HIFAR Decommissioning Phase A licence application

Closed 12 Dec 2023

Opened 2 Oct 2023

Contact

1800 022 333

public.submissions@arpansa.gov.au

Overview

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998

Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018

Notice of intention to make a decision on a facility licence application

As required by subsection 48(2) of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Regulations 2018, the CEO of ARPANSA hereby gives notice of her intention to make a decision under section 32 of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Act 1998 (the Act) regarding the following application for a facility licence:

Application number A0344 by Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) to decommission a nuclear installation, known as the High Flux Australian Reactor (HIFAR), at Lucas Heights Science and Technology Centre in Lucas Heights, New South Wales 2234.

HIFAR is a multi-purpose research reactor, and as such, is a nuclear installation under section 13 of the Act. The reactor was permanently shut down on 30 Jan 2007, after 49 years of operation. HIFAR moved from an operational licence to a Possess or Control licence on 15 September 2008. This licence allowed ANSTO to commence characterisation and planning for decommissioning the facility. Application number A0344 relates to decommissioning of the peripheral plant and equipment associated with the reactor (Phase A). At a later date, ANSTO will submit a separate licence application to dismantle and dispose of the reactor block and containment building (Phase B).  

In accordance with section 48 of the Regulations, the CEO of ARPANSA hereby invites submissions from individuals, organisations and groups in relation to the application. The CEO will take all submissions into account before making a decision about whether or not to grant ANSTO a facility licence to decommission HIFAR.

A copy of ANSTO’s facility licence application was available during the consultation period. The documents are available below:

A public forum to provide more information on the consultation process was held online on 9 October 2023 at 6.00pm (Sydney time). A recording of the public forum is available below:

How to make a submission

You can make your submission by clicking on the Have your Say link below. This link will take you to a short survey that will allow you to provide your opinion and any comments or feedback in relation to the licence application.

Submissions closed for this consultation at 11:59pm, 8 December 2023.

The submissions received will be reviewed along with application material to inform the CEO’s decision in relation to this licence application. Information about the decision and outcomes of this process will be updated here once available.

Why your views matter

ARPANSA is responsible for issuing and administering licences for radiation sources and facilities owned and operated by Commonwealth entities. All licence applications are subject to requirements relating to the protection of people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. As part of this process, we are seeking your feedback, to ensure opinions from local communities, workers, experts and the general public are considered in the decision making process.