ARPANSA - Regulation: HIFAR Licensing Process

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HIFAR Licensing Process

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HIFAR Licensing Process

ANSTO's Facility Licence Application to Possess or Control HIFAR

Background

On 18 May 2007, Dr John Loy, CEO of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) received an application from the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) for a facility licence under the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 authorising it to possess or control the High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR).

HIFAR is a 10 MW research reactor that commenced operation in 1958 and is currently authorised to operate under a facility licence issued by the CEO of ARPANSA on 14 June 2001. The reactor was officially shutdown on 30 January 2007 with the spent fuel and heavy water since being removed and stored on site. The final shutdown of the reactor was authorised under the existing licence authorising operation.

ANSTO’s facility licence application to possess or control HIFAR is the first step in the regulatory process leading to the eventual decommissioning of the reactor. As part of the application, ANSTO proposes to measure and map the level of radioactivity in structures, systems and components of the reactor. In the longer term, it is anticipated that the organisation will apply for a further licence to decommission the reactor.

On 15 September 2008 the CEO of ARPANSA issued a facility licence to ANSTO authorising it to possess or control the HIFAR facility.