preparing an emergency plan for the
disposal site which will subsequently be
Safety of the repository
A comprehensive safety strategy has
checked against the existing emergency
The cAt project generates jobs
plans in the Dessel-Mol region. Stream-
Maximising employment has always
recognised at both a national and inter-
Local residents
lined cooperation between the individual
been an important concern for local mu-
national level and it is essential that this
will be able to obtain
levels should lead to open and transpar-
nicipalities and, right from the start, this
expertise is retained locally in order to
Monitoring safety
ent communication and provide adequate
issue was included in the cAt project as
safely manage the nuclear activities and
ONDRAF/NIRAS is developing a pro-
resources for local emergency services.
both a separate sub-project and general
maintain employment opportunities.
information about
been elaborated for the entire disposal
the state of the
project. This forms the starting point for
repository via the digital
safety of the repository and its surround-
Health monitoring: an additional
the development and safety evaluation of
and interactive network.
ings. The programme will demonstrate
that the repository conforms to legal requirements.
point for attention.
gramme for permanently monitoring the
ONDRAF/NIRAS will, therefore, set
The construction and operation of the
up a valuable knowledge centre and net-
benefit for the population
various elements of the disposal site will
work about radioactive waste manage-
Continuous health monitoring, which
provide dozens of jobs. The disposal is
ment. In order to do so, they will work
looks at the impact of various environ-
also having an indirect positive impact
with partners such as Belgoprocess, the
The results may also give rise to amend-
mental issues and gathers and follows
on employment within the region as it
Nuclear Research Centre (SCK•CEN) and
experts, form part of the hefty dossier
ments within the safety dossier or the
up a range of health data, offers signifi-
is generating addition employment in
the EURIDICE economic interest group-
Safety studies provide crucial informa-
that ONDRAF/NIRAS is preparing in or-
implementation of particular measures.
cant added value for the local residents.
companies with the Stenehei SME zone.
ing. ONDRAF/NIRAS would also like to
tion for the development of the disposal
der to apply for a licence from the Federal
A series of parameters will also be re-
In order to further elaborate this health
system and verify the safety of the pro-
Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC). This
viewed in order to assess safety during
profile, ONDRAF/NIRAS has started a
Nuclear knowledge in the region
ing facilities in the region on the subject
posed design. The safety studies, elabo-
licence is necessary if the repository is to
use and in the long term and monitor
feasibility study in collaboration with re-
Nuclear activity in the Dessel-Mol region
of radioactive waste management, in col-
rated in collaboration with numerous
be built and operated.
environmental impact.
search centres and universities.
has led to an accumulation of nuclear
laboration with the SCK•CEN and local
know-how in the area. This expertise is
secondary schools.
the entire repository system. It also forms
the strategy for guaranteeing safety in
both the short and long term (after the
disposal site has been closed).
16 Safety, environment and health: top priorities
contribute towards multifaceted train-
Employment and retention of nuclear know-how
17
9
Financing and planning
The cAt project is a large-scale
and ambitious project, and a
project with a similar duration
has never before been initiated.
It is, therefore, a real challenge
to obtain the necessary finance
so that all of the project
elements can be realised for the
entire lifecycle of the installation.
Who is ONDRAF/NIRAS?
ONDRAF/NIRAS, the Belgian agency for radioactive waste and enriched fissile materials, has been responsible
for the management of radioactive waste in Belgium since its inception in 1980. The organisation is tasked with
effectively protecting the population and environment against the hazards associated with radioactive waste.
In 2006, the Federal Government entrusted ONDRAF/NIRAS with the task of developing an integrated surface
disposal project in Dessel. This project must provide a long-term solution for all Belgian category A waste.
cAt project planning is aiming towards
Who is STORA?
the installation being operational in 2016.
STORA, short for “Studie en Overleg Radioactief Afval Dessel” (Study and Consultation Radioactive Waste Dessel), was established in April 2005. It is a partnership between the Dessel municipality and ONDRAF/NIRAS,
Balanced funding
Planning the cAt project
and the successor of STOLA-Dessel, the Study and Consultation Group Low-Level Waste. This study and discus-
The cAt project will be financed by waste
up. The LTF finances all project compo-
The cAt project will remain in the design
sion group investigated whether it was possible and acceptable for the population of Dessel to dispose of category
producers, including the Belgian State
nents that are not directly servicing the
phase until 2012. Now that the technical
A waste within the municipality boundaries and, if so, on what conditions. Since approval of the STOLA dossier
which is responsible for historical nuclear
waste producers, while the MTF finances
concept has been more or less finalised, the
by the federal government in 2006, STORA has been closely following the cAt project with a critical eye.
liabilities. After all, the waste producers
those which benefit local communities.
priority is to obtain the necessary licences
Who is MONA?
themselves are responsible for disposal of
In order to execute the project as set
and achieve binding agreements with all
the radioactive waste that they have pro-
out in the Master plan, between 734 and
of the parties involved. Both the licences
duced, in line with the application of the
878 million euros are required for the
and planning procedures are critical fac-
The not-for-profit organisation MONA, short for “Mols Overleg Nucleair Afval” (Mol Consultation Nuclear
“polluter pays” principle. This will occur
LTF. This estimate is based on disposal of
tors in the planning. ONDRAF/NIRAS will
Waste), is a partnership between the Mol municipality and ONDRAF/NIRAS, whose members are various
in practice depending on the funds man-
30,000 monoliths at a rate of 1,000 mono-
build the repository and carry out all of the
associations and inhabitants from Mol. They cooperate to give the Mol population a say in nuclear matters. It is
aged by ONDRAF/NIRAS; the existing
liths per annum. The budget required for
sub-projects during the implementation
not only the cAt project, but also other nuclear activities in the region which are monitored by MONA.
Long Term Fund (LTF) and the Medium
the MTF is estimated to be between 110
phase (2012-2018). The operational phase
Term Fund (MTF) which is still to be set
and 130 million euros.
will run from 2016 onwards.
18 Financing and planning
ONDRAF/NIRAS, STORA and MONA
19
Publisher Jean-Paul Minon – 14, Avenue des Arts, B-1210 Brussels
ONDRAF/NIRAS
14, Avenue des Arts
B-1210 Brussels
Ph. 02 212 10 11
Fax 02 218 51 65
www.niras.be
ONDRAF/NIRAS cAt-project
Gravenstraat 75
B-2480 Dessel
Ph. 014 33 45 00
Fax 014 33 45 90
www.niras-cat.be