Platform for NGO cooperation

On the problem of old nuclear power units of Leningrad and Kola Nuclear Power Plants which have reached their designed lifespan limit

The first generation nuclear reactors are these days reaching their designed lifespan. The oldest existing Chernobyl-type RBMK-1000 unit of Leningrad NPP and the oldest model of VVER-440 power unit of Kola NPP have already reached their designed lifespan in 2003.

The first generation reactors create a higher probability of nuclear accidents, and should be closed at the planned expiry date. They should not be granted permits for prolonged operation. Necessary funds for decommissioning must be established, and the preparation of decommissioning started.

Nevertheless, Rosatom has the intention to extend the operation time of the outdated reactors. Any such plans must be considered a new project and therefore be subject to thorough examination, in a process open for the public.

WE BELIEVE:

Reactors operated beyond their lifespan limit must be shut down. Prolonged operation should not be allowed.

A decommissioning fund must be established in compliance with legislative provisions, and made transparent for the public.

Sufficient finances for decommissioning of the first generation reactors should be allocated in the fund.

The present situation with surplus power capacity must not be used to offer temporary low tariff in order to create new power demand (for instance to planned aluminium factory near Leningrad NPP and for conversion to electrical heating in Murmansk).

Political decisions about prolonged operation have been taken without comprehensive analysis of social, ecological, economical and political consequences for the people living in the North-West Russia and the whole Baltic-Scandinavian region, as well as without governmental environmental impact assessment examination prescribed by the Russian law. The participation of a concerned public was not provided in the decision-making processes. This is a violation of Constitution, laws and international commitments of the Russian Federation.

Demands regarding proposed prolonged operation:

Decisions about the future of nuclear energy should not be taken by bureaucrats in closed rooms, because its impact on the people and the nature is too important. The final decisions on prolonged operation and on decommissioning must be taken in a democratic and transparent way.

Prolonged operation of expired nuclear reactors must be considered as a new project, and therefore be submitted to environmental impact assessment and public hearings. The decision-making process for prolonged operation of the old nuclear power units must comply with the Russian regulation on the environmental impact assessment:

1. The power plant owner Rosatom must provide necessary analysis for decision making process of prolonged operation or decommissioning. It must include:
o Comprehensive analysis of social, ecological, economical and political consequences for the people living in the North-West Russia and the whole Baltic and Barents regions.
o Solution of the problem of reliable long-term disposal (repository) of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste.
o Solution of technical, environmental and social problems emerging during the decommissioning of the power units.
2. Russia must continue its integration into international community, sign and ratify Aarhus Convention, ratify ESPO Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context, and act in accordance with international law.
3. The public in Russia and neighbouring countries must be involved into decision making process concerning the destiny of old reactors.

This document serves as a common platform for the network of organizations both in and outside Russia working to achieve these goals, and is based on the Declaration adopted by the participants of the International conference "Old nuclear reactors, nuclear waste. Problems and resources for sustainable development of Northwest Russia" held in St. Petersburg & Sosnovy Bor 2 - 4 December 2003.

April 17, 2004, Sosnovy Bor, Russia

* Oleg Bodrov, NGO Green World, Coalition Clean Baltic board member, Sosnovy Bor, St. Petersburg region, Russia
* Dag Arne Hoystad, Norges Naturvernforbund, Oslo, Norway
* Lydia Popova, Co-chair Socio-Ecological Union, International, Moscow, Russia;
* Ilya Popov, SEU Center for Nuclear Ecology and Energy Policy, Moscow, Russia,
* Elena Kruglikova, NGO GAIA environmental Center in the Kola Peninsula, Apatity, Russia;
* Dmitry Strazhinsky, NGO Priroda I Molodezh, Murmansk, Russia