Introduction

Performed detailed technical analyses of specific Shoreham technical issues, including: activation analyses of Shoreham's fuel and vessel internals; evaluation of methods for disposal of radioactive waste (e.g., control rods, fuel-support structures and neutron-monitoring instrumentation); calculation of the decay-heat load and fission-product inventory of the irradiated fuel; evaluation of system-operability requirements with irradiated fuel in the fuel pool; and evaluation of the radiological history of Shoreham and its impact on decommissioning.

Developed a draft decommissioning plan and detailed cost estimate for Shoreham. This plan assessed the technical issues associated with decommissioning, and provided a detailed plan for removal and ultimate disposal of radiological hazards.

Evaluated technical proposals from contractors bidding to provide decommissioning services to the Shoreham Decommissioning Organization. ABZ provided technical review of proposals for various decommissioning services including: dismantlement of reactor vessel internals; segmentation of the reactor vessel; general services; and health physics. For these proposals, ABZ performed thorough technical evaluations to identify any potential technical issues.

Evaluated decommissioning preparations for Shoreham that could be undertaken while still holding a full-power operating license. These preparations included establishing and reviewing procedures for the lay-up of plant systems in order to minimize operating and maintenance costs incurred prior to dismantlement, while still complying with the NRC directive to preserve all decommissioning options. ABZ further identified license amendments appropriate to reflect a permanent shutdown status, and achieve further reductions in operating and maintenance costs.

Established the Shoreham administrative procedures for quality assurance, safety oversight, procedure control and control of safety-related changes necessary for decommissioning. ABZ also provided independent technical oversight of these activities while the procedures were implemented.

Developed operating and maintenance transition plans for transition of Shoreham from the operating license to a possession-only license and a defueled condition. ABZ's emphasis was on minimizing unnecessary costs while complying with existing regulations. This effort included identifying the appropriate defueled plant status, and developing revised technical requirements for this defueled condition.

San Onofre Nuclear Generating; Station, Units 1, 2 and 3

Developed a draft decommissioning plan for SONGS-1. This plan included input from other prematurely shutdown plants and an assessment of NRC guidance applicable to SONGS-1. The plan also included a preliminary assessment of decommissioning options, a description of the plant during long-term storage prior to decommissioning, information on organization and staffing, and an evaluation of NRC requirements relative to the plant's shutdown condition.

Evaluated spent fuel disposal options for SONGS-1. Options included onsite storage in independent storage vaults, use of the existing spent fuel pool, storage at other facilities, et cetera. Analysis included the cost benefit of the option, the uncertainties and a recommended course of action.

Evaluated dismantling options for SONGS-1. Options included decontamination and dismantlement in 1997, removal of contaminated systems prior to NRC approval of the decommissioning plan and decommissioning when the licenses for SONGS-2 and -3 expire in 2013. Performed a cost benefit analysis for each option, determined the option's uncertainties and recommended a course of action.

Reviewed, in detail, the decommissioning cost estimate for SONGS-1, -2 and -3. Audited the estimators records, methods and backup information. Discovered significant errors that were corrected. Re-performed sections of the analysis independently to verify the final cost estimate. Made comparisons with previous estimates, and developed qualitative and quantitative criteria for determining the estimate's accuracy.

Assisted the SONGS-1 plant staff in applying NRC guidance on prematurely shutdown plants to the planning of near-term activities for the plant's shutdown. Because specific regulations do not exist for prematurely shutdown plants, assessments of actions taken by other plants were made and used to minimize the cost and schedule impact on the SONGS-1 shutdown.

Evaluated the SONGS-1 operating license to determine the overall impact of the plant shutdown on routine plant activities, such as maintenance, testing and operation of plant equipment. This evaluation was used to significantly reduce the programs and procedures needed to comply with the license. In addition, specific recommendations were made to seek regulatory relief in areas such as fire protection, security, training and quality assurance.

Developed a comprehensive plan for pre-decommissioning initiatives for SONGS-1. This transition plan was used to schedule and implement the activities needed to take the plant from a full-power-producing status to decommissioning. The plan provided guidance to managers for developing detailed departmental plans for closure of the unit. The overall goal of the plan was to minimize cost by utilizing existing utility resources and ensure compliance with applicable regulations.

Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power, Units 1 and 2

Prepared detailed cost estimates for decommissioning Baltimore Gas and Electric Company's (BG&E's) Calvert Cliffs site. The estimate included the analysis of eight different scenarios, including early shutdown and extension of the operating license beyond the current expiration date. The estimate was performed in accordance with the AIF Study AIF/NESP-036, "Guidelines for Producing Commercial Nuclear Power Plant Decommissioning Cost Estimates".

Provided a schedule and explanation of the activities necessary to transition from fully licensed operating status to the start of actual decommissioning. The analysis included the steps required for the process and the expected manpower to accomplish the work.

Analyzed the past five years of state regulatory history related to decommissioning funding to provide insight and lessons learned. The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) regulatory database was accessed, testimony analyzed and recommendations made.

Congressional Office of Technology Assessment

Reviewed the decommissioning funding, spent fuel disposal plans and preparations for nine nuclear power plants as part of an overall study of the nuclear power plants as requested by the United States Congress. Conducted interviews with upper management and technical personnel. Two panel meetings were held to review the findings of the report. The panel members included intervenors, public utility commissioners, industry representatives and university professors. The results of the report were presented to the NRC Commissioners.

New Hampshire Nuclear Decommissioning Financing Committee

ABZ performed a detailed review of the cost estimate prepared for the Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant. This review included performance of an independent estimate, detailed evaluation of the costs included, comparison to other estimates, independent verification of input data and assumptions, comparison to actual decommissioning experience, performance of sensitivity analyses for factors such as waste burial charges, determination of the "most likely" decommissioning option and analysis of the required trust funding schedule for the decommissioning trust fund.