Environmental impact assessments and geological repositories for radioactive waste
The European Commission, DG XI, has published an invitation to tender concerning Member States' implementation of Directive 85/337/EEC concerning the storage and disposal of radioactive waste. The Commission intends to award a contract for a study examining how Member States have implemented Directive 85/337/EEC in as far as it concerns radioactive waste storage and disposal, the role played by environmental impact assessments in the case for repositories and the extent and definition of requirements. The study will be a review of the role and contents of environmental impact assessments for the long-term or final storage of intermediate and/or high-level wastes in Member States of the European Union. The study is not limited to the radiological impact on the environment. It should cover all aspects of environmental impact. The study would examine: the implication for EIAs of adopting a range of "safety indicators"; the role of the public, NGOs and consumer groups in EIAs; and the possible impact of retrievability on the environment. The work must be completed within 18 months. The study is to be conducted in close cooperation with the Commission services concerned (DG XI C/3) and should take into account all relevant Community and national legislation and other reports and studies. Tender documentation may be obtained from: European Commission DG XI - Environment, nuclear safety and civil protection Mr. B. Sinnott Unit XI/3 200 rue de la Loi (TRMF 4/088) B-1049 Brussels Fax +32-2-2994449 Completed tenders should be sent to the same address.