Progress with the regulation of radiation safety during recovery and removal of spent nuclear fuel from the site for temporary storage at Andreeva Bay on the Kola Peninsula

Abstract

In the 1960s, a shore technical base (STB) was established at Andreeva Bay on the Kola Peninsula, in northwest Russia. The STB maintained nuclear submarines and the nuclear icebreaker fleet, receiving and storing fresh and spent nuclear fuel (SNF) as well as solid and liquid radioactive waste (RW). It was subsequently re-designated as a site for temporary storage (STS) for SNF and RW. Over time, the SNF storage facilities partly lost their containment functions, leading to radioactive contamination of workshops and the site above permitted values. The technological and engineering infrastructure at the site was also significantly degraded as well as the condition of the stored SNF. At present, the STS Andreeva Bay facility is under decommissioning. 
This paper describes progress with the creation of safe working measures for workers involved in site remediation and SNF recovery operations, including the determination of safe shift times in high radiation areas, as part of overall optimization of safety. Results are presented for the successful application of these measures in the period 2019 – 2021, during which time significant SNF recovery and removal operations were completed without incident. Significant important experience has been gained to support safe removal of remaining SNF, including the most hazardous degraded fuel, as well as recovery of other higher level RW and decommissioning of the old storage buildings and structures.