14.51. For all options, the reactor fuel is first removed. Loose contami­nation would be cleaned from accessible plant areas and radioactive wastes would be processed and shipped off-site. The subsequent strategy depends on the urgency to clear the site and comparative economics. A 20-year delay would reduce the residual radioactivity levels from major components by about a factor of 10. However, cobalt-60 activity would still require remote handling of equipment. A decay period of about 100 years would be needed to permit manual handling. Although a 20-year delay might simplify removal operations somewhat, the unavailability of the site could carry an economic penalty. Therefore, we have the option of prompt dis­mantling and removal or so-called “mothballing” for a period of years prior to dismantling. A third option is to enclose the vessel and other radioactive components with a concrete barrier and allow the plant to remain for an indefinite period.

14.52. All options would require a possessions-only license from the NRC which would call for security provisions, environmental surveys, and reports until all radioactive materials are removed from the site. Therefore, the expense of site maintenance and public relations considerations are likely to favor the early dismantling option.