Nuclear Security, Safety and
Non-Proliferation: Sweden’s
Foreword
This report summarizes the results of the work carried out by the Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) in 2013 together with partners in the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova under the scope of the Nuclear Security Summit.
Important issues on the agenda of the Summit will be the cooperation in the fields of nuclear security, safety and non-proliferation – and the links between these areas.
We believe that this holistic view on security, safety and non-proliferation that is reflected in the results presented in this report will become even more self-evident in the future.
Stockholm, March 2014
Fredrik Hassel
Deputy Director General, SSM
P h o to : B o s s e A le n iu s
Partnerships and
frameworks
For many years Sweden has been engaged
in international cooperation to make sure
radioactive and nuclear materials and
activities are safe and secure.
Sweden has been active for more than twenty years in the nuclear and radiological areas of international cooperation and several hundred projects have been implemented in states that were once republics of the Soviet Union. The demise of the Soviet Union between 1991 and 1992 initiated this form of international cooperation. When 15 new states replaced the
USSR, it became a strenuous task to ensure that nuclear weapons and former Soviet military and civilian activities in the nuclear field were channelled into new structures of ownership and responsibility in the new successor states. More than twenty years later, much work still needs to be completed in order to ensure a transition from the old to the new.
Sweden’s project work has been carried out and implemented with reference to the political objec-tives stated in the Nuclear Security Summits since 2010, as well as the objectives of the G-8 Global Partnership and its Declarations from Kanan-askis in 2002 and Deauville in 2011. Moreover, the legal framework established through the UN Security Council Resolution 1540 (UNSCR 1540) sets a legal ground for requirements on all states as concerns measures to secure materials and facilities that can be used for the manufac-ture of weapons of mass destruction, as well as for defining international interaction and assistance among the UN Member States.
Sweden’s cooperation partners today
Our projects are run in accordance with what is becoming an accepted standard for responsible international behaviour: 27 states are members of the G-8 Global Partnership, 57 states and international organizations are parties and partners in the Nuclear Security Summit process, and all Member States of the UN are required to comply with the obligations set out in the UNSCR 1540.
Sweden also works on the basis of goals and procedures established in the MNEPR Agreement (Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Programme in the Russian Federation), a framework for enabling external partners to implement projects in the nuclear and environmental fields in Russia. Last but not least, many activities are defined and specified by Sweden and its cooperation partners, and also together with other donors, primarily in Norway, Finland, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Japan.
On behalf of Sweden, it is the SSM that imple-ments the international cooperation efforts. Since 2010, Sweden’s cooperation partners have been the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova. Prior to this, projects were also implemented with Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. SSM implements projects and activities based on a government instruction and budget allocation. Moreover, SSM implements projects in radiation protection and environmental protection in Ukraine based on agreements with the Swedish International Devel-opment Cooperation Agency, SIDA.
Fot o : J a n n L ip ka
Cooperation principles
The funding available to SSM for the cooperation activities is turned into a range of activities (all the projects implemented in 2013 are listed and described briefly below). From Sweden’s and SSM’s perspective, it is important for all projects to serve the interests and objectives of the recipient organization and country as well as help to benefit Sweden in some way. An improvement of the level of safety and security at a location in a given country is required to deliver a net contribution to safety and security for people and the environment in that country – as well as to Sweden.
This approach has the advantage of strength-ening the interest and engagement of all the partners in a given project. The broad engage-ment from all parties leads to better projects. In a similar vein, co-financing is also becoming more and more pronounced in the cooperation with Russian authorities and organizations. For the cooperation with Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine, this is less pronounced.
Results
The results of the projects are summarized below under separate headings depending on the overall effort and the objectives set for each project. Many projects are the continuations of earlier efforts and this is reflected. In many cases, the projects contribute to the objectives in several areas. For instance, a barrier that aims at reducing the emissions of radioactivity also constitutes a barrier to access and intrusion, thus also serving as a security or non-proliferation measure. However, the projects below are only referred to the heading where they have their main significance.
We present the results in various areas of coop-eration on the following pages. The Appendix pro-vides information about each project.
Locations
The map shows the locations in Russia, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, where SSM and its cooperation partners implemented projects in 2013. Georgia Moldova Russia Ukraine G rap hi c s: B o s s e A le ni us
Results 1:
Illicit trafficking of nuclear and
radioactive materials in the Black Sea region
Among analysts it is recognized that the BlackSea region is the region of the world that is most troubled by illicit trafficking of nuclear and radi-oactive materials. Seizures of nuclear materials in several countries over the past few years make it clear that there is a wide span of activities ranging from radioactive materials being tran sported without the knowledge of the transporters, spon-taneous attempts at making financial gains on these materials, to cases of transports on seem-ingly established transportation routes and with networks among criminal groups.
In recent years, SSM has provided Georgia with analytical capabilities for identifying seized sources of nuclear and radioactive materials. Many efforts have been implemented to secure these materials at facility levels. In Ukraine, train-ing courses for officials have been implemented to strengthen the capabilities of state authorities.
In 2013, SSM completed a investigation into the nuclear activities carried out in Georgia both before and after its independence from the Soviet Union. This study is thus a contribution to the work of identifying where nuclear and radioactive materials from the Soviet era can still be found in Georgia. In order to strengthen the regulatory control and the surveillance of the trading infra-structure, SSM and the U.S. Department of State have contributed to the regional Georgian regula-tory office in the port city of Poti on the Black Sea. In Moldova, SSM has delivered analytical equip-ment which will enable the national authorities to identify the contours of seized nuclear and other radioactive materials.
In November 2013, SSM, together with the UK’s Department for Energy and Climate Change and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Moldovan nuclear regulator, NARNRA, imple-mented a regional conference in Chisinau with an emphasis on the entire Black Sea region. The pur-pose was to strengthen the national control and interdiction systems against illicit trafficking and to develop the links between the state authorities of this region. Sixteen states participated along with four international and regional organizations.
In Ukraine, SSM granted support to Ukrainian border guards on the implementation of training activities regarding nuclear detection and has, in cooperation with the Ukrainian regulator, continued to implement a national registry for radioactive sources and an “amnesty programme” that allows radioactive sources to be turned over to state authorities without risking prosecution.
Participants at the International Conference on Illicit Trafficking Issues in the Black Sea Region, 7–8 November 2013, Chisinau, Moldova.
Results 2:
Safety improvements at nuclear
power plants in north-west Russia and Ukraine
Together with its Finnish and Norwegiancoun-terparts, SSM continued to cooperate with the Leningrad and Kola nuclear power plants in Rus-sia. The projects have been co-financed between the Russian nuclear power plants and the Nordic partners to ensure the delivery of Western tech-nologies for various safety inspection purposes and the provision of back-up capacities of electri-cal power that are essential for safety.
The owner of the Russian nuclear power plants, Rosenergoatom, maintains a continuous dialogue with the Nordic counterparts on the state of affairs regarding nuclear safety issues concerning both VVER and RBMK reactors – in use at the Kola and Leningrad nuclear power plants. Pro-jects implemented at these plants have become examples which the other Russian nuclear power plants must follow.
Bearing in mind the fact that several of the cur-rent reactors in operation at the Leningrad and
Kola nuclear power plants will have to be phased out in the coming years, Rosenergoatom has requested from SSM and its Nordic partners that the cooperation projects should shift to decom-missioning of nuclear reactors and the manage-ment of radioactive waste.
In Ukraine, the cooperation in the field of nuclear safety concerns both the cooperation with the regulatory office and with the nuclear power sector. The projects with the nuclear regulatory office focus on the requirements and inspection processes for ageing reactors and the establishment of systems for safety qualification of staff and equipment.
With the nuclear industry, SSM implements systems for the upkeep of a continuous overview of risk factors in various parts of reactor operation.
PHOTO: Ionel Balan
P h o to : I on e l B al a n
Results 3:
Non-proliferation and nuclear
security education for universities.
Since 2004, education and training activities have been carried out in the fields of non-prolif-eration and nuclear security. These activities have over the years reached a substantial number of teachers and students.
In 2013, five students completed their PhDs or are in the process of doing so in the areas of nuclear non-proliferation and security issues at universities in Russia and Ukraine.
In Russia, a team of international experts vis-ited the universities in Tomsk and instructed a group of students and teachers on topical chal-lenges and issues. In August, a non-proliferation and nuclear security course was held in Tomsk with joint US and Swedish sponsorship. In a sim-ilar fashion, an intensive course in St. Petersburg for university students was led by a team of
inter-national experts in addition to a broader course held in October.
In Ekaterinburg, SSM and its partner univer-sities have held courses by international experts as well as a research seminar on academic writing in the field. Over the years, a growing number of activities have started to relate to the moderniza-tion issues concerning nuclear non-proliferamoderniza-tion, disarmament and security which the Closed Nuclear Cities of Russia and a number of former military facilities are confronted with.
At a seminar in Stockholm, SSM discussed these challenges with representatives from sev-eral research institutes from the nuclear sector and, later in the year, SSM and the Sarov Physics and Technology Center signed a contract on the establishment of training premises at the Center. In Ukraine, SSM and the Odessa National Univer-sity implemented a summer school on non-proliferation issues with the participation of students from Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Moldova, and initiated discussions on establishing a centre for non-proliferation studies at the University.
Students at the nuclear non-proliferation and dis-armament summer school in Odessa. The participants were from Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Moldova. Photo: Vitaly Fedchenko
Results 4:
Control and protection of nuclear
and radioactive materials
SSM and its predecessors have for many years now been engaged in upgrading physical protection systems at nuclear installations and in efforts to control the accountancy of radioactive and nuclear materials.
In 2013, SSM and the Nerpa shipyard near Murmansk, Russia, re-established the perimeter fence at the facility and at the Chepetsk Mechan-ical Plant in Glazov, Udmurt Republic. SSM con-tributed to the measurement capabilities for the materials produced and stored at the facility. The largest project in this area was initiated in coop-eration with Norway and concerns the establish-ment of physical protection on the “Serebryanka”, a vessel owned by the Russian icebreaker fleet in Murmansk. This fleet is designated for carrying out transports of spent nuclear fuel and radioac-tive waste from Andreeva Bay.
On the part of the Sverd-lovsk and Chelyabinsk regions, SSM has contributed in the form of two installa-tions of equipment and com-munication systems for the detection of illegal transports of radioactive and nuclear materials. In Ukraine, SSM has continued to support the integrated nuclear materials accountancy systems used by the regulatory authority and the nuclear power plants,
and continued to finance training courses and a national conference in this area.
Regarding export control issues, SSM has at the request of the Ukrainian authorities implemented various activities that strengthen the effective-ness of these controls; furthermore, in terms of nuclear security, a training course has been held for the regulatory authority.
In Georgia, SSM and the U.S. Department of Energy undertook the first steps in modernizing the physical protection system at the Mtskheta radioactive waste repository.
The harbour of Murmansk, home port of the Russian nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet and the ”Serebryanka”,
Results 5:
Radiation protection and
emergency preparedness
SSM and its partner organizations have over the years implemented several projects that aim at measuring, controlling and reducing the emis-sions of radiation to the environment. This work has a number of purposes. Firstly, it is important to ensure that the issues receive proper attention by the proper authorities. Secondly, it is relevant to promote application of new methods for meas-uring and assessing radiation levels, and last but not least, SSM works to ensure that the relevant information on radiation levels is used as input for national and regional surveillance for the emergency preparedness structures.
In 2013, one overarching project was imple-mented for hospitals in Ukraine on the releases of radiation from diagnostic and oncological equipment. As part of the project, an education programme in the field of medical physics has been established. Other efforts have covered the area of exposures to radon gases and have established knowledge at a regional authority level concerning the methods for mapping the
geographical distribution of radon concentra-tions in nature, as well as establishing methods for reducing exposure to these gases in dwellings, schools and other buildings.
Directed towards the former Soviet uranium mining industry, an additional project in Dnieprozherzhinsk, Ukraine has the aim of estab-lishing an entire methodology for control of tail-ings from this industry and for the restoration of contaminated areas.
At the technical university in Zhytomir, SSM has supported a research effort by the university and a Swedish university on how to use various chemicals to absorb radioactive releases to the environment in the event of a nuclear accident. In Russia, two projects at scientific institutes in St. Petersburg have strengthened the capacities of these institutes regarding their functions in the emergency preparedness structure and added to their capabilities regarding the surveillance of releases of radioactivity to the environment.
A Swedish expert assisting Ukrainian colleagues from the Zhytomir State Technical University in collecting sam-ples of biological material.
P h ot o : S SM
Results 6:
Management of nuclear and
radioactive waste in Russia and Ukraine
The management of nuclear and radioactive wasteproducts remains one of the largest issues to be dealt with in Eastern Europe. There are chal-lenges at many levels and in many locations such as former military bases, civilian industries and at nuclear power plants where the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste mainly concerns local storage issues at the nuclear power plants.
In 2013, SSM held a training course in Swe-den for experts from nuclear operators in Russia on methods for cutting spent nuclear fuel as an aspect in the management of these materials. At the former naval base at Gremikha Bay east of Murmansk, Russian and international efforts to clean up the site have come far and SSM’s contri-bution in 2013 was to deliver six containers for transport of radioactive materials to a designated and suitable storage site at Sayda Bay north of Murmansk. Later in the year, Russian operators began using these containers.
At the Andreeva Bay site west of Murmansk, SSM works together with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, EBRD, and Norway, Russia and Italy on the establishment of infrastructure that will allow for the removal of the 22,000 fuel elements and abundant amounts of radioactive waste from the site to premises where they can be treated and stored safely. At the same site, SSM and its Russian counterparts came far with the establishment of a dosimetry control station for the measurement of radioactivity levels of all incoming and outgoing traffic.
SSM has also committed to developing a plan for the establishment of an electricity infrastructure that will be needed for the fuel and waste trans-port operations. As far as concerns activities in Russia in this field, SSM provides information to other international partners through the IAEA Contact Expert Group.
In Ukraine, SSM initiated a project in 2013 in coordination with the UK, Canada and other partners on the management of disused radio-active sources that eventually will be placed in a central repository.
The future
The Global Partnership and the UNSCR 1540 as referred to above have set a framework and agenda for not only national efforts regarding nuclear non-proliferation and security, but also for urging states to reach out and cooperate on these issues.
In this respect, the Global Partnership and the UNSCR 1540 may serve as meaningful vehicles or instruments for implementing the collective international objectives as stated in the Commu-niques of the Nuclear Security Summits. SSM has thus far been active in the states in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The agenda for security and safety issues is entering other regions as well. Upon request and government instruction, SSM is ready to contribute in old and
Appendix; Projects implemented in 2013
Russian Federation
5010014-04 – Installation of gas chromatograph equipment at the Leningrad NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2009-2669, payments in 2013: 13 kSEK
The project was initiated in 2011 and a tendering process resulted in the establishment of a contract for the supply of design and equipment between LNPP and an American company in 2012. The objective of the project is to be able, by means of more precise instruments, to control the gaseous composition in the inert reactor cavity atmosphere. The gas composition is crucial to assess the condition of the graphite stack and the channels, and also to act as an early warning system for explosion risks. The equipment was tested and approved for shipment in late 2012 and delivered in the spring of 2013. Due to the complexity of the installation works, the commissioning of the complete system has been postponed till 2014.
5010014-18 - Overarching meetings and strategy development with Rosenergoatom and the Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish counterparts, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2011-1005, payments in 2013: 448 kSEK
These meetings are arranged twice a year to get a general overview of the safety work going on within the Russian nuclear power sector and to present the actual standpoint of the respective Nordic cooperation partners concerning the co-operation with the Russian partners. The meetings further comprise the review of ongoing projects at KNPP and LNPP and presentations and discussions about future projects. In 2013, a meeting was arranged by Rosenergoatom in Moscow in May and another by SSM in Sigtuna in October.
5010014-31 – Swedish cooperation with the Khlopin Radium Institute, St Petersburg, SSM2013-2543, payments in 2013: 341 kSEK
The project aims at supporting the Khlopin Radium Institute’s work related to environmental assessments in
the Baltic Sea, specifically related to studies of the fallout from the Chernobyl accident. In late 2013, a simplified agreement between SSM and the Khlopin Institute was signed. After signing the agreement, equipment for taking samples from bottom sediments in the Baltic Sea was ordered. Delivery and testing will be done during 2014.
5010014-33 – Cooperation on emergency
preparedness issues, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2014-696, payments in 2013: 114 kSEK
The project aims at exchanging experiences in the field of emergency preparedness between Russia and Sweden, through workshops and participation in exercises. In December 2013, SSM invited participants from Rosatom and Rosenergoatom to observe the Swedish emergency exercise “Havsörn”.
5010014-02 – Equipment for thickness measurement of feed-water pipe systems at Leningrad NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2011-3142, payments in 2013: 1,636 kSEK
The project was initiated in 2011 and a contract was established in 2012 with a Swedish supplier comprising the delivery of methodology, hardware and training to enable semi-automatic thickness scanning of pipes and components in the feed water system. The demand for complete scanning is based on more strict requirements from the operator and the Russian regulator, which in turn was caused by an incident at a similar plant where the degradation of a pipe had not been detected. The methodology and equipment were approved for delivery in September 2013, and the final test and training will be executed in January 2014. The project is co-financed with Norway and LNPP.
F o to : B o s se A le n ius
5010014-05 – Gamma tracer for leakages to the groundwater at Kola NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-3429, payments in 2013: 0 kSEK
A gamma tracer instrument was ordered in 2012 in order to detect and trace radioactive contamination in the groundwater at the power plant. The instrument will be used for direct measurements in existing boreholes, and if the measurements should prove to be unsuccessful, the instrument will instead be used in the environmental monitoring system at KNPP. Due to unforeseen work with the instrument documentation and registration, the delivery has still not been executed but is scheduled for spring 2014. The measurement campaign will be performed after the winter period.
5010014-06 – Batteries for the emergency power supply at the Kola NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-450, payments in 2013: 14 kSEK
The project was started in the second half of 2012 and a contract for the delivery of one set of batteries was established in November 2012 between KNPP and a Swedish supplier. In parallel to the supply financed by SSM, KNPP will buy and install four battery sets. The batteries will replace the existing old batteries for emergency power supply which are approaching their expected lifetime. The manufacturing was performed in 2013 but the delivery to KNPP has been delayed because of a protracted procedure to obtain the necessary shipping documents from Russian authorities. Delivery is expected in spring 2014.
5010014-08 – Upgrading of the Eddy Current inspection system at Kola NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-447, payments in 2013: 2,257 kSEK
The project started in late 2012 when a contract was established between KNPP and a Croatian supplier comprising the delivery of hardware, software and training for upgrading of the inspection system for steam generator tubes. The conditions in the steam generator tubes are crucial for the prevention of radioactive contamination outside of the primary system of the reactors as the tubes form the barrier between the radioactive and the “clean”
because of the Russian procedure for issuance of shipping release documents. The hardware was delivered in
December 2013 and commissioning at KNPP is scheduled for the first half of 2014.
5010014-32 – Swedish cooperation with the Institute for Radiation Hygiene (IRH), St. Petersburg,
completed, reg. no. SSM2011-2047, payments in 2013: 1,157 kSEK
The project supports the research activities between IRH and Malmö University in order to prepare IRH to serve in the Russian emergency preparedness system by providing scientific information and measurement data to other authorities. The main activities during 2013 were two measurement campaigns, one in the Bryansk area in Russia and the other in Gävle, Sweden, both directed at continuous measurement of the effects of the Chernobyl accident. This has led to better understanding of the long-term consequences of radiation exposure for the environment. A system for dose monitoring in medical application as well as a system for environmental measurements have been purchased.
5010014-34 – Waste extractor installation at the Kola NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2010-3123, payments in 2013: 12 kSEK
The project comprises the design, procurement and commissioning of a remote operated device for extraction and disintegration of low and intermediate level radioactive solid waste. The equipment will make it possible to process the waste for further volume reduction, characterization and disposal in a safe manner. The technical requirements were elaborated at the end of 2013, and a tender invitation for the supply of equipment and training will be released in early 2014. The project is planned to be completed by the end of 2014 and co-financed with Norway and the Kola NPP.
5010014-35 – Installation of High Precision Flow Rate Measurement System at the Leningrad NPP, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-3866, payments in 2013: 1 kSEK
measurement system for gases from the reactor filtering system. This system makes it possible to obtain better calculations of the radioactive releases through the main stack. The availability of accurate measurements and calculations of radioactive releases are of vital importance both during normal operation as well as in emergency situations. The elaboration of the technical requirements was started in 2013, and the implementation is planned for 2014 and 2015.
5010014-36 – Fuel cutting workshop for the Leningrad NPP, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-4974, payments in 2013: 125 kSEK
A workshop was arranged at the glove-box laboratory at Studsvik in November for four experts from LNPP. The objective of the workshop was to discuss and learn about methods and practical techniques for cutting and handling of spent nuclear fuel. The treatment of spent nuclear fuel is an important issue in the preparatory work for nuclear plant decommissioning at LNPP. The project was completed in 2013.
5010007-09 – Education in the field of nuclear non-proliferation at Russian universities: The Tomsk Region, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-617, payments in 2013: 457 kSEK
In 2013 SSM continued its cooperation with the Tomsk region’s universities. SSM shared funding with the US Department of Energy to support a summer school on non-proliferation for students and postgraduates in Tomsk in August. In April SSM supported the Tomsk State University in arranging a seminar for regional students and postgraduates on safeguards and non-proliferation led by two international experts in the field. Postgraduates of the two Tomsk universities were supported with internships and participation at the international conferences and educational courses, including participation at the European Safeguards Research and Development Association (ESARDA) Symposium, the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization, training activities and internships at the Monterey Center for Non-proliferation Studies.
5010007-15 – Education in the field of nuclear non-proliferation at Russian universities: The St. Petersburg region, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-627, payments in 2013: 1,115 kSEK
SSM’s efforts to improve nuclear non-proliferation education in the St. Petersburg region started in 2011. In 2013 the main activity was a conference held in St. Petersburg in October for students from Russian nuclear universities of the National Research Nuclear University MEPHI. The purpose of the conference, “Nuclear Non-proliferation and Disarmament – Existing Frameworks and Challenges”, was to promote interest in non-proliferation research, as well as to offer opportunities to attend lectures of well-known Russian and international experts. Twenty-five students presented their papers, selected by an expert jury. Co-organizing with SSM were the Russian National Nuclear Research University MEPHI and the Rosatom Central Institute for Continuing Education and Training. SSM collaborated with the St. Petersburg University in providing guest lectures held by international experts, as well as in supporting participation at the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization training activities in Vienna.
5010007-16 – Education in the field of nuclear non-proliferation at Russian universities: The Ural region, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-626, payments in 2013: 658 kSEK
Cooperation with the Ural region’s universities was initiated in 2006. SSM activities in the Urals are managed by the two main partners, the Ural Federal University and the Novouralsk Technological Institute. In the framework of the cooperation in 2013 with the Ural Federal University, a seminar was organized on academic writing and ways of promoting non-proliferation research publications for international journals. At the seminar international experts provided advice and evaluated topics and manuscripts for publication among the submitted research papers presented by the participating scholars from Russia and Ukraine. A continuation of the seminar is planned in 2014. The Faculty of Physics of the Ural Federal University and SSM cooperated and shared the costs on a series of lectures by international experts on the IAEA’s non-proliferation and safeguards systems.
5010007-15 – Support for establishment of a Nuclear Non-proliferation Knowledge Centre at the Sarov Physics and Technology Institute, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-627, payments in 2013: 212 kSEK
The project was initiated in 2013 based on a request by the management of the Sarov Physics and Technology Institute, situated in the closed nuclear city of Sarov. The aim is to increase the level of nuclear non-proliferation knowledge among students and faculty members at the Institute. A specialized non-proliferation study room is being established where students learn, discuss and exchange experiences. Besides this, it will give opportunities for distance learning and communication with Russian and international experts. The project will be completed in 2014.
5010003-18 – Feasibility studies of the needs and requirements for the electricity infrastructure at Andreeva Bay, Murmansk, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-4525, payments in 2013: 888 kSEK
The international efforts to remediate the Andreeva Bay site of its enormous amounts of nuclear and radioactive materials continue to develop. In order to get a proper power supply for the spent nuclear fuel management operation, which will start in 2015, a joint project was initiated with the participation of Rosatom, SevRAO, Italy, EBRD and SSM. The role of Sweden is to deal with the design and infrastructure for the diesel generators needed for the power supply. In 2013, a contract was signed between SSM and SevRAO for a detailed design of the diesel generators’ station at the Andreeva Bay site. According to the time schedule the design will be completed by mid-2014.
5010003-07 – Participation in and contribution to the Contact Expert Group meetings regarding radioactive and nuclear waste issues in Russia, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2008-2026, payments in 2013: 90 kSEK
The Contact Expert Group (CEG) under the auspices of IAEA was established at the initiative of Sweden in 1990
as the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. In 2013 there were two meetings.
5010003-03 – Establishment of a control dosimetry station at Andreeva Bay, Murmansk, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-1265, payments in 2013: 921 kSEK
This project concerns the establishment of a dosimetry control station at the access point to the controlled zone of the Andreeva Bay site for vehicles, equipment and personnel. The results in 2013 were further implementation of the contract with a prolonged time schedule until mid-2014, as the Russian expert approval has taken more time than originally planned.
5010003-04 – Provision of containers for the transportation of highly radioactive waste from Gremikha Bay, Kola Peninsula, completed, reg. no. SSM2012-1266, payments in 2013: 122 kSEK
Gremikha is a former naval base on the Kola peninsula where radioactive waste is still awaiting handling and storage. Russian authorities plan to transport this fuel to Sayda Bay north of Murmansk, and in order to accomplish this, containers will be needed. In the autumn of 2012, SSM and the Rosatom branch, SevRAO, initiated a transportation project under which SSM has purchased six containers for the transportation. The containers were delivered in early 2013 but due to various circumstances, they could not be inspected until the autumn of 2013. The containers are now being used for transport of radioactive waste by vehicles as well as by ships.
5010003-10 – Cooperation with the Russian regulatory authority, Rostechnadzor, on nuclear waste issues, completed, reg. no. SSM2010-3668, payments in 2013: 269 kSEK
SSM has information exchange with the Russian Regulatory Authority (Rostechnadzor) on issues related to the standards of nuclear and radioactive waste management. In the beginning of 2013 SSM conducted a workshop for experts of Rostechnadzor on experience exchange regarding existing supervision systems of
SKB’s facilities in Oskarshamn and Studsvik Nuclear AB. Issues on information dissemination to the public and information protection (for example physical protection and commercial information) were also discussed. The good experiences from working together on improving regulatory cooperation and information have led to plans for continued work in 2014.
5010003-15 –Installation of physical protection system on the m/v ”Serebryanka” for transportation of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-4693, payments in 2013:
4,118 kSEK
This project is co-financed with Norway and the purpose is to equip the vessel “Serebryanka” with a physical protection system, as well as communications and positioning systems, in order to increase security when transporting nuclear materials and radioactive substances. In October 2013, the factory acceptance test (FAT) was carried out in Murmansk. The project will be finalized in 2014 according to the project plan.
5010003-14 – Measurement equipment at the Chepetsk Mechanical Plant (CMP), completed, reg. nos. SSM2008-241 and SSM2012-348, payments in 2013: 465 kSEK
The Chepetsk Mechanical Plant, CMP, has the world’s largest production capacity for natural uranium. However, measurement of the incoming and produced materials has for decades been insufficient, and as a consequence, the control of the nuclear materials is not satisfactory. In the first stage the measurement capabilities at the facility were improved by the delivery of gamma spectrometry equipment in 2011. In 2012 a contract was signed with the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering in Obninsk for the development of measurement methodologies for different types of incoming nuclear materials, as well as for producing calibration samples and, furthermore, for training of the CMP personnel. The project was successfully completed in 2013 and the new measurement capability implies improved control of the nuclear materials.
5010003-16 – Reconstruction of the Physical Protection System at the Nerpa Shipyard. Replacement of the perimeter fence, completed, reg. no. SSM2010-3668, payments in 2013: 2,033 kSEK
Cooperation between Sweden and Russia on physical protection upgrades at the Nerpa Shipyard has been ongoing since 2002. During the past years, Sweden and other international donor countries have been assisting Russia in the implementation of the General Plan for Reconstruction of the Physical Protection System at the Nerpa Shipyard (2008-2015). In 2013, SSM financed the replacement of the entire perimeter fence. This outer barrier provides the first line of defense in order to prevent intruders from accessing the territory of the shipyard, where highly radioactive spent nuclear fuel has been stored as a result of decommissioning of nuclear submarines and other nuclear-powered vessels. The installation of an alarm and TV-surveillance system will be covered by the state budget of the Russian Federation during 2014.
5010003-11 – Development of the computerized system for NMA&C at the Chepetsk Mechanical Plant (CMP), completed, reg. no. SSM2008-242, payments in 2013: 27 kSEK
In 2012, there were two meetings in Moscow and Stockholm between SSM and CMP, Rosatom and TVEL for further negotiations concerning establishment of an NMA&C system at the Chepetsk mechanical plant. An action plan has been set up for the tendering and contracting procedure. Recently SSM was notified of a reorganization of Rosatom which might lead to moving the production of natural uranium to another facility by 2016. Further clarifications are needed on Rosatom’s organizational plans for adjustment of the project’s objectives in a new situation and ensuring the sustainability of the achieved results. In that case a new project will be established.
5010003-12 – Organization of a pilot region for combating illicit trafficking of radioactive materials in the Sverdlovsk region, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-530, payments in 2013: 4,460 kSEK
Since 2006, Sweden, together with the state corporation “Rosatom” and its coordination centre “Atombezopasnost”, has been supporting the establishment of a federal system for preventing and combating illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials in Russia. The cooperation started with a pilot project in the Murmansk region. In 2012, a similar system was expanded to the Kaliningrad region in order to protect the borders of the EU. In 2013 the infrastructure for combating illicit trafficking of radioactive and nuclear materials, based on the experience gained in the Murmansk and Kaliningrad regions, was developed even in the southern parts of Russia, e.g. in the city of Yekaterinburg, covering the Sverdlovsk region. There is a continuous need to develop regional cooperation on combating illicit trafficking and to prevent nuclear and radioactive materials from falling into the wrong hands.
5010003-17 – Project development and information exchange in Russia, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-4821, payments in 2013: 101 kSEK
SSM has annual information exchange with the State Atomic Energy Corporation “Rosatom” in order to review and assess the results achieved within the Russian-Swedish bilateral cooperation on nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation. In the beginning of 2013 a meeting was arranged in Moscow where the results of “The G-8 Global Partnership Conference” in Moscow, held in November 2012, as well as bilateral cooperation perspectives for several years to come were discussed. One of the key issues for future cooperation is to ensure sustainability, as well as to involve other international donors in the dialogue on future priority projects.
5010003-19 – Establishment of mobile automated systems for detection of radioactive material at FSUE Mayak PA, Russia, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-6026, payments in 2013: 2,804 kSEK
During the Moscow 2012 conference dedicated to the 10-year anniversary of the Global Partnership, representatives of the FSUE “Mayak” expressed interest in establishing a system for preventing and combating illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials on the territories of FSUE “Mayak” and adjoining areas. Over its six decades of processing and storing spent fuel and radioactive waste, FSUE Mayak has a troubling history of accidents and environmental contamination. The aim of establishing such a system is to decrease the risks posed to the population and the environment by illicit transportation of these materials, as well as to provide monitoring of the radiation situation in the region. This project started in 2013, and together with Rosatom’s coordination centre, “Atombezopasnost”, and FSUE Mayak it will be implemented during 2014.
Moldova
5010019-05 – Establishment of NARNRA’s emergency preparedness structure at SHS, completed, reg. no. SSM2012-3427, payments in 2013: 944 kSEK
SSM’s cooperation with Moldova’s National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activity (NARNRA) is based on a priority plan drawn up by the Government of Moldova on improving radiation detection capabilities. In 2013 a high resolution gamma spectrometric system was purchased and installed at the premises of the State Hydrometeorological Service in Chisinau.
5010019-09 – Conference on illicit trafficking for the Black Sea region, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-4393, payments in 2013: 233 kSEK
In order to address the nuclear security issues in the Black Sea region, SSM, together with the Moldovan National Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activities (NARNRA), MFA of Norway and the UK’s Department of Energy and Climate Change, conducted an International Conference on Illicit Trafficking Issues in the Black Sea Region in November 2013. The conference gathered representatives from all states in the region and from states outside the region in order to analyse the
challenges and to compare various ongoing assistance programmes, as well as to specify issues that remain to be addressed. At the conference, the Black Sea states took the lead in identifying remaining challenges and in formulating specific ideas for future cooperation, such as further improvements of national legislation, training and education of involved personnel, exercises on national and regional level, provision of equipment, improvement of communication concerning real cases and analysis of vulnerabilities and research into innovative ways to address them.
5010019-10 – Security support in Moldova, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-6230, payments in 2013: 90 kSEK
The purpose of establishing the Nuclear Security Support Center at the Technical University of Chisinau, Moldova, is to provide education and training to strengthen the regime of nuclear security in Moldova and internationally. The Center will facilitate cooperation to optimize the training and use of available human resources to meet the specific needs of Moldova. These objectives will be achieved through international coordination as well as by sharing information and best practices. The Center will build up the national capacity in training, technical and scientific support services.
Georgia
5010006-08 – Support to nuclear and radiation safety service at Georgia’s regional office in Poti, completed, reg. no. SSM2010-2363, payments in 2013: 69 kSEK
To improve the Georgian Nuclear Regulatory Agency (NRSS) with a response capacity in cases dealing with illicit trafficking of radioactive materials in Western Georgia, SSM and the U.S. Department of State have since 2010 supported the operation of the NRSS regional office in Poti. The reason was Georgia’s large number of seizures of radioactive and nuclear materials coupled with poor inspection and control capability at the Poti harbour and in adjacent territories. Currently the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of Georgia has taken over the financial responsibility for the office and the human resources management. During 2014 SSM and the U.S. Department of State will continue their dialogue on possibilities to provide sustainable assistance to the NRSS regional office in Poti.
5010006-01 – Analysis of Georgia’s nuclear past, completed, reg. no. SSM2012-1025, payments in 2013: 435 kSEK
The Civil Council on Defense and Security (CCDS) is a Georgian think tank organization supporting the government on the development of Georgia’s non-proliferation policy priorities. With the support from SSM, the Council has developed a comprehensive report on Georgia’s Soviet nuclear legacy and its influence over the contemporary status and performance of Georgia in the international non-proliferation regime. The purpose of the project is to review the historical background and development of Georgia’s nuclear policy aiming at increasing its role in the international non-proliferation regime. The collected information allows for increased knowledge and awareness among a wider public about Georgia’s role in the development of Soviet nuclear history and explains the current state of affairs of the non-proliferation regime.
5010006-03 – Nuclear training and education centre at the Institute of Physics, completed, reg. no. SSM2010-2451, payments in 2013: 448 kSEK
The objective of this project was the creation of a modern and fully equipped training and education centre at the Georgian science centre, the Institute of Physics, for the implementation of nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation. The project was initiated during the summer of 2011. The centre is already in use for e.g. training of customs officers, the police, firemen and other law-enforcement personnel in the non-proliferation field. The centre will also be available for journalists and diplomats. A wing of the building was totally renovated in early 2013. The centre will also be fully equipped with new furniture, etc. with funding provided by the U.S. Department of State.
5010006-04 – System for physical protection at the storage site of the Institute of Physics at Mtskheta, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-6036, payments in 2013: 21 kSEK
The perimeter fence and the access control point at the repository for radioactive waste outside Mtskheta is in need of repair. This reconstruction will be done as part of Swedish-American cooperation; a first meeting took place in Tbilisi in November 2013. SSM will renovate the guardhouse and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the Department of Energy will reconstruct the perimeter fence.
Ukraine
5010015-14 - Swedish–Ukrainian exchange of experience regarding the use of full scope control room simulators for operational safety, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-687, payments in 2013: 55 kSEK
The aim of this project is to share experiences in Ukraine and Sweden on the role of instructors and simulator developers. In 2013, experts from Nuclear Safety and Training Ltd, KSU in Sweden and Ukrainian experts from the Yushno-Ukrainsk (South Ukraine) NPP discussed over a series of meetings the implementation and training of safety procedures by means of simulator training. One issue that was given particular emphasis was the application of maintenance programmes for separate buildings and various infrastructures such as reactor containments and reactor pressure vessel and pipe fittings. In 2013, delegations from both countries visited their counterpart. A visit to Sweden included visits to the Ringhals NPP and the decommissioned Barsebäck NPP.
5010015-22 – Systems and procedures for the management of ageing reactors, completed, reg. no. SSM2012-619, payments in 2013: 508 kSEK
The ageing of reactors is a major challenge in Ukraine as well as in other countries. SSM and the Ukrainian regulator, SNRIU, have agreed to cooperate on SNRIU’s requirements and instructions in the area of ageing management and long-term operation of NPPs. Three working meetings were held in 2013. The outcome of the work in 2013 is that SRNIU produced draft guidance documents and requirements for the nuclear industry. Experts from SSM and other Swedish expertise have reviewed them. The work with the documents is almost finalized and will be completed in 2014.
5010015-15 - Development of systems for the safety qualification of staff and equipment of SNRIU, completed, reg. no. SSM2009-4200, payments in 2013: 1,290 kSEK
At the request of the Ukrainian regulator, SNRIU, SSM and SNRIU now cooperate on the transfer of the model
for nondestructive testing procedures used in Sweden. The aim of this project is to assist SNRIU and NDT (the Ukrainian accreditation body) in developing a new system for the qualification of staff and equipment regarding in-service inspection at nuclear facilities. Three working meetings were held in 2013 and the work focused on the production of documents which SSM assisted in reviewing. These documents will be used during phase 3, when a pilot study at the Rivne NPP will take place.
5010015-16 – Implementation of Risk Monitoring at the South Ukraine NPP, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-1351, payments in 2013: 351 kSEK
RiskSpectrum is a tool for Probabilistic Safety Analysis (PSA) at nuclear power plants. At an early stage, SSM and its Ukrainian colleagues concluded that RiskSpectrum’s implementation in Ukraine would deliver an important contribution to safety analysis of Ukrainian NPPs. In the framework of this project, RiskSpectrum has been introduced at the South Ukraine NPP. In order to be able to use another programme for risk monitoring called RiskWatcher, RiskSpectrum is essential. The South Ukraine NPP and eventually the other Ukrainian NPPs will have a more continuous surveillance of the state of safety. The project was initiated in late 2013. South Ukraine NPP unit 1 will be the first plant that uses RiskWatcher and RiskSpectrum. The project will be completed by the end of 2015.
5010015-17 – Swedish cooperation with Zhytomyr State Technical University (ZSTU) on the development of analytical and preventive capabilities, completed, reg. no. SSM2012-3428, payments in 2013: 564 kSEK
The objective is to strengthen the role of the ZSTU in its function as a specialized organization for emergency preparedness in Ukraine. This implies the exchange of scientists, joint measurement campaigns as well as purchases of new equipment. The focus is on the way in which the intake of caesium in vegetation is affected by adding ash or potassium chloride to the soil. The main activity in 2013 was the start-up of an already delivered low resolution gamma spectroscopic system, with assistance from the SSM laboratory. Several measurement
campaigns were carried out in the highly contaminated forests not far from the Chernobyl area.
5010015-18 – Evaluation of test programmes for validation of simulator software, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-1349, payments in 2013: 811 kSEK
When the project “Swedish experts help with the South Ukraine NPP full scope simulator 5010015-14” was ongoing, a discussion between SSM and NAK Energoatom was initiated about assisting SUNPP with some models in the Full Scope Simulator at SUNPP. The overall objective of the project was to assist SUNPP training instructors and safety engineers in developing a comprehensive acceptance test programme for the new primary circuit thermohydraulic and core model in the full scope simulators.
5010015-20 – Strategies and meetings, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-1350, payments in 2013: 91 kSEK
The purpose is to have meetings with Energoatom and SRNIU to discuss completed and ongoing projects, but also to evaluate future activities. During the year, two meetings were held. The meetings resulted in a list of prospective projects and approaches for dealing with delays in some projects.
5010020-07 – Export control system in Ukraine, completed, reg. no. SSM2012-449, payments in 2013: 450 kSEK
SSM and Ukraine have cooperated on export control matters since 2003. The aim is to strengthen the Ukrainian state export control system, to enhance education and training, and to facilitate adjustment to the EU export control principles and procedures. The 2013 project activities were based on the cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Economic
Development and Trade of Ukraine and SSM, signed in June 2013. SSM supported the publication of a textbook, “Export Control in the International Security System”, for Ukrainian universities. The authors of the textbook are Ukrainian experts, and the book has been certified
Schevchenko University, as well as by state officials and industry export control managers. The second activity was to provide support for the implementation process of the single control list of dual-use items (SCL) in Ukraine. A four-day training course was held to prepare specialized Ukrainian trainers/instructors for further dissemination of knowledge about the single control list to the Ukrainian export control sector: officials and industry. In addition, technical assistance was provided for an electronic search engine, the Product Identification Tool, that helps to identify the correlation between the former and the current product lists.
5010020-08 – Non-proliferation education in Ukraine, reg. no. SSM2013-688, payments in 2013: 660 kSEK
Since 2009, SSM has cooperated with the Odessa National University on the enhancement of non-proliferation knowledge in Ukraine. The main target group is university students, scholars and young professionals from the nuclear and related areas. In 2013, the fourth summer school in Odessa, “Global nuclear and missile proliferation and its impact on Ukraine”, was organized for students and postgraduates. Thirty young participants from Ukraine, Moldova, Russia and Georgia, representing universities, nuclear facilities, state bodies and research institutes, took part. At the request of the Sevastopol National University of Nuclear Energy and Industry and the Odessa National University, SSM initiated support to postgraduate research in the nuclear security field for a PhD student at the Odessa National University.
5010020-09 – SNRIU web project, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-3037, payments in 2013: 558 kSEK
SSM and SNRIU have cooperated for some years now in creating an open Ukrainian website on non-proliferation to be used by all interested parties, such as the general public, experts in nuclear issues, Ukrainian authorities, non-governmental organizations and media. The object of the website has over the years been broadened so as to also include “Amnesty of orphan sources”. Oakridge National Laboratory in the US has joined the project with
continuous updating of the site. The work on a flyer about the Amnesty project has started. The website has been presented at the IAEA “International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: Maintaining the Continuous Global Control of Sources Throughout Their Life Cycle” held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 27–31 October 2013.
5010020-10 – SNRIU database for IAEA safeguards inspections, and technical support to the database for the Ukrainian state system on nuclear material accountancy and control, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2011-2903, payments in 2013: 237 kSEK
Sweden assists the SNRIU in providing technical support for a special database in order to keep track of the IAEA safeguards inspections in Ukraine. The objective is to ensure that the Safeguards Agreement between Ukraine and the IAEA is properly applied, and that the SNRIU nuclear material accountancy reporting to the IAEA functions well. In 2013 the database received an update and service as agreed by SSM and SNRIU in 2011. The project will be completed in 2014.
5010020-01 – Cooperation with the Ukrainian Border Guard Service (UBGS), ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-1223, payments in 2013: 297 kSEK
In 2013, SSM signed an agreement with the Ukrainian Border Guard Service (UBGS) and started a long-term cooperation which will include equipment for border control stations and support for education and training activities of the personnel. The aim is more effective combating of illicit trafficking with nuclear and radioactive materials in Ukraine. In 2013 two training courses on detection of nuclear and radioactive materials as well as on coordination of response actions for the personnel of the national authorities concerned were held by the UBGS Educational Centre in Cherkassy.
5010020-02 – 11th Ukrainian conference on Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) at the Khmelnitska NPP, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-736, payments in 2013: 342 kSEK
The objective of the project was to facilitate the
organization of the 11th Ukrainian conference on Material Protection, Control and Accounting (MPC&A) at the Khmelnitska NPP in September 2013. The purpose of the conference was to review the nuclear materials issues among Ukrainian professionals and between Ukrainian regulatory bodies. The conference was successful and training in nuclear materials accountancy and control was carried out in December 2013 in connection with the conference for the personnel of Energoatom and Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
5010020-03 – Disused Sealed Radioactive Sources (DSRS) Management in Ukraine – Participation in G8-GP programme, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2012-500, payments in 2013: 113 kSEK
There are approximately half a million disused radioactive sources throughout Ukraine that are improperly stored at the facilities of Radon, the state-owned radioactive waste management company. Under the long-term programme of the G8-GP donors, all these sources are to be moved to the newly built central repository in the Chernobyl exclusion zone. During 2013 SSM negotiated with the state authority for storage of radioactive materials, Radon, and the British Department of Energy and Climate Change regarding a contract on a feasibility study for solving the well-type storage problems at Radon’s facilities. The expected outcome is removal of the waste to a safe site. The contract is expected to be signed in 2014.
5010020-04 – Training Course “Legal aspects of physical protection of sources of ionizing radiation and radioactive waste”, completed, reg. no. SSM2013-2308, payments in 2013: 242 kSEK
In October 2013 the training course “Legal aspects of physical protection of sources of ionizing radiation and radioactive waste” for 16 inspectors from SNRIU (State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine) regional
offices was carried out at the George Kuzmycz Training Center for Physical Protection, Control and Accounting of Nuclear Material of the Nuclear Institute in Kiev. This course has contributed to increased national competence and knowledge in the field of security of radioactive sources.
5010020-12 – SNRIU state registry of ionizing radiation sources, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2013-4711, payments in 2013: 22 kSEK
The object of this project is to update and develop the Ukrainian state registry of ionizing radiation sources at the SNRIU (State Nuclear Regulatory Inspectorate of Ukraine). Ukraine currently has approximately 30,000 radioactive sources in operation. The present registry is old and needs updating. The systems need to be upgraded in order to allow for further operation of the registry. After visiting the registry in October 2013 and following negotiations with SNRIU and the registry, a contract for obtaining new hardware has been prepared for signature and implementation in 2014.
5010018-01 – Quality assurance and quality control in medical radiology, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2009-863
In order to increase the competence of medical physicists and also radiation safety at Ukrainian hospitals, this project was initiated with Sida as a fundraiser. The project was a four year project with much focus on the training of medical staff. The stakeholders were mainly Kiev’s National University KNU, SNRIU and HIMR. Their tasks included developing a new university curriculum, arranging international medical workshops, purchasing new equipment and developing regulatory documents for the use of linear accelerators and PET (Positron Emission Tomography). Only a few of these tasks were actually performed. The biggest challenge for this project was the registration of the project at the Ministry of Health. Equipment could neither be procured nor purchased before the registration was complete. Registration of the project was finally completed in June 2013, six months before the termination of the project.
5010018-02 – Reduction of risks caused by exposure to radon gas and natural radiation, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2009-609
Due to the risks linked with exposure to radon gas in homes, schools and kindergartens in Ukraine, a four year radon project was initiated, with Sida as a fundraiser. The project’s objective was to develop and implement a national strategy for the protection of the population exposed to radon gas and natural radiation. The main stakeholder was the Marzeev Institute of Hygiene and Medical Ecology. The project outcomes focused on activities such as radon mapping in different oblasts in order to make radon maps, training courses on Swedish methods for remediation and mapping, as well as training excursions in Sweden and Ukraine. However, the project suffered from a lack of both equipment and expertise from the Ukrainian side. The project also experienced difficulties in registration at the Ministry of Health, which was not completed until June 2013. Due to this, the purchase of equipment was delayed and was not delivered until after project closure in December 2013. It can be considered to be one of many impediments for a project’s success.
5010018-03 – Remediation of uranium tailings, ongoing, reg. no. SSM2010-569
There are several former uranium mines and sites in Ukraine where uranium ore was extracted by means of chemicals. The residues from the mining and milling processes were not adequately taken care of during the Soviet era and consequently a radiation legacy remains. Under a four-year project financed by Sida, the objective is to establish the foundations for a larger remediation programme at the former uranium mine located in Dnieprozherzhinsk. This project includes elaboration of national legislation and guidance documents for the issue, establishment of safety analyses for the contaminated areas and plans for managing the environmental risks posed by the uranium residues and chemicals. A final important element is to ensure that the population in the local communities is kept informed of the present risks and ongoing remediation works.
Staff from SSM’s Office for International Relations involved in international project implementation
Back row, from left to right: Viviana Sandberg, Cecilia Somell, Leif Pettil Front row, from left to right: Olof Karlberg, Kjell Olsson, Zlatan Delalic, Lars van Dassen, Håkan Klasén, Tor Stenberg
Not pictured: Sarmite Andersson
For further information on the projects described in this report, please contact Lars van Dassen, lars.van.dassen@ssm.se, or on +46 8 799 00 00
P h o to : B o s s e A le n iu s
S tr å ls ä ker h e ts m yn d ig h e ten 2 0 14 . P ri n t: A rk it ek tk o pia .
Swedish Radiation Safety Authority Solna strandväg 96, 171 16 Stockholm +46-8-799 40 00
registrator@ssm.se www.ssm.se
Send an e-mail to registrator@ssm.se if you would like to have the report in a different format, such as Braille or DAISY.
