Finland’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, and the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (Stuk) on 5 August published a draft of the national programme for used fuel and radioactive waste management as well as a report on the environmental impacts of the programme. The ministries and Stuk requested comments on the draft programme and environmental report from authorities, operators in the sector, citizens and communities by 10 September.
The national programme is a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring that all used fuel and radioactive waste generated in Finland is managed safely. It includes general objectives, principles, amounts and locations of used fuel and radioactive waste management as well as an estimate of the costs and schedule. All waste management measures are to be implemented without undue delay.
Finland is required by the Directive on management of used fuel and radioactive waste (2011/70/Euratom) to formulate a national programme. Provisions on the programme concerning the use of nuclear energy and radiation are detailed in the Nuclear Energy Act and the Radiation Act, respectively.
An environmental impact assessment was carried out during the preparation of the programme. The assessment includes a description of the operating environment, objectives and likely significant environmental impacts of the project. The environmental impact assessment aims to take better account of environmental impacts when preparing and approving the national programme, to promote sustainable development, and to improve the public’s access to information and their opportunities for participation. Stuk said.
The draft national programme and the environmental report have been published on the website of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment at www.tem.fi/kansallinen-ohjelma, on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health at www.stm.fi, and on the website of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority at www.stuk.fi
