http://nuclear-heritage.net/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=KristinLV&feedformat=atomNuclear Heritage - User contributions [en]2024-03-29T15:57:19ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.35.2http://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Simo&diff=76587Simo2015-03-06T13:40:36Z<p>KristinLV: </p>
<hr />
<div>[[Image:LaplandCamp Banner8.jpg|City Hall of Simo: "Sold To The Uranium Capitalism"|thumb|right]]<br />
[[Image:LaplandCamp Performance4.jpg|Performance in front of the City Hall|thumb|right]]<br />
[[Image:LaplandCamp Banner4.jpg|Stones With Nuclear Symbols Left Everywhere|thumb|right]]<br />
[[Image:LaplandCamp Terroristi1.jpg|Placard: "Nuclear Power Is A Deadly Terrorist"|thumb|right]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant ==<br />
<br />
=== Summary ===<br />
<br />
Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region (65.37,764N 024.42,188E) , was one of [[Fennovoima]]'s two possible locations for a new nuclear power plant in Finland. The other one was Hanhikivi in [[Pyhäjoki]]. In 2011 the company announced they have chosen Pyhäjoki.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Links====<br />
* http://uraanivoima.com/?p=simon_uraanivoimala (in Finnish)<br />
* http://www.karsikonpuolesta.net/<br />
<br />
=== Background Information ===<br />
<br />
Fennovoima about the history of the site selection process: <br />
"In the beginning of Fennovoima project in summer 2007, the company had almost 40 alternative sites. The number of alternatives was decreased gradually based on assessments and in December 2009 Fennovoima ended up having two alternatives, both located in Northern Finland: Pyhäjoki and Simo municipalities."<ref>http://www.fennovoima.com/en/hanhikivi-1-project/choosing-the-site as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
After the company had selected Pyhäjoki they explained their choice in a press release: <br />
"Several technical features in Pyhäjoki were more favorable. Due to technical benefits it is more feasible to construct a nuclear power plant to Pyhäjoki. Assessments show that the bedrock in Pyhäjoki is more solid. This means that operations like excavation works are easier to carry out. In Pyhäjoki, seismic design values are lower than in Simo. This has an impact on the design of the structures, systems and equipment of the plant. The length needed for cooling water tunnels is about one kilometer shorter in Pyhäjoki. In addition to these technical features, Pyhäjoki's benefit is that there are very few permanent residents and summer houses near the power plant site, which means that the construction will cause less disturbance for the neighborhood."<ref>http://mysite.really.fi/fennovoima/en/fennovoima/media/press-releases/press-releases/fennovoima-nuclear-power-plant-to-be-constructed-in-pyhajoki as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
Both site proposals received resistance from locals and activists. Pyhäjoki has Pro Hanhikivi association, which was founded in 2007 in order to oppose the new nuclear power plant construction project by Fennovoima.<br />
<br />
On July 24, 2009 unknown anti-nuclear activists [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Fennovoima_office_in_Simo_attacked attacked Fennovoima's office in Simo] and graffited the walls. It was reported to be the first anti-nuclear action in Lapland.<br />
<br />
In summer 2009 the [[Nuclear Climate Camp]] in Lapland gathered activists from different countries to pay attention to Fennovoima's plans. Activists visited Simo and its neighbouring town Kemi, spoke to concerned locals and local authorities, distributed flyers and performed street actions.<br />
<br />
Locals, anti-nuclear activists and other concerned individuals have critised Fennovoima's choice by pointing out that: <br />
<br />
:1) the proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant site is close to the Maksniemi village and fishing harbour, which is an area is used for leisure and fishing with 160 recreational residences, many of which are year-round use. The area has good berry picking, mushroom picking, hunting and outdoor terrains, which are used by thousands of residents of surrounding areas. Bird life and flora in the area is diverse. 13 breeding bird species are protected under the EU Birds Directive (Annex 1). The area has a number of threatened plant species, which would be destroyed by the power plant construction. Low-lying beaches and the adjacent protected areas will also be affected, including a Natura 2000 protected beach just opposite the cooling water dump area;<br />
:2) The company had no experience in any kind of engineering work, so both locations were selected without knowing the possible problems. There was no knowledge of how to build the world's most powerful NPP in this kind of arctic area, where shallow water and drifting ice can cause serious problems to the cooling systems. Pack ice is reported to create high walls, from sea bottom to more than 10 meters above surface. This can completely block the cooling water intake, approx 60 to 90 cubic meters of water per second is needed to run the facility. The emergency cooling systems needs lots of water too, though the amount is somewhat smaller;<br />
:3) The cooling water damages local winter tourism as well. By melting large areas of ice, there will be no snow scooter safaris after the reactor is started. The tourist-icebreaker Sampo will suffer from this lack of ice too. And the local people are relying on the ice to visit their cottages during the winter;<br />
:4) Another problem caused by the cooling water is damage to fishing. The salmon migrating routes to all the nordic salmon-rivers (Simo, Tornio and Kalix) go right through the middle of the proposed water intake spot. The plant will be killing all the migrating fish, causing a complete extinction of salmon in the Baltic Sea;<br />
:5) There was a population of 3,200 people inside the 5 km protection zone, which is more than 10 times higher than allowed. The area includes a school, a daycare centre and an elderly house. Within the 20 km radius there are over 30,000 people living in Kemi, Simo and Keminmaa. The Kemi city centre is only 12 km north of the reactor core.<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><references/></small><br />
<br />
<br />
''Simo on the [[Nuclear Baltic Map]]: nr. 9''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Finland]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Simo&diff=76586Simo2015-03-06T13:38:31Z<p>KristinLV: /* Links */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant ==<br />
<br />
=== Summary ===<br />
<br />
Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region (65.37,764N 024.42,188E) , was one of [[Fennovoima]]'s two possible locations for a new nuclear power plant in Finland. The other one was Hanhikivi in [[Pyhäjoki]]. In 2011 the company announced they have chosen Pyhäjoki.<br />
<br />
<br />
====Links====<br />
* http://uraanivoima.com/?p=simon_uraanivoimala (in Finnish)<br />
* http://www.karsikonpuolesta.net/<br />
<br />
=== Background Information ===<br />
<br />
Fennovoima about the history of the site selection process: <br />
"In the beginning of Fennovoima project in summer 2007, the company had almost 40 alternative sites. The number of alternatives was decreased gradually based on assessments and in December 2009 Fennovoima ended up having two alternatives, both located in Northern Finland: Pyhäjoki and Simo municipalities."<ref>http://www.fennovoima.com/en/hanhikivi-1-project/choosing-the-site as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
After the company had selected Pyhäjoki they explained their choice in a press release: <br />
"Several technical features in Pyhäjoki were more favorable. Due to technical benefits it is more feasible to construct a nuclear power plant to Pyhäjoki. Assessments show that the bedrock in Pyhäjoki is more solid. This means that operations like excavation works are easier to carry out. In Pyhäjoki, seismic design values are lower than in Simo. This has an impact on the design of the structures, systems and equipment of the plant. The length needed for cooling water tunnels is about one kilometer shorter in Pyhäjoki. In addition to these technical features, Pyhäjoki's benefit is that there are very few permanent residents and summer houses near the power plant site, which means that the construction will cause less disturbance for the neighborhood."<ref>http://mysite.really.fi/fennovoima/en/fennovoima/media/press-releases/press-releases/fennovoima-nuclear-power-plant-to-be-constructed-in-pyhajoki as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
Both site proposals received resistance from locals and activists. Pyhäjoki has Pro Hanhikivi association, which was founded in 2007 in order to oppose the new nuclear power plant construction project by Fennovoima.<br />
<br />
On July 24, 2009 unknown anti-nuclear activists [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Fennovoima_office_in_Simo_attacked attacked Fennovoima's office in Simo] and graffited the walls. It was reported to be the first anti-nuclear action in Lapland.<br />
<br />
In summer 2009 the [[Nuclear Climate Camp]] in Lapland gathered activists from different countries to pay attention to Fennovoima's plans. Activists visited Simo and its neighbouring town Kemi, spoke to concerned locals and local authorities, distributed flyers and performed street actions.<br />
<br />
Locals, anti-nuclear activists and other concerned individuals have critised Fennovoima's choice by pointing out that: <br />
<br />
:1) the proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant site is close to the Maksniemi village and fishing harbour, which is an area is used for leisure and fishing with 160 recreational residences, many of which are year-round use. The area has good berry picking, mushroom picking, hunting and outdoor terrains, which are used by thousands of residents of surrounding areas. Bird life and flora in the area is diverse. 13 breeding bird species are protected under the EU Birds Directive (Annex 1). The area has a number of threatened plant species, which would be destroyed by the power plant construction. Low-lying beaches and the adjacent protected areas will also be affected, including a Natura 2000 protected beach just opposite the cooling water dump area;<br />
:2) The company had no experience in any kind of engineering work, so both locations were selected without knowing the possible problems. There was no knowledge of how to build the world's most powerful NPP in this kind of arctic area, where shallow water and drifting ice can cause serious problems to the cooling systems. Pack ice is reported to create high walls, from sea bottom to more than 10 meters above surface. This can completely block the cooling water intake, approx 60 to 90 cubic meters of water per second is needed to run the facility. The emergency cooling systems needs lots of water too, though the amount is somewhat smaller;<br />
:3) The cooling water damages local winter tourism as well. By melting large areas of ice, there will be no snow scooter safaris after the reactor is started. The tourist-icebreaker Sampo will suffer from this lack of ice too. And the local people are relying on the ice to visit their cottages during the winter;<br />
:4) Another problem caused by the cooling water is damage to fishing. The salmon migrating routes to all the nordic salmon-rivers (Simo, Tornio and Kalix) go right through the middle of the proposed water intake spot. The plant will be killing all the migrating fish, causing a complete extinction of salmon in the Baltic Sea;<br />
:5) There was a population of 3,200 people inside the 5 km protection zone, which is more than 10 times higher than allowed. The area includes a school, a daycare centre and an elderly house. Within the 20 km radius there are over 30,000 people living in Kemi, Simo and Keminmaa. The Kemi city centre is only 12 km north of the reactor core.<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><references/></small><br />
<br />
<br />
''Simo on the [[Nuclear Baltic Map]]: nr. 9''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Finland]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Simo&diff=76585Simo2015-03-06T13:38:06Z<p>KristinLV: </p>
<hr />
<div>== Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant ==<br />
<br />
=== Summary ===<br />
<br />
Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region (65.37,764N 024.42,188E) , was one of [[Fennovoima]]'s two possible locations for a new nuclear power plant in Finland. The other one was Hanhikivi in [[Pyhäjoki]]. In 2011 the company announced they have chosen Pyhäjoki.<br />
<br />
<br />
=====Links=====<br />
* http://uraanivoima.com/?p=simon_uraanivoimala (in Finnish)<br />
* http://www.karsikonpuolesta.net/<br />
<br />
=== Background Information ===<br />
<br />
Fennovoima about the history of the site selection process: <br />
"In the beginning of Fennovoima project in summer 2007, the company had almost 40 alternative sites. The number of alternatives was decreased gradually based on assessments and in December 2009 Fennovoima ended up having two alternatives, both located in Northern Finland: Pyhäjoki and Simo municipalities."<ref>http://www.fennovoima.com/en/hanhikivi-1-project/choosing-the-site as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
After the company had selected Pyhäjoki they explained their choice in a press release: <br />
"Several technical features in Pyhäjoki were more favorable. Due to technical benefits it is more feasible to construct a nuclear power plant to Pyhäjoki. Assessments show that the bedrock in Pyhäjoki is more solid. This means that operations like excavation works are easier to carry out. In Pyhäjoki, seismic design values are lower than in Simo. This has an impact on the design of the structures, systems and equipment of the plant. The length needed for cooling water tunnels is about one kilometer shorter in Pyhäjoki. In addition to these technical features, Pyhäjoki's benefit is that there are very few permanent residents and summer houses near the power plant site, which means that the construction will cause less disturbance for the neighborhood."<ref>http://mysite.really.fi/fennovoima/en/fennovoima/media/press-releases/press-releases/fennovoima-nuclear-power-plant-to-be-constructed-in-pyhajoki as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
Both site proposals received resistance from locals and activists. Pyhäjoki has Pro Hanhikivi association, which was founded in 2007 in order to oppose the new nuclear power plant construction project by Fennovoima.<br />
<br />
On July 24, 2009 unknown anti-nuclear activists [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Fennovoima_office_in_Simo_attacked attacked Fennovoima's office in Simo] and graffited the walls. It was reported to be the first anti-nuclear action in Lapland.<br />
<br />
In summer 2009 the [[Nuclear Climate Camp]] in Lapland gathered activists from different countries to pay attention to Fennovoima's plans. Activists visited Simo and its neighbouring town Kemi, spoke to concerned locals and local authorities, distributed flyers and performed street actions.<br />
<br />
Locals, anti-nuclear activists and other concerned individuals have critised Fennovoima's choice by pointing out that: <br />
<br />
:1) the proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant site is close to the Maksniemi village and fishing harbour, which is an area is used for leisure and fishing with 160 recreational residences, many of which are year-round use. The area has good berry picking, mushroom picking, hunting and outdoor terrains, which are used by thousands of residents of surrounding areas. Bird life and flora in the area is diverse. 13 breeding bird species are protected under the EU Birds Directive (Annex 1). The area has a number of threatened plant species, which would be destroyed by the power plant construction. Low-lying beaches and the adjacent protected areas will also be affected, including a Natura 2000 protected beach just opposite the cooling water dump area;<br />
:2) The company had no experience in any kind of engineering work, so both locations were selected without knowing the possible problems. There was no knowledge of how to build the world's most powerful NPP in this kind of arctic area, where shallow water and drifting ice can cause serious problems to the cooling systems. Pack ice is reported to create high walls, from sea bottom to more than 10 meters above surface. This can completely block the cooling water intake, approx 60 to 90 cubic meters of water per second is needed to run the facility. The emergency cooling systems needs lots of water too, though the amount is somewhat smaller;<br />
:3) The cooling water damages local winter tourism as well. By melting large areas of ice, there will be no snow scooter safaris after the reactor is started. The tourist-icebreaker Sampo will suffer from this lack of ice too. And the local people are relying on the ice to visit their cottages during the winter;<br />
:4) Another problem caused by the cooling water is damage to fishing. The salmon migrating routes to all the nordic salmon-rivers (Simo, Tornio and Kalix) go right through the middle of the proposed water intake spot. The plant will be killing all the migrating fish, causing a complete extinction of salmon in the Baltic Sea;<br />
:5) There was a population of 3,200 people inside the 5 km protection zone, which is more than 10 times higher than allowed. The area includes a school, a daycare centre and an elderly house. Within the 20 km radius there are over 30,000 people living in Kemi, Simo and Keminmaa. The Kemi city centre is only 12 km north of the reactor core.<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><references/></small><br />
<br />
<br />
''Simo on the [[Nuclear Baltic Map]]: nr. 9''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Finland]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Simo&diff=76584Simo2015-03-06T13:37:10Z<p>KristinLV: /* Background Information */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant ==<br />
<br />
=== Summary ===<br />
<br />
Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region (65.37,764N 024.42,188E) , was one of [[Fennovoima]]'s two possible locations for a new nuclear power plant in Finland. The other one was Hanhikivi in [[Pyhäjoki]]. In 2011 the company announced they have chosen Pyhäjoki.<br />
<br />
<br />
=====Links=====<br />
* http://uraanivoima.com/?p=simon_uraanivoimala (in Finnish)<br />
* http://www.karsikonpuolesta.net/<br />
<br />
=== Background Information ===<br />
<br />
Fennovoima about the history of the site selection process: <br />
"In the beginning of Fennovoima project in summer 2007, the company had almost 40 alternative sites. The number of alternatives was decreased gradually based on assessments and in December 2009 Fennovoima ended up having two alternatives, both located in Northern Finland: Pyhäjoki and Simo municipalities."<ref>http://www.fennovoima.com/en/hanhikivi-1-project/choosing-the-site as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
After the company had selected Pyhäjoki they explained their choice in a press release: <br />
"Several technical features in Pyhäjoki were more favorable. Due to technical benefits it is more feasible to construct a nuclear power plant to Pyhäjoki. Assessments show that the bedrock in Pyhäjoki is more solid. This means that operations like excavation works are easier to carry out. In Pyhäjoki, seismic design values are lower than in Simo. This has an impact on the design of the structures, systems and equipment of the plant. The length needed for cooling water tunnels is about one kilometer shorter in Pyhäjoki. In addition to these technical features, Pyhäjoki's benefit is that there are very few permanent residents and summer houses near the power plant site, which means that the construction will cause less disturbance for the neighborhood."<ref>http://mysite.really.fi/fennovoima/en/fennovoima/media/press-releases/press-releases/fennovoima-nuclear-power-plant-to-be-constructed-in-pyhajoki as of March 6, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
Both site proposals received resistance from locals and activists. Pyhäjoki has Pro Hanhikivi association, which was founded in 2007 in order to oppose the new nuclear power plant construction project by Fennovoima.<br />
<br />
On July 24, 2009 unknown anti-nuclear activists [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Fennovoima_office_in_Simo_attacked attacked Fennovoima's office in Simo] and graffited the walls. It was reported to be the first anti-nuclear action in Lapland.<br />
<br />
In summer 2009 the [[Nuclear Climate Camp]] in Lapland gathered activists from different countries to pay attention to Fennovoima's plans. Activists visited Simo and its neighbouring town Kemi, spoke to concerned locals and local authorities, distributed flyers and performed street actions.<br />
<br />
Locals, anti-nuclear activists and other concerned individuals have critised Fennovoima's choice by pointing out that: <br />
<br />
:1) the proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant site is close to the Maksniemi village and fishing harbour, which is an area is used for leisure and fishing with 160 recreational residences, many of which are year-round use. The area has good berry picking, mushroom picking, hunting and outdoor terrains, which are used by thousands of residents of surrounding areas. Bird life and flora in the area is diverse. 13 breeding bird species are protected under the EU Birds Directive (Annex 1). The area has a number of threatened plant species, which would be destroyed by the power plant construction. Low-lying beaches and the adjacent protected areas will also be affected, including a Natura 2000 protected beach just opposite the cooling water dump area;<br />
:2) The company had no experience in any kind of engineering work, so both locations were selected without knowing the possible problems. There was no knowledge of how to build the world's most powerful NPP in this kind of arctic area, where shallow water and drifting ice can cause serious problems to the cooling systems. Pack ice is reported to create high walls, from sea bottom to more than 10 meters above surface. This can completely block the cooling water intake, approx 60 to 90 cubic meters of water per second is needed to run the facility. The emergency cooling systems needs lots of water too, though the amount is somewhat smaller;<br />
:3) The cooling water damages local winter tourism as well. By melting large areas of ice, there will be no snow scooter safaris after the reactor is started. The tourist-icebreaker Sampo will suffer from this lack of ice too. And the local people are relying on the ice to visit their cottages during the winter;<br />
:4) Another problem caused by the cooling water is damage to fishing. The salmon migrating routes to all the nordic salmon-rivers (Simo, Tornio and Kalix) go right through the middle of the proposed water intake spot. The plant will be killing all the migrating fish, causing a complete extinction of salmon in the Baltic Sea;<br />
:5) There was a population of 3,200 people inside the 5 km protection zone, which is more than 10 times higher than allowed. The area includes a school, a daycare centre and an elderly house. Within the 20 km radius there are over 30,000 people living in Kemi, Simo and Keminmaa. The Kemi city centre is only 12 km north of the reactor core.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
''Simo on the [[Nuclear Baltic Map]]: nr. 9''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Finland]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Simo&diff=76583Simo2015-03-06T12:53:44Z<p>KristinLV: /* Summary */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant ==<br />
<br />
=== Summary ===<br />
<br />
Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region (65.37,764N 024.42,188E) , was one of [[Fennovoima]]'s two possible locations for a new nuclear power plant in Finland. The other one was Hanhikivi in [[Pyhäjoki]]. In 2011 the company announced they have chosen Pyhäjoki.<br />
<br />
<br />
=====Links=====<br />
* http://uraanivoima.com/?p=simon_uraanivoimala (in Finnish)<br />
* http://www.karsikonpuolesta.net/<br />
<br />
=== Background Information ===<br />
<br />
[[Fennovoima]] plans to build a nuclear power plant in Northern Finland. The company is a new player in the energy field and its biggest shareholder is the German E.On, 30%. It has two alternative sites for NPP, Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region and Hanhikivi in Pyhäjoki. The choice between sites will be made early in year 2011.<br />
<br />
Simo Nuclear Power Plant site (coordinates are 65.37,764N 024.42,188E) is close to the Maksniemi village and fishing harbour. The area is currently used for leisure and fishing. There are 160 recreational residences, many of which are year-round use. The area has good berry picking, mushroom picking, hunting and outdoor terrains, which are used by thousands of residents of surrounding areas. Bird life and flora in the area is diverse. 13 breeding bird species are protected under the EU Birds Directive (Annex 1). The area has a number of threatened plant species, which would be destroyed by the power plant construction. Low-lying beaches and the adjacent protected areas will also be affected, including a Natura 2000 protected beach just opposite the cooling water dump area.<br />
<br />
The company has no experience in any kind of engineering work, so both locations were selected without knowing the possible problems. There is no knowledge how to build the world's most powerful NPP in this kind of arctic area, where shallow water and drifting ice can cause serious problems to the cooling systems. Pack ice is reported to create high walls, from sea bottom to more than 10 meters above surface. This can completely block the cooling water intake, approx 60 to 90 cubic meters of water per second is needed to run the facility. The emergency cooling systems needs lots of water too, though the amount is somewhat smaller.<br />
<br />
The cooling water damages local winter tourism as well. By melting large areas of ice, there will be no snow scooter safaris after the reactor is started. The tourist-icebreaker Sampo will suffer from this lack of ice too. And the local people are relying on the ice to visit their cottages during the winter.<br />
<br />
Another problem caused by the cooling water is damage to fishing. The salmon migrating routes to all the nordic salmon-rivers (Simo, Tornio and Kalix) go right through the middle of the proposed water intake spot. The plant will be killing all the migrating fish, causing a complete extinction of salmon in the Baltic Sea.<br />
<br />
Inside the 5 km protection zone lives a population of 3,200 people, which is more than 10 times higher than allowed. The area includes a school, a daycare centre and an elderly house. Within the 20 km radius there are over 30,000 people living in Kemi, Simo and Keminmaa. The Kemi city centre is only 12 km north of the reactor core. This is a completely foolish place to build a NPP.<br />
<br />
<br />
''Simo on the [[Nuclear Baltic Map]]: nr. 9''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Finland]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Simo&diff=76582Simo2015-03-06T12:37:13Z<p>KristinLV: /* Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant */</p>
<hr />
<div>== Proposed Simo Nuclear Power Plant ==<br />
<br />
=== Summary ===<br />
<br />
Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region (65.37,764N 024.42,188E) , was one of [[Fennovoima]]'s two possible locations for a new nuclear power plant in Finland. The other one was Hanhikivi in Pyhäjoki. In 2011 the company announced they have chosen Pyhäjoki.<br />
<br />
<br />
=====Links=====<br />
* http://uraanivoima.com/?p=simon_uraanivoimala (in Finnish)<br />
* http://www.karsikonpuolesta.net/<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Background Information ===<br />
<br />
[[Fennovoima]] plans to build a nuclear power plant in Northern Finland. The company is a new player in the energy field and its biggest shareholder is the German E.On, 30%. It has two alternative sites for NPP, Karsikkoniemi in Simo, Lapland region and Hanhikivi in Pyhäjoki. The choice between sites will be made early in year 2011.<br />
<br />
Simo Nuclear Power Plant site (coordinates are 65.37,764N 024.42,188E) is close to the Maksniemi village and fishing harbour. The area is currently used for leisure and fishing. There are 160 recreational residences, many of which are year-round use. The area has good berry picking, mushroom picking, hunting and outdoor terrains, which are used by thousands of residents of surrounding areas. Bird life and flora in the area is diverse. 13 breeding bird species are protected under the EU Birds Directive (Annex 1). The area has a number of threatened plant species, which would be destroyed by the power plant construction. Low-lying beaches and the adjacent protected areas will also be affected, including a Natura 2000 protected beach just opposite the cooling water dump area.<br />
<br />
The company has no experience in any kind of engineering work, so both locations were selected without knowing the possible problems. There is no knowledge how to build the world's most powerful NPP in this kind of arctic area, where shallow water and drifting ice can cause serious problems to the cooling systems. Pack ice is reported to create high walls, from sea bottom to more than 10 meters above surface. This can completely block the cooling water intake, approx 60 to 90 cubic meters of water per second is needed to run the facility. The emergency cooling systems needs lots of water too, though the amount is somewhat smaller.<br />
<br />
The cooling water damages local winter tourism as well. By melting large areas of ice, there will be no snow scooter safaris after the reactor is started. The tourist-icebreaker Sampo will suffer from this lack of ice too. And the local people are relying on the ice to visit their cottages during the winter.<br />
<br />
Another problem caused by the cooling water is damage to fishing. The salmon migrating routes to all the nordic salmon-rivers (Simo, Tornio and Kalix) go right through the middle of the proposed water intake spot. The plant will be killing all the migrating fish, causing a complete extinction of salmon in the Baltic Sea.<br />
<br />
Inside the 5 km protection zone lives a population of 3,200 people, which is more than 10 times higher than allowed. The area includes a school, a daycare centre and an elderly house. Within the 20 km radius there are over 30,000 people living in Kemi, Simo and Keminmaa. The Kemi city centre is only 12 km north of the reactor core. This is a completely foolish place to build a NPP.<br />
<br />
<br />
''Simo on the [[Nuclear Baltic Map]]: nr. 9''<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Finland]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76574Radons2015-03-05T17:20:16Z<p>KristinLV: /* Background Information */</p>
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{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
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|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the state and has 7 vaults:<br />
<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes. as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
As of March 5, 2015 Radons still has not been extended.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of 2015, after a leakage at SRR in December 2014 and a possible leakage in January 2015 the government had a meeting in which they decided to finally finish the decomissioning of SRR. The current costs are approximately EUR 5.5 million and the decommissioning should be completed in four years, commencing in 2016<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ as of March 5, 2015</ref>. The source of funding is currently unclear as the government has not budgeted money for this purpose.<br />
<br />
However, that would be only half of the costs. Another 7 million euros are necessary for the extension of Radons.<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ as of March 5, 2015</ref> Without the extension the decommissioning cannot be completed.<br />
<br />
In January 2015 it was announced that the State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre will order a new safety assessment for Radons as the previous one was carried out in 2004<ref>http://nra.lv/latvija/132748-pec-10-gadu-partraukuma-novertes-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-baldone.htm as of March 5, 2015</ref>.<br />
<br />
In February 2015 residents of Baldone gathered for a hearing for the Rail Baltica project. Three different options were offered to the locals but all of them received a negative feedback as two of them plan to have the railway too close to Radons and the third one would bisect a village. The locals were concerned that in all three cases vibrations created by trains could affect the safety of Radons.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu as of March 5, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
Rail Baltica is a Trans-European railway project that would link Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Kaunas, Warsaw and continue on to Berlin<ref>http://www.rail-baltica.com/pub/ as of March 5, 2015</ref>.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/biedriba-lemums-par-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-radons-var-apdraudet-aptuveni-miljonu-iedzivotaju.d?id=22473397 Biedrība: lēmums par radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi 'Radons' var apdraudēt aptuveni miljonu iedzīvotāju] ''(November 24, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/zala_dzive/172509-buves_divas_jaunas_radioaktivo_atkritumu_tvertnes_baldone Būvēs divas jaunas radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertnes Baldonē] ''(December 2, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7270-augstaka-tiesa-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatava-baldone-bus Augstākā tiesa nolemj, ka radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātava Baldonē būs] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/baldones-novads-zinas/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/14533-baldone-turpina-cinities-pret-radona-attistibu Baldone turpina cīnīties pret Radona attīstību] ''(December 4, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lvgmc-pasutis-drosibas-novertejumu-vienigajai-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavai-latvija.d?id=45467416 LVĢMC pasūtīs drošības novērtējumu vienīgajai radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavai Latvijā] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/132748-pec-10-gadu-partraukuma-novertes-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-baldone.htm Pēc 10 gadu pārtraukuma novērtēs radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi Baldonē] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/transports-logistika/sakas-nakamais-posms-rail-baltica-istenosana-pasvaldibas-gan-nezina-gan-sasutums.d?id=45608442&page=9 Baldonē raizes par ietekmi uz radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/135380-baldones-novads-noskanots-pret-rail-baltica-planojumu.htm Baldones novads noskaņots pret "Rail Baltica" plānojumu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/rail-baltica-ietekme-uz-vidi-bus-tachu-saliidzinoshi-maza.a118971/ «Rail Baltica» ietekme uz vidi būs, taču salīdzinoši maza] ''(February 27, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu Rail Baltica dēļ Baldonē raizējas par īpašumiem un radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavas Radons drošību] ''(February 28, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76573Radons2015-03-05T13:15:00Z<p>KristinLV: /* Background Information */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the government and, as of April 2013, has 7 vaults.<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes. as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
As of March 5, 2015 Radons still has not been extended.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of 2015, after a leakage at SRR in December 2014 and a possible leakage in January 2015 the government had a meeting in which they decided to finally finish the decomissioning of SRR. The current costs are approximately EUR 5.5 million and the decommissioning should be completed in four years, commencing in 2016<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ as of March 5, 2015</ref>. The source of funding is currently unclear as the government has not budgeted money for this purpose.<br />
<br />
However, that would be only half of the costs. Another 7 million euros are necessary for the extension of Radons.<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ as of March 5, 2015</ref> Without the extension the decommissioning cannot be completed.<br />
<br />
In January 2015 it was announced that the State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre will order a new safety assessment for Radons as the previous one was carried out in 2004<ref>http://nra.lv/latvija/132748-pec-10-gadu-partraukuma-novertes-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-baldone.htm as of March 5, 2015</ref>.<br />
<br />
In February 2015 residents of Baldone gathered for a hearing for the Rail Baltica project. Three different options were offered to the locals but all of them received a negative feedback as two of them plan to have the railway too close to Radons and the third one would bisect a village. The locals were concerned that in all three cases vibrations created by trains could affect the safety of Radons.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu as of March 5, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
Rail Baltica is a Trans-European railway project that would link Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Kaunas, Warsaw and continue on to Berlin<ref>http://www.rail-baltica.com/pub/ as of March 5, 2015</ref>.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/biedriba-lemums-par-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-radons-var-apdraudet-aptuveni-miljonu-iedzivotaju.d?id=22473397 Biedrība: lēmums par radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi 'Radons' var apdraudēt aptuveni miljonu iedzīvotāju] ''(November 24, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/zala_dzive/172509-buves_divas_jaunas_radioaktivo_atkritumu_tvertnes_baldone Būvēs divas jaunas radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertnes Baldonē] ''(December 2, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7270-augstaka-tiesa-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatava-baldone-bus Augstākā tiesa nolemj, ka radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātava Baldonē būs] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/baldones-novads-zinas/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/14533-baldone-turpina-cinities-pret-radona-attistibu Baldone turpina cīnīties pret Radona attīstību] ''(December 4, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lvgmc-pasutis-drosibas-novertejumu-vienigajai-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavai-latvija.d?id=45467416 LVĢMC pasūtīs drošības novērtējumu vienīgajai radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavai Latvijā] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/132748-pec-10-gadu-partraukuma-novertes-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-baldone.htm Pēc 10 gadu pārtraukuma novērtēs radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi Baldonē] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/transports-logistika/sakas-nakamais-posms-rail-baltica-istenosana-pasvaldibas-gan-nezina-gan-sasutums.d?id=45608442&page=9 Baldonē raizes par ietekmi uz radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/135380-baldones-novads-noskanots-pret-rail-baltica-planojumu.htm Baldones novads noskaņots pret "Rail Baltica" plānojumu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/rail-baltica-ietekme-uz-vidi-bus-tachu-saliidzinoshi-maza.a118971/ «Rail Baltica» ietekme uz vidi būs, taču salīdzinoši maza] ''(February 27, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu Rail Baltica dēļ Baldonē raizējas par īpašumiem un radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavas Radons drošību] ''(February 28, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76572Radons2015-03-05T12:26:09Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the government and, as of April 2013, has 7 vaults.<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes. as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/biedriba-lemums-par-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-radons-var-apdraudet-aptuveni-miljonu-iedzivotaju.d?id=22473397 Biedrība: lēmums par radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi 'Radons' var apdraudēt aptuveni miljonu iedzīvotāju] ''(November 24, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/zala_dzive/172509-buves_divas_jaunas_radioaktivo_atkritumu_tvertnes_baldone Būvēs divas jaunas radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertnes Baldonē] ''(December 2, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7270-augstaka-tiesa-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatava-baldone-bus Augstākā tiesa nolemj, ka radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātava Baldonē būs] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/baldones-novads-zinas/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/14533-baldone-turpina-cinities-pret-radona-attistibu Baldone turpina cīnīties pret Radona attīstību] ''(December 4, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lvgmc-pasutis-drosibas-novertejumu-vienigajai-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavai-latvija.d?id=45467416 LVĢMC pasūtīs drošības novērtējumu vienīgajai radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavai Latvijā] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/132748-pec-10-gadu-partraukuma-novertes-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-baldone.htm Pēc 10 gadu pārtraukuma novērtēs radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi Baldonē] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/transports-logistika/sakas-nakamais-posms-rail-baltica-istenosana-pasvaldibas-gan-nezina-gan-sasutums.d?id=45608442&page=9 Baldonē raizes par ietekmi uz radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/135380-baldones-novads-noskanots-pret-rail-baltica-planojumu.htm Baldones novads noskaņots pret "Rail Baltica" plānojumu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/rail-baltica-ietekme-uz-vidi-bus-tachu-saliidzinoshi-maza.a118971/ «Rail Baltica» ietekme uz vidi būs, taču salīdzinoši maza] ''(February 27, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu Rail Baltica dēļ Baldonē raizējas par īpašumiem un radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavas Radons drošību] ''(February 28, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76571Radons2015-03-05T11:58:25Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the government and, as of April 2013, has 7 vaults.<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes. as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/biedriba-lemums-par-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-radons-var-apdraudet-aptuveni-miljonu-iedzivotaju.d?id=22473397 Biedrība: lēmums par radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi 'Radons' var apdraudēt aptuveni miljonu iedzīvotāju] ''(November 24, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7270-augstaka-tiesa-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatava-baldone-bus Augstākā tiesa nolemj, ka radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātava Baldonē būs] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/baldones-novads-zinas/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/14533-baldone-turpina-cinities-pret-radona-attistibu Baldone turpina cīnīties pret Radona attīstību] ''(December 4, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lvgmc-pasutis-drosibas-novertejumu-vienigajai-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavai-latvija.d?id=45467416 LVĢMC pasūtīs drošības novērtējumu vienīgajai radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavai Latvijā] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/132748-pec-10-gadu-partraukuma-novertes-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatuvi-baldone.htm Pēc 10 gadu pārtraukuma novērtēs radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuvi Baldonē] ''(January 18, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/transports-logistika/sakas-nakamais-posms-rail-baltica-istenosana-pasvaldibas-gan-nezina-gan-sasutums.d?id=45608442&page=9 Baldonē raizes par ietekmi uz radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/135380-baldones-novads-noskanots-pret-rail-baltica-planojumu.htm Baldones novads noskaņots pret "Rail Baltica" plānojumu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/rail-baltica-ietekme-uz-vidi-bus-tachu-saliidzinoshi-maza.a118971/ «Rail Baltica» ietekme uz vidi būs, taču salīdzinoši maza] ''(February 27, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu Rail Baltica dēļ Baldonē raizējas par īpašumiem un radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavas Radons drošību] ''(February 28, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76570Radons2015-03-05T11:41:28Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the government and, as of April 2013, has 7 vaults.<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes. as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7270-augstaka-tiesa-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatava-baldone-bus Augstākā tiesa nolemj, ka radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātava Baldonē būs] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/baldones-novads-zinas/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/14533-baldone-turpina-cinities-pret-radona-attistibu Baldone turpina cīnīties pret Radona attīstību] ''(December 4, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/transports-logistika/sakas-nakamais-posms-rail-baltica-istenosana-pasvaldibas-gan-nezina-gan-sasutums.d?id=45608442&page=9 Baldonē raizes par ietekmi uz radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavu] ''(February 23, 2015)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/23557-rail-baltica-del-baldone-raizejas-par-ipasumiem-un-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-radons-drosibu Rail Baltica dēļ Baldonē raizējas par īpašumiem un radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavas Radons drošību] ''(February 28, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76569Radons2015-03-05T11:34:53Z<p>KristinLV: /* Background Information */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the government and, as of April 2013, has 7 vaults.<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes. as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76568Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-05T11:26:33Z<p>KristinLV: /* Anti-Nuclear Activity */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Anti-Nuclear Activity ==<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
<br />
=== Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket at noon and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents in the evening. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:Peace Boat.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Radons&diff=76566Radons2015-03-04T16:37:14Z<p>KristinLV: /* Critics */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:NPP Olkiluoto site 2008.jpg|130px]] || <strong>"Radons" Repository</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:''|| Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || State Ltd. "Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre" <br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:'' || Baldone, Baldone District, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Territory:'' || 7 ha<br />
|-<br />
|''Number of Vaults:'' || 7<br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Waste'': || liquid waste, solid waste <ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste Stored:'' || 840 m³ <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Total Radioactivity:'' || 5.5×1,014 Bq <small>''(data of 2008)''</small><ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''Sanitary Protection Zone'': || 1 km<br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the area:''|| 5,737 <small>(as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction finished:'' || 1962<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || In Use<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste. It is located 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital. The repository consists of 2 parts: supervised area and controlled area with 7 vaults<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref>. Vault No.7 is still in use.<br />
<br />
„Radons“ is in operation since 1962. Until 1972, only local radioactive waste was stored there, later waste from other Soviet states was brought - Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1990. In 1986 protective garments from Chernobyl were stored there, too.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> Nowadays import of radioactive waste is forbidden by Latvian legislation. During the Soviet time, [[Salaspils Research Reactor]] was built and radioactive waste produced there is also stored in „Radons“.<br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order for extension of „Radons“, building 2 new vaults, but the extension was not implemented. In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“. As of April 2013, it is not implemented. A group of locals who were against the extension gathered into NGO “Musu Baldone”, organized several protest activities and later went to the Administrative Court claiming that the order about the extension was unlawful. The trial process lasted from 2010 to 2012, but the NGO lost the case in all three instances.<br />
<br />
== Critics ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''contact details of critical groups working against this facility''</span><br />
* <span style="color:grey">''group name, phone, email, website, postal address''</span><br />
* '''NGO "Musu Baldone"'''<br />
:phone: +371 28257999<br />
:email: [mailto:infoATmusubaldone.lv info AT musubaldone.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
:http://www.musubaldone.lv ''(currently not working - March 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
<span style="color:grey">''links to operator and critical websites''</span><br />
<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (Supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* State Ltd. Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (Operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Baldone Municipality (information about "Radons" in Latvian): http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
Construction of „Radons“ started in 1959. Documents about this period are not available<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref>, but the general opinion is that Baldone was chosen because it was close to Salaspils, where construction works of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) had started in January 1959.<br />
<br />
Before „Radons“ was built, low and intermediate level waste was stored in several places – in the Institute of Physics, the Polytechnical Institute and the Institute of Microbiology.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
The site is located at a hill that rises up to a level of 35 m higher than the territory surrounding it. The level of groundwater in the vicinity of the site is 18 m below the earth surface.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ belongs to the government and, as of April 2013, has 7 vaults.<br />
*Vault No.1 (capacity - 200 m³) is not in use anymore and currently is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.2 (capacity - 200 m³) was cleaned from liquid waste and currently is not in use. <br />
*Vault No.3 (capacity - 200 m³) is made of standard concrete blocks therefore it was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently is not in use and is covered by sand. <br />
*Vault No.4 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1974. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.5 (capacity - 40 m³) was intended for storage of biological waste. Built in 1987. Currently not in use. <br />
*Vault No.6 (capacity - 200 m³), built in 1970, is made of standard concrete blocks therefore is was additionally sealed in 1986. Currently not in use. <br />
*Only vault No.7 (capacity – 1200 m³), which is in operation since 1995, is still in use, thus its radioactive background is higher.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
At the end of 2008, the total radioactivity of waste in the repository was approximately 5.5×1,014 Bq. The total volume of waste was approximately 840 m³. The amount of radioactive waste accepted per year varies, fluctuating about 1,013 Bq per year.<ref>National Report On the implementation of the obligations under the Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 3rd Review meeting of the Contracting Parties, the Republic of Latvia. The Radiation Safety Centre of the Republic of Latvia 2008.</ref><br />
<br />
„Radons“ is a near surface repository, which means that it was constructed on the earth surface.<ref>http://www.rata.lt/en.php/flash/?PHPSESSID=7572b943abd933d8d94a24f02cb4fcc9 as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The repository stores both liquid and solid radioactive waste.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref> Its biggest „client“ was – and still is – SRR. After decomissioning of it will be completed, „Radons“ will receive approximately 1,200 m³ of waste from there.<br />
<br />
Apart from that, „Radons“ stores radioactive waste from research institutes, medical facilities and production sites<ref>http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 as of April 25, 2013</ref> (for instance, from „Liepajas Metalurgs“ metallurgical mill<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref>).<br />
<br />
Although Latvian legislation forbids import of radioactive waste, it does not apply to Lithuania and Estonia. So waste from all three Baltic countries is stored in „Radons“.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
In 1991 the government made an order about the extension of „Radons“ - construction of 2 new vaults. Since „Radons“ is located very close to an inhabited locality, the government promised a compensation for the Baldone Municipaloty: money for building of a school, an ambulance with a pharmacy store, a dwelling-house for teachers and a complex boiler house.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> However, the extension was not implemented and the objects mentioned above are still being built, which later led to disagreements between the municipality and the government.<br />
<br />
In 2008 the government made a new order concerning the extension of „Radons“: 2 new vaults with the capacity of 1,200 m³ each. A compensation for the municipality was intended in this document, too, but the municipality reproached to the State that it has not performed the duties undertaken in the previous document.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/N_Radons.htm as of April 25, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In the new decision the extension was grounded on the necessity to store radioactive waste – approximately 1,200 m³ - that would occure in the result of dismantling of SRR. It is more than „Radons“ could accomodate in vault No7. The rest of the space would be used to store radioactive waste that would occure from medicine and research and industrial activities.<br />
<br />
Since „Radons“ is located so close to an inhabited locality, locals and the municipality are not happy about its existence and especially about the government’s plans to extend "Radons". For instance, in December 2008 nearly 30 people, including youth, picketed at the Cabinet of Ministers protesting against the planned extension. Also 3,000 signatures against the extension were collected. It is a very good indicator of the anti-Radons mood, because the population of Baldone is less than 6,000 people.<br />
<br />
Locals say that the presence of "Radons" produces discomfort and prejudice about Baldone, which makes negative impact on Baldone’s development and there are not many people willing to buy a real estate in the area. Also locals are concerned about "Radons" impact on health and the environment and claim the amount of information on these issues not to be sufficient.<ref>http://www.baldone.lv/Lapas/index.html as of April 25, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
A group of locals have gathered into an NGO “Musu Baldone” (Our Baldone), which went to the Administrative Court. In their claim the NGO wrote that the order about the extension was unlawful. The hearing was held on September 16th, 2010. The verdict was announced on October 7th and it rejected “Musu Baldone” claim. The NGO appealed against this decision. The appeal took place on January 10, 2012. The verdict, announced on January 31, 2012, was negative again. On February 2, 2012 "Musu Baldone" announced on their webpage that the battle is not over and they would appeal against this decision, too. At the end of 2012, the Supreme Court of Appeal left the verdict of the Court of Appeal unamended.<br />
<br />
In January 2013, Baldone's activists announced that they would wait, but not relax.<ref>http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs as of April 25, 2013</ref> Two months earlier activists stated that in case of a negative court verdict, they are ready to protest, including massive protests. “After all, in Germany people lay down on rails. We are talking not about two tanks here, but duplication of the total volume. Radioactive background will increase during construction works,” said Karīna Putniņa, the Chairwoman of Baldone District Council.<br />
<br />
=== Additional Information ===<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/lat/darbibas_veidi/radiacijas_drosiba/ Kodoldrošiba un aizsardzība pret radiāciju]<br />
<br />
*[http://old.vpvb.gov.lv/ivn/projekti/atzinumi/RadonsNZkops.pdf Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons” ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma ziņojuma kopsavilkums]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=184790 Ministru kabineta rīkojums Nr.769 "Par divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūves radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā "Radons" akceptēšanu" Rīgā 2008.gada 3.decembrī (prot. Nr.86 46.§)]<br />
<br />
*[http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng/informacija_presei/preses_relizes/?doc=7174 Real property “Radons” is consigned to the Ministry of the Environment] ''(October 9, 2008)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=12484 Likums "Par radiācijas drošību un kodoldrošību"] Latvian Law on Radiation Safety and Nuclear Safety. Also available in English, but the translation does not include latest amendments.<br />
<br />
===Media Coverage===<br />
<br />
*[http://www.db.lv/laikraksta-arhivs/pasvaldibas/dunas-radons-un-citi-elementi-256503 Dūņas, radons un citi elementi] ''(September 30, 2011)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/674-atstaj-speka-lemumu-par-%E2%80%9Eradona%E2%80%9D-paplasinasanu Atstāj spēkā lēmumu par „Radona” paplašināšanu] ''(January 31, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5879-baldoniesi-nezaude-dusu-cina-pret-radioaktivo-atkritumu-glabatavas-paplasinasanu?tmpl=component&print=1 Baldonieši nezaudē dūšu cīņā pret radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātuves paplašināšanu] ''(November 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/5906-nelabveliga-sprieduma-gadijuma-radona-lieta-baldoniesi-protestes Nelabvēlīga sprieduma gadījumā "Radona" lietā baldonieši protestēs] ''(November 16, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6477-radona-radons-baldone-%E2%80%93-kluss-kaimins-vai-nelugts-viesis Radiācija Pierīgā – kluss kaimiņš vai nelūgts viesis?] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6487-senats-pazinos-nolemumu-sudziba-par-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone Cīniņš tiesā par divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē turpināsies nākamgad] ''(December 14, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/6591-spriedumu-radona-lieta-pazinos-tikai-janvari Spriedumu "radona lietā" paziņos tikai janvārī ] ''(December 19, 2012)''<br />
<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/87965-neizdodas-apturet-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuvi-baldone.htm Neizdodas apturēt radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūvi Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/latvija/novados/neizdodas-apturet-divu-radioaktivo-atkritumu-tvertnu-izbuves-planus-baldone-13990106 Neizdodas apturēt divu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu izbūves plānus Baldonē] ''(January 25, 2013)''<br />
<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/7300-radona-pretinieki-nogaidis-bet-neatslabs "Radona" pretinieki nogaidīs, bet neatslābs] ''(January 28, 2013)''<br />
<br />
=== Open Questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Constructor?''<br />
* ''Radiation doses?''<br />
* ''Type of waste materials?''<br />
* ''Licence (how much waste is allowed to be stored there)?''<br />
* ''Accidents?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category:Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category:Latvia]]<br />
[[Category:Nuclear Waste Repository]]<br />
[[Category: Legal Issues]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76565Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T16:06:49Z<p>KristinLV: </p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Anti-Nuclear Activity ==<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket at noon and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents in the evening. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:Peace Boat.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76564Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T16:04:35Z<p>KristinLV: /* Baltic Sea Info Tour */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket at noon and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents in the evening. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:Peace Boat.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76563Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T16:03:22Z<p>KristinLV: /* Baltic Sea Info Tour */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
[[File:BalticTour Riga Action Statue 1.jpg]]<br />
[[File:BalticTour Riga Action Tourist 1.jpg]]<br />
[[File:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 3.jpg]]<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket at noon and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents in the evening. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:Peace Boat.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76562Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T16:00:18Z<p>KristinLV: /* Peace Boat Stop in Riga */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket at noon and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents in the evening. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:Peace Boat.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76561Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T15:59:48Z<p>KristinLV: /* European Action Day */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket at noon and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents in the evening. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76560Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T15:58:39Z<p>KristinLV: /* European Action Day */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
[[File:Riga8.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76559Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T15:57:34Z<p>KristinLV: /* European Action Day */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
=== Peace Boat Stop in Riga ===<br />
'''''May 22, 2013:'''''<br />
[http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Peace_Boat_brings_message_from_Fukushima_to_Riga:_Nuclear_Free_Now! Peace Boat], a Japan-based international non-governmental and non-profit organization that works to promote peace, human rights, equal and sustainable development and respect for the environment had included Riga as one of their stops and invited people onboard for a press conference and a discussion.<br />
<br />
[[File:The_Group_Photo.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76558Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T15:52:16Z<p>KristinLV: /* Anti-Nuclear Activity */</p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
'''''July 11-13, 2010:'''''<br />
=== Baltic Sea Info Tour ===<br />
The Tour was a travelling event that had 15 stops in 9 countries in summer 2010. During the 3 day stop in [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga Riga] local activists and participants from other project countries had a network meeting, a street action and a public event.<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''January 13, 2012:'''''<br />
=== A Protest Against Visaginas Nuclear Power Plant ===<br />
The protest action was organized by the Latvian Green Party as a reaction to the Government's decision to take part in the Visaginas NNP project. The activity took place in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. Participants were dressed as nuclear power plant workers and brought waste barrels with them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
'''''November 5, 2012:'''''<br />
=== European Action Day ===<br />
The Latvian activity for the [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/European_Action_Day_to_stop_Lithuanian_NPP_project European Action Day to stop Lithuanian NPP project] was organized by the Latvian Green Party and consisted of 2 parts: a picket and a putting of candles in remembrance of victims of nuclear accidents. <br />
<br />
[[Image:Riga.jpeg]]<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Baltic_Sea_Info_Tour/Riga&diff=76557Baltic Sea Info Tour/Riga2015-03-04T15:39:19Z<p>KristinLV: /* Other Information about the Riga Stop */</p>
<hr />
<div>{| style="float:right;"<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action Installation 4.jpg|Street theatre in the center of Riga|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 12.jpg|Renewables hunting nuclear power in the streets of Riga|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action Statue 1.jpg|Atomic funeral performance in front of the statue of liberty|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga 1.jpg|Nuclear waste barrel in our hostel... :)|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 3.jpg|Per Hegelund: The radioactive contamination of the Baltic Sea|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 1.jpg|Last preparations of the nuclear coffin|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 2.jpg|Starting the anti-nuclear funeral procession|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 3.jpg|Anti-nuclear street theatre in Riga downtown|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 4.jpg|The area of this action was very limited by Police|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 5.jpg|...thus, the procession walked some hundred meters in one direction and back all the time|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action Tourist 1.jpg|Informing tourists about the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 6.jpg|The text says: "Your children, grandchildren, grand-grandchildren"|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 7.jpg|The action drew attention of most of the passers-by...|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 8.jpg|It was one of these hot days and black costumes in the burning sun must have been difficult...|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 9.jpg|The cloth with nuclear symbol had been prepared by the biketour activists in [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/Turku|Turku]]...|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 10.jpg|It was an action just with symbols and gestures, without words - no language problems!|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 11.jpg|While street theatre was going on, other activists distributed flyers|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action Installation 3.jpg|Police was irritading...|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 12.jpg| ...every half an hour they reduced the area of the action|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|[[Image:BalticTour Riga Action 24.jpg|Thus we discussed not to announce actions again to the police!|thumb|right]]<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
'''[[Action:Infotour Around The Baltic Sea|<<= back to the ''Baltic Sea Info Tour'' main page]]'''<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
== Tour Stop in Riga ==<br />
'''Riga''' is the capital of Latvia and with about 700,000 inhabitants the largest city of the Baltic states.<ref>http://de.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Riga&oldid=73424539 as at April 23, 2010<br/>http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Riga&oldid=357461995 as at April 23, 2010</ref> Since 2004, Latvia is member of the European Union.<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Riga&oldid=357461995 as at April 23, 2010</ref> Within a radius of several 100 kilometers Riga is surrounded by the nuclear power plants in Kaliningrad and St. Petersburg in Russia, the closed NPP Ignalina in Lithuania, the Swedish nuclear power plants Oskarshamn and Forsmark and the Finnish NPP Loviisa.<br />
<br />
The ''Baltic Sea Info Tour'' stopped from '''July 11-13''' in Riga. We provided a '''public information event''', a '''public street action''' and a '''[[Baltic Sea Info Tour/Network Gathering|regional network gathering]]''' here.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Local contact ===<br />
'''Baltic Sea Info Tour Support Group'''<br />
* email: '''[mailto:riga.baltic-tourATnuclear-heritage.net riga.baltic-tour AT nuclear-heritage.net]'''{{Spamprotection}}<br />
<br />
=== Travel Schedule of the Riga Stop ===<br />
* '''Monday''' ''(Jul 5)'': travelling from the earlier stop in [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/Helsinki|Helsinki]] to Riga<br />
:''only those participants who don't join the stop in [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/St. Petersburg|St. Petersburg]]''<br />
* '''Tuesday - Friday''' ''(Jul 6-10)'': preparation of the stop in Riga<br />
* '''Saturday''' ''(Jul 10)'': travelling from the previous stop in [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/St. Petersburg|St. Petersburg]] to Riga<br />
* '''Sunday - Tuesday''' ''(Jul 11-13)'': STOP in Riga<br />
* '''Wednesday''' ''(Jul 14)'': travelling to the next stop in [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/Belarus|Belarus]] ''or alternatively to [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/Vilnius|Vilnius]]''<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Report from Riga ===<br />
==== Anti-nuclear Infotour in Riga ====<br />
On its 5th stop the anti-nuclear “Baltic Sea Info Tour” visited Riga, the capital of Latvia. As in St. Petersburg, the weather was incredibly hot and we had three days full of actions and events from July 11-13. Many people in Latvia don't know much about nuclear energy and the impacts of this dangerous form of energy generation. Latvia has no own nuclear power plants. Besides the local residents we reached masses of tourists from all countries around the sea, as Riga seems to be a popular place for holidays...<br />
<br />
The Sunday we had a 3 hour network meeting in the afternoon, where we went deeper into the preparation of a brochure about nuclear facilities around the Baltic Sea which is a project connected to the Tour and we chatted about the Olkiluoto blockade which is going to take place just one week after the last stop of the Tour in Finland. The rest of the day was filled with action preparation for the next days. While some people wrote a flyer about effects of the radioactivity of the Baltic Sea for the normal population, others built a coffin from cardboard, which was to be used in a performance the next day.<br />
<br />
With five experienced theatre people in our group, we had a really good performance nearby the Laima clock in the center of Riga on Monday. An atomic funeral procession walked around, catching the eyes of the passers-by. The coffin had a radiation symbol with a skull attached to it and the message “your children, your grandchildren, your grand-grandchildren” in Latvian. Many people willingly took our leaflets, asked questions about nuclear power and were generally interested. Only the police were annoying: They were present with 4 to 6 officers who harped on about some ridiculous rules (seems they had nothing else to do). After two hours in the burning sun we finished our action, having spread about 1,000 flyers.<br />
<br />
Thursday was the day of a big panel with 6 lecturers in the Latvian Ministry of Environment, a small four-story building nearby the Daugava river. Chris Busby, a scientist from the UK, discussed the health impacts of nuclear facilities around the Irish Sea as well as around the Baltic Sea. The Belarusian professor Georgy Lepin told about the atomic situation in his country mentioning also international impacts of the nuclear industry. Other presentations covered the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea, cancer cases in Latvia and the unsolvable challenge of final disposal of nuclear waste.<br />
<br />
Afterwards, another anti-nuclear performance took place in the streets. Activists dressed up as water power, wind power, earth power and solar power chased nuclear power through the streets. This street theatre caught the sympathy of the public everywhere as did not look scaring. The first impression for the hundreds of tourists and locals we reached was a funny performance, but at a second glance the anti-nuclear message was obvious. Many people were curious and asked really interested questions about nuclear power and our action. The hard day was followed by an evening with chilling down and swimming before leaving to Belarus and Lithuania the next day.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Other Information about the Riga Stop ===<br />
* Network meeting took place on July 11<br />
* Public event took place in Ministry of Environment on July 13 at 12 noon.<br />
* Partcipants will be staying at "Happy Hostel" in Kartupelu iela 8. It's quite close to the city center (~15 min via public transportation). The hostel is located in one of Riga's green zones. No public events will take place there. http://www.hosteli.lv/index.html?l=3&m=1<br />
* HOW TO GET TO THE HOSTEL. Go to the stop near the Central Market (one the market side) and catch trolebus 19 or bus 40. If you use the trolebus, step out in the stop "Kartupelu iela". If you use the bus, step out in the stop "Valdeku iela" and follow the trolebus line until you see a white/grey building. The central entrance is closed so you need to use the one that is in the backyard. In the reception you need to say that you're from "Baltic Sea Info Tour". The staff speaks English, Russian and Latvian.<br />
* Public transportation. We use E-ticket system (almost the same as in Helsinki). Prices: ticket for 10 trips - 4.75 ls, ticket for 20 trips - 9.00 ls, 24 hour ticket - 1.90 ls, 3 day ticket - 5.70 ls, 5 day ticket - (for 2 types of public transportation) - 7.00 ls.<br />
* Our currency is Latvian lat. 1 lat is ~ 1.5 euros.<br />
* '''Media Coverage''':<br />
** [http://cheyrane.orb.lv/?id=238241&show=blog&entry=106177 Seminārs „Radiācijas problēma Baltijas jūrā un atomenerģijas radītie draudi videi”] ''- some kind of a press release about our event in Ministry of Environment (July 7, 2010)'' <small><small>Latvian</small></small><br />
** [http://www.indymedia.org/de/2010/07/939945.shtml Atomic Death in Riga] ''- Indymedia International (July 25, 2010)'' <small><small>English</small></small><br />
** [http://linksunten.indymedia.org/de/node/23051 Atomic Death in Riga] ''- Indymedia Linksunten (July 25, 2010)'' <small><small>English</small></small><br />
** [http://de.indymedia.org/2010/07/286583.shtml Atomic Death in Riga] ''- Indymedia Germany (July 25, 2010)'' <small><small>English</small></small><br />
** [http://www.bsrrw.org/?page_id=890 Nuclear Baltic Sea Tour events in Riga 11-13 July 2010] ''- coverage of the infotour in Riga'' <small><small>English</small></small><br />
** [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0ctlNBbSlU ПБК: Балтийское море подвержено риску радиации] ''- film about the infotour in Riga (July 14, 2010)'' <small><small>Russian</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
=== Images of the Infotour in Riga ===<br />
<gallery caption="Sample gallery" widths="100px" heights="100px" perrow="6"><br />
Image:BalticTour Riga FoodSupply.jpg|Food supplies of the infotour in Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Kitchen.jpg|In the kitchen of the hostel... <br />
Image:BalticTour Riga 2.jpg|Nuclear Power dancing with wind power in the hostel of the infotour... <br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Infotable.jpg|Infotable at the info point of the Baltic Sea Info Tour<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Evening.jpg|Hanging out in the garden in the evening of the first day in Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Evening2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Evening3.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Evening4.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga FlyerWorkshop 1.jpg|Preparing a Latvian flyer about the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea for distribution in Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Workshop 1.jpg|Lecture about the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Beach.jpg|Hanging out at the beach after info event and renewables-fight-nuclear-power performance<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
==== Preparation of the Street Theatre Actions ====<br />
<gallery caption="Sample gallery" widths="100px" heights="100px" perrow="6"><br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 1.jpg|Preparation of the coffin for the atomic funeral performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 2.jpg|Preparation meeting of the performance group for the street theatre actions in Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 3.jpg|Preparation of materials for the street theatre actions<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 4.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 5.jpg|Preparation of materials for the renewables-fight-nuclear-power performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 6.jpg|Preparation of the coffin for the atomic funeral performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 7.jpg|Preparation of the costum of "water power" for the renewables-fight-nuclear-power performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 8.jpg|Preparing the "water power" character for the renewables-fight-nuclear-power performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 9.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 11.jpg|Practicing the characters for the renewables-fight-nuclear-power performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 12.jpg|Preparation of the coffin<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 13.jpg|Practicing the "nuclear power" character for the renewables-fight-nuclear-power performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 14.jpg|Practicing the "nuclear power" and "earth power" characters<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 15.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation 16.jpg|Practicing the "earth power" character<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga ActionPreparation Coffin.jpg|Preparation of the coffin for the atomic funeral performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga 3.jpg|Nuclear power posing in the hostel of the infotour... <br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
==== Atomic Funeral Performance ====<br />
<gallery caption="Sample gallery" widths="100px" heights="100px" perrow="6"><br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 1.jpg|Arrival in downtown by taxi... the coffin was to big for the Trolley bus<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 2.jpg|Preparation of an anti-nuclear funeral action<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 4.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 5.jpg|It looks pretty good, anyway...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 3.jpg|Waiting for the other organizers in the hot burning sun...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 6.jpg|Escaping into the shadow<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 7.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 8.jpg|The flyers are still not ready copied - waiting more!<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Installation 5.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 9.jpg|Passers-by get already attracted by the coffin<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 10.jpg|Preparation of the costumes of the artists for the anti-nuclear funeral action<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter 11.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter Flyer.jpg|Folding flyers<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action ArrivalCenter Flyer2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Coffin.jpg|Distributing flyers to passers-by while the action gets prepared<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Installation 6.jpg|Atomic coffin<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Coffin2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Coffin3.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 27.jpg|The action starts now...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Pillar1.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Pillar2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Pillar3.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Installation 2.jpg|Distributing flyers<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 1.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Police 1.jpg|Discussion with police about the announced action in the center of Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Police 2.jpg|The police officers were disturbing the street theatre...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Police 3.jpg|...by limiting the permitted area for the atomic fumeral procession every half an hour<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Police 4.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Police 5.jpg|When asked about at least helping us to distribute the flyers they objected, too...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action PeopleTalk 1.jpg|Informing people about the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Photograph.jpg|Tourists were obviously attracted by the performance<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 13.jpg|Anyway, Riga was a good place for action - hundreds of tourists were attracted by it<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 14.jpg|The coffin symbolizes the victims of the dangerous atomic technology<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 15.jpg|Anti-nuclear funeral action group in front of the statue of liberty in Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Statue 2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Statue 3.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 16.jpg|The activists are part of a theatre group from Tampere in Finland...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 17.jpg|They participated later also in [[Baltic Sea Info Tour/Vilnius|Vilnius]]<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 18.jpg|Most action materials had been prepared just one day before using simple materials<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 3.jpg|While the procession took place, other activists distributed flyers<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Tourist 2.jpg|Informing tourists about the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Tourist 3.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 4.jpg|A flyer in Latvian was created to inform about the radioactive pollution of the Baltic Sea<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 5.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 6.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 19.jpg|Not only nuclear power is deadly... think about McDonalds, too! ;)<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 29.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 20.jpg|Nuclear death this direction!<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Installation 1.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 21.jpg|Another picture of the radioactice coffin in front of the statue of liberty<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 22.jpg|Lifting up the coffin again...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 23.jpg|Moving forward... the next session of the funeral starts<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 25.jpg|While walking the artists were humming sacral melodies<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 26.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 28.jpg|Funeral procession in front of the "Hotel de Rome"<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action 30.jpg|Many passers-by were very interested to learn more about nuclear threats<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Flyer 7.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Ministry 1.jpg|Final disposal of the radioactive coffin at the Ministry of Health<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Ministry 2.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Ministry 3.jpg|To remind the Ministry about the nuclear threats around Latvia...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga Action Ministry 4.jpg|...the NPP developments in St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Lithuania and Belarus as well as the impact of the most radioactive sea in the world, the Baltic Sea!<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
==== Info Event in the Ministry of Environment ====<br />
''Info event with several lectures about nuclear issues in the center of Riga.''<br />
<gallery caption="Sample gallery" widths="100px" heights="100px" perrow="6"><br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 1.jpg|The audience was a mixture of environmental organizers, scientists, Infotour activists and residents of Riga<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 2.jpg|Per Hegelund: The radioactive contamination of the Baltic Sea<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 4.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 5.jpg|Chris Busby: The nuclear pollution of Irish Sea and Baltic Sea and the health effects of this radiation<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 6.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 7.jpg|Aivars Stengrevics: Cancer cases in Latvia<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 8.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 9.jpg|Chris Busby commented that the health impact of radiation is underestimated in official calculations... <br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 10.jpg|... because the official risk model is wrong!<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 11.jpg|Professor Lepin: Nuclear impacts to Belarus and in the world<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 12.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga InfoEvent 13.jpg|Ditta Rietuma talking about several nuclear topics<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
==== Renewables Hunting Nuclear Power Performance ====<br />
<gallery caption="Sample gallery" widths="100px" heights="100px" perrow="6"><br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 4.jpg|"Nuclear power", "water power", "earth power", "wind power" and "solar power" <br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 1.jpg|"Wind power"<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 2.jpg|"Earth power", "wind power" and "solar power" <br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 3.jpg|"Water power"<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 5.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 6.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 7.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 8.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 9.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 10.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 11.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 13.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 14.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 15.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 16.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 17.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 18.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 19.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 20.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 21.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 22.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 23.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 24.jpg|Police didn't intervene this day - obviously it is better not to announce actions to them!<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 25.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 26.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 27.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 28.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 29.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 30.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 31.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 32.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 33.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 34.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 35.jpg<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 36.jpg|Nuclear power is crying...<br />
Image:BalticTour Riga EnergyPerformance 37.jpg<br />
</gallery><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Tour Stops]]<br />
[[Category: Baltic Tour Events]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: 2010/07/11]]<br />
[[Category: 2010/07/12]]<br />
[[Category: 2010/07/13]]<br />
[[Category: Gallery]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Anti-nuclear_Movement_in_Latvia&diff=76556Anti-nuclear Movement in Latvia2015-03-04T15:24:42Z<p>KristinLV: </p>
<hr />
<div>=== Atomic Policy in Latvia ===<br />
{{:Atomic Policy in Latvia}}<p align=left>[[Atomic Policy in Latvia|-> learn more]]</p><br />
<br />
=== Groups and organizations working on the anti-nuclear field ===<br />
# [http://www.zalie.lv Latvian Green Movement]<br />
#* Latvijas Zaļā kustība, Alda Ozola, Meža iela 4, LV-1048 Rīga; [mailto:alda.ozolaATzalie.lv alda.ozola AT zalie.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# Vides aizsardzības klubs (Environmental Protection Club)<br />
#* 11. novembra krastmala 35, LV-1050 Riga; phone: +371 29659655<br />
# [http://www.zemesdraugi.lv Friends of the Earth Latvia]<br />
#* Latvijas Zemes draugi, Margrietas iela 16 - 3, LV-1046 Riga; [mailto:zemesdraugiATzemesdraugi.lv zemesdraugi AT zemesdraugi.lv]{{Spamprotection}}<br />
# [http://www.pdf.lv WWF Latvia]<br />
#* Pasaules Dabas Fonds, Elizabetes iela 8-4, LV-1010 Riga; phone: +371 67505640; fax: +371 67505651<br />
# [http://www.enerta.lv Enerģija tautai] (Energy for People)<br />
#* Enerģija tautai, Krišjāņa Barona iela 88-2, Riga<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Organizations/institutions connected to nuclear issues ===<br />
* [http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.em.gov.lv Ministry of Economics of the Republic of Latvia]<br />
* [http://www.latvenergo.lv Latvenergo] - energy power supply enterprise engaged in the Visaginas NPP project<br />
* [http://www.meteo.lv Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd. Company]<br />
* [http://www.vvd.gov.lv/lv/strukturvienibas/radiacijas-drosibas-centrs Radiation Safety Centre of the State Environmental Service]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Anti-Nuclear Activity ===<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Anti-Nuclear Movement]]<br />
[[Category: Groups]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Atomic_Policy_in_Latvia&diff=76555Atomic Policy in Latvia2015-03-04T15:23:28Z<p>KristinLV: /* Independent State */</p>
<hr />
<div><noinclude><br />
=== Soviet Time ===<br />
</noinclude>From 1940 to 1990 Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union thus its nuclear policy could not differ from the Soviet one. Main political and economical decisions were made by the Soviet government in Moscow and the government of Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) had to implement them. Their power to object was limited.<br />
<br />
In the 1950s Soviet government decided to build 20 research reactors in different regions of the USSR and abroad<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref>, following an initiative by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Kurchatov Igor Kurchatov]. Kurchatov was a Soviet nuclear physicist who is widely known as the director of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_atomic_bomb_project Soviet atomic bomb project].<br />
<br />
However, the idea to build a research reactor in Latvia was a local initiative. It was a proposal from physicists from the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences. The government of Latvian SSR forwarded it to the Council of Ministers of the USSR in spring 1958. The acceptance was received a few weeks later. The construction of „[[Salaspils Research Reactor]]“ (SRR) started in January 1959. SRR was put into operation in 1961 and carried out [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology. It is the only research reactor Latvia has ever had.<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref> SRR is located 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city and 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was shut down in 1998. The spent fuel was sent to [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Kyshtym_Disaster Mayak] ''Production Association'' in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<br />
<noinclude><br />
At the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s the second nuclear facility was built - a radioactive waste repository. It is called „[[Radons]]“ and is located in Baldone, 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital.<br />
„Radons“ (in operation since 1962) is a near-surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste.<br />
<br />
The fact that there are no nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the territory of Latvia does not mean that there were no plans to build them. Alluding to deficiency of natural energy resources in the north-western part of the former Soviet Union and more extensive application of nuclear energy, the USSR State Plan Committee recurrently proposed Latvia to build an NPP. It is known as the [[Pāvilostas NPP]] project.<br />
<br />
The project was not implemented. In the 1980s, when the construction works could have started, two historical events - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perestroika „perestroika“] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_disaster Chernobyl disaster] – interrupted all plans.<br />
<br />
=== Independent State === <br />
Latvia is a country that considers nuclear power as one of energy sources - the country needs to import 20-30 % of electricity per year. A part of it is nuclear power. The country was purchasing electricity from Ignalina NPP and a part of electricity imported from Russia is also produced in NPPs. In the document “Development of Nuclear Energetics in Latvia” (2009) it is stated that “summing up the amounts of electricity purchased from Lithuania and Russia which are produced at NPPs, we obtain approximately 1 TWh electric energy a year.” In 2012 the total energy consumption in Latvia were 9 TWh.<br />
<br />
The Government is pro-nuclear. Information available on the website of The Cabinet of Ministers states that "On Friday, December 2 [2011], Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius in conversation have confirmed that the Visagina Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will be economically viable and advantageous project for the people of the Baltic States."<ref>http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2011/12/041211-pm-01/ as of April 24, 2013</ref> In March 2012 the Prime Ministers of all Baltic States met in Lithuania and "have reaffirmed their commitment to build the Visaginas power plant and have promised to work together to make sure progress is maintained"<ref>http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Baltic_PMs_pledge_nuclear_support-0903128.html as of April 24, 2013</ref>. An article, available on the discussion page of the Ministry of Economics praises nuclear power and lists its (so-called) benefits<ref>http://wiki.em.gov.lv/wiki/Atomener%C4%A3ija as of April 24, 2013</ref>.<br />
<br />
Although the future of the [[Visaginas NPP]] (LT) project became unclear after the Lithuanian referendum in autumn 2012, Latvia is still a stakeholder. On January 29, 2013 Āris Žīgurs, Chairman of the Board of the energy power supply enterprise "Latvenergo", stated "I confirm that we still have interest [in this project]".<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/zigurs-latvenergo-saglaba-interesi-piedalities-visaginas-aes-projekta.d?id=43012160 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
As of February 2015, the Ministry of Economics has confirmed that negotiation with other stakeholders continues and they are still interested in the project as long as it would be economically beneficial. At the same time the Ministry admitted that many important issues, such as safety and storage of nuclear waste, are still not answered.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/biznesa_vide/latvija-turpina-sarunas-par-visaginas-atomelektrostacijas-projektu.d?id=45579760 as of March 4, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
One of the reasons why Latvia is interested in the Visaginas project is the willingness to reduce energy dependence from Russia.<br />
<br />
When it is about public discussions about energy, nuclear power usually appears as an inevitable source of it in future. For instance, Namejs Zeltiņš, President of Latvia Member Committee of World Energy Council and Member of the Board of National Confederation of Energy has stated “There is no other way how to insure Latvian energy independence.”<ref>http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/EnergoForums/EnergoForumsNr14LV.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The document “Development of Nuclear Energetics in Latvia” also states that “Considering the deficiency of energy resources and restrictions on emissions, it will be possible to ensure reliable provision of Latvia with electricity only by applying nuclear energy.”<ref>http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref> Nuclear power is praised because “The NPPs are economically profitable and their main advantage is non-pollution of atmosphere with harmful emissions.”<ref>http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
Although 38,75 % of the total energy consumption in 2006 was made by renewable energy<ref>http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/EnergoForums/EnergoForumsNr14LV.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref>, it is not seen as a good alternative to nuclear power because it is “expensive”.<br />
<br />
An energy development plan that was presented in a board meeting of both Latvian Member Committee of World Energy Council and National Confederation of Energy on August 4, 2008 envisages that until 2010 gas would be dominating in Latvian energy, from 2010 to 2020 energy would mostly be produced from coal, from 2020 to 2030 – from coal and nuclear power, but after 2030 Latvia would have to build an NPP in order to ensure the country's energy independence.<ref>http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/EnergoForums/EnergoForumsNr14LV.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
In February 2015 it was announced that Latvia is a participant of "BRILLIANT" (Baltic Region Initiative for Long Lasting InnovAtive Nuclear Technologies), an international nuclear research project. Its aim is to facilitate the development of technology in countries without active nuclear programs.<ref>http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/tehnologjijas/dzive/latvija-iesaistas-starptautiska-kodolpetnieciibas-sadarbiibas-projekta.a118989/ as of March 4, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
As for the public opinion on nuclear power, it is difficult to assess it. For instance, an opinion poll "Whether or not Latvia should participate in the Visaginas project" (taken on July 3-5, 2012) showed that 45 % of respondents were supporting the project (13 % said "definitely yes", 32 % said "rather yes"), 37 % said "no" (15 % - "definitely no", 22 % "rather no"). 18 % had no opinion on this issue.<ref>http://www.tns.lv/?lang=lv&fullarticle=true&category=showuid&id=3875</ref> But given that only 500 people participated in this opinion poll, it cannot represent the general public opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
</noinclude><br />
[[Category: Atomic Policy]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Atomic_Policy_in_Latvia&diff=76554Atomic Policy in Latvia2015-03-04T15:12:06Z<p>KristinLV: /* Soviet Time */</p>
<hr />
<div><noinclude><br />
=== Soviet Time ===<br />
</noinclude>From 1940 to 1990 Latvia was a part of the Soviet Union thus its nuclear policy could not differ from the Soviet one. Main political and economical decisions were made by the Soviet government in Moscow and the government of Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR) had to implement them. Their power to object was limited.<br />
<br />
In the 1950s Soviet government decided to build 20 research reactors in different regions of the USSR and abroad<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref>, following an initiative by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igor_Kurchatov Igor Kurchatov]. Kurchatov was a Soviet nuclear physicist who is widely known as the director of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soviet_atomic_bomb_project Soviet atomic bomb project].<br />
<br />
However, the idea to build a research reactor in Latvia was a local initiative. It was a proposal from physicists from the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences. The government of Latvian SSR forwarded it to the Council of Ministers of the USSR in spring 1958. The acceptance was received a few weeks later. The construction of „[[Salaspils Research Reactor]]“ (SRR) started in January 1959. SRR was put into operation in 1961 and carried out [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology. It is the only research reactor Latvia has ever had.<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref> SRR is located 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city and 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was shut down in 1998. The spent fuel was sent to [http://www.nuclear-heritage.net/index.php/Kyshtym_Disaster Mayak] ''Production Association'' in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<br />
<noinclude><br />
At the end of the 1950s and the beginning of the 1960s the second nuclear facility was built - a radioactive waste repository. It is called „[[Radons]]“ and is located in Baldone, 5 km from the city of Baldone and 27 km from Riga, the capital.<br />
„Radons“ (in operation since 1962) is a near-surface repository for both burial and storage of low and intermediate level radioactive waste.<br />
<br />
The fact that there are no nuclear power plants (NPPs) in the territory of Latvia does not mean that there were no plans to build them. Alluding to deficiency of natural energy resources in the north-western part of the former Soviet Union and more extensive application of nuclear energy, the USSR State Plan Committee recurrently proposed Latvia to build an NPP. It is known as the [[Pāvilostas NPP]] project.<br />
<br />
The project was not implemented. In the 1980s, when the construction works could have started, two historical events - [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perestroika „perestroika“] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_disaster Chernobyl disaster] – interrupted all plans.<br />
<br />
=== Independent State === <br />
Latvia is a country that considers nuclear power as one of energy sources - the country needs to import 20-30 % of electricity per year. A part of it is nuclear power. The country was purchasing electricity from Ignalina NPP and a part of electricity imported from Russia is also produced in NPPs. In the document “Development of Nuclear Energetics in Latvia” (2009) it is stated that “summing up the amounts of electricity purchased from Lithuania and Russia which are produced at NPPs, we obtain approximately 1 TWh electric energy a year.” In 2012 the total energy consumption in Latvia were 9 TWh.<br />
<br />
The Government is pro-nuclear. Information available on the website of The Cabinet of Ministers states that "On Friday, December 2 [2011], Prime Minister Valdis Dombrovskis and Prime Minister of Lithuania Andrius Kubilius in conversation have confirmed that the Visagina Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) will be economically viable and advantageous project for the people of the Baltic States."<ref>http://www.mk.gov.lv/en/aktuali/zinas/2011/12/041211-pm-01/ as of April 24, 2013</ref> In March 2012 the Prime Ministers of all Baltic States met in Lithuania and "have reaffirmed their commitment to build the Visaginas power plant and have promised to work together to make sure progress is maintained"<ref>http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/NN-Baltic_PMs_pledge_nuclear_support-0903128.html as of April 24, 2013</ref>. An article, available on the discussion page of the Ministry of Economics praises nuclear power and lists its (so-called) benefits<ref>http://wiki.em.gov.lv/wiki/Atomener%C4%A3ija as of April 24, 2013</ref>.<br />
<br />
Although the future of the [[Visaginas NPP]] (LT) project became unclear after the Lithuanian referendum in autumn 2012, Latvia is still a stakeholder. On January 29, 2013 Āris Žīgurs, Chairman of the Board of the energy power supply enterprise "Latvenergo", stated "I confirm that we still have interest [in this project]".<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/bizness/uznemumi/zigurs-latvenergo-saglaba-interesi-piedalities-visaginas-aes-projekta.d?id=43012160 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
One of the reasons why Latvia is interested in the Visaginas project is the willingness to reduce energy dependence from Russia.<br />
<br />
When it is about public discussions about energy, nuclear power usually appears as an inevitable source of it in future. For instance, Namejs Zeltiņš, President of Latvia Member Committee of World Energy Council and Member of the Board of National Confederation of Energy has stated “There is no other way how to insure Latvian energy independence.”<ref>http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/EnergoForums/EnergoForumsNr14LV.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The document “Development of Nuclear Energetics in Latvia” also states that “Considering the deficiency of energy resources and restrictions on emissions, it will be possible to ensure reliable provision of Latvia with electricity only by applying nuclear energy.”<ref>http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref> Nuclear power is praised because “The NPPs are economically profitable and their main advantage is non-pollution of atmosphere with harmful emissions.”<ref>http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
Although 38,75 % of the total energy consumption in 2006 was made by renewable energy<ref>http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/EnergoForums/EnergoForumsNr14LV.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref>, it is not seen as a good alternative to nuclear power because it is “expensive”.<br />
<br />
An energy development plan that was presented in a board meeting of both Latvian Member Committee of World Energy Council and National Confederation of Energy on August 4, 2008 envisages that until 2010 gas would be dominating in Latvian energy, from 2010 to 2020 energy would mostly be produced from coal, from 2020 to 2030 – from coal and nuclear power, but after 2030 Latvia would have to build an NPP in order to ensure the country's energy independence.<ref>http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/EnergoForums/EnergoForumsNr14LV.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref> <br />
<br />
As for the public opinion on nuclear power, it is difficult to assess it. For instance, an opinion poll "Whether or not Latvia should participate in the Visaginas project" (taken on July 3-5, 2012) showed that 45 % of respondents were supporting the project (13 % said "definitely yes", 32 % said "rather yes"), 37 % said "no" (15 % - "definitely no", 22 % "rather no"). 18 % had no opinion on this issue.<ref>http://www.tns.lv/?lang=lv&fullarticle=true&category=showuid&id=3875</ref> But given that only 500 people participated in this opinion poll, it cannot represent the general public opinion.<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
</noinclude><br />
[[Category: Atomic Policy]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76553Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T19:19:29Z<p>KristinLV: /* Decommissioning */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
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At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
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Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
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The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
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===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
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During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
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From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
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Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
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Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
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===1990s-2015===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
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The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
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The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
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Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
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Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
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Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
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Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the USA.<br />
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In 2013 the University of Latvia replaced the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. as the operator of the facility, planning to develop a cyclotron center there. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron as of March 3, 2015</ref> and has several usages. In medicine it can be used for cancer treatment and diagnostics of cardio-vascular diseases<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. University of Latvia also intended to export the developed medicinal products and conduce scientific researches. Export was considered because there are no cyclotron centers in neighbouring countries<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
In October 2014 the University announced that they hope to repair both external vaults of the reactor by the end of the year to prevent them from leaking<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The vaults were built in the 1960s and had never been checked before. The Government confirmed an initial grant of EUR 119 340 for this purpose, total costs were supposed to be known later, after the Univerisity would have made a schedule. Works were expected to commence in November.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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In December 2014 a small leakage started from one of the vaults increased the level of tritium to 10 Bq/l. The limit is 100 Bq/l.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The leakage was stopped, but in January 2015 the Ministry of Environment informed that there might have been another leakage, this time from the other vault<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
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Another potential threat is the main fuel tank as it is made of a lower quality material<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Also there is a crack in one of the outer walls, from the floor to the ceiling. It is so wide that it is possible to see through it<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/<br />
as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Due to low funding the entire facility is operated by only nine people<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The building itself is poorly maintained. The temperature inside it is only +10 C° in winter<ref>http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/zinju-analiize/zinas/salaspils-kodolreaktors-10-gados-no-soliitas-demontazhas-paveikt.a92345/as of March 3, 2015</ref>, which is enough to prevent the water inside the reactor from freezing but not enough to keep the building in a good condition.<br />
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At the beginning of January 2015 the Government granted another EUR 15 000 for immediate maintenance works.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 as of March 3, 2015</ref> <br />
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On January 19, 2015, in a press conference, the University announced that they are considering to terminate their contract thus ceasing to be the opeator of SRR if they do not receive financial support from the Government. Maintenance of the facility costs approximately EUR 200 000 a year and it it too expensive for the University.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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In February the Government announced that the sum of EUR 300 000 would be granted in 2015 for the maintenance of SRR<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/as of March 3, 2015</ref>.<br />
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At the beginning of February 2015 it was announced that the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. will became the operator again. The change is expected to take place in April 2015. However, the University is planning to continue the development of the cyclotron center.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
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In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
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Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
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The decomissioning process started in May 2008 when the spent fuel was sent to Russia. Decomissioning was supposed to take five years. These plans were interrupted already at the end of 2008 when the country got into recession.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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Reports from 2010 and 2011 show that no funding was granted for this purpose although the new plan was to start the decomissioning in 2011 and finish it in 2015. Also there was no funding granted in 2012.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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In October 2014 the Ministry of Environment informed that they are looking for all available sources of funding, not only EU funds.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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In February 2015, after announcing addtional funding for the maintenace of SRR in 2015, the Government also announced plans to finally finish the decomissioning. The current costs are approximately EUR 5.5 million and the decommissioning should be completed in four years, commencing in 2016.<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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The source of funding is currently unclear as the Government is struggling to find funds already for the maintanance costs. The sum mentioned above, EUR 300 000, will be taken from funds for force majeure cases. The Government also informed they might need to sell some of state real estates.<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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After a Government meeting the Prime Minister of Latvia Laimdota Straujuma said that the current situation is unacceptable and this issue should finally be sorted out.<ref>http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
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===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76552Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T18:58:47Z<p>KristinLV: /* 1990s-2015 */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2015===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the USA.<br />
<br />
In 2013 the University of Latvia replaced the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. as the operator of the facility, planning to develop a cyclotron center there. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron as of March 3, 2015</ref> and has several usages. In medicine it can be used for cancer treatment and diagnostics of cardio-vascular diseases<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. University of Latvia also intended to export the developed medicinal products and conduce scientific researches. Export was considered because there are no cyclotron centers in neighbouring countries<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
In October 2014 the University announced that they hope to repair both external vaults of the reactor by the end of the year to prevent them from leaking<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The vaults were built in the 1960s and had never been checked before. The Government confirmed an initial grant of EUR 119 340 for this purpose, total costs were supposed to be known later, after the Univerisity would have made a schedule. Works were expected to commence in November.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
In December 2014 a small leakage started from one of the vaults increased the level of tritium to 10 Bq/l. The limit is 100 Bq/l.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The leakage was stopped, but in January 2015 the Ministry of Environment informed that there might have been another leakage, this time from the other vault<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
Another potential threat is the main fuel tank as it is made of a lower quality material<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Also there is a crack in one of the outer walls, from the floor to the ceiling. It is so wide that it is possible to see through it<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/<br />
as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Due to low funding the entire facility is operated by only nine people<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The building itself is poorly maintained. The temperature inside it is only +10 C° in winter<ref>http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/zinju-analiize/zinas/salaspils-kodolreaktors-10-gados-no-soliitas-demontazhas-paveikt.a92345/as of March 3, 2015</ref>, which is enough to prevent the water inside the reactor from freezing but not enough to keep the building in a good condition.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of January 2015 the Government granted another EUR 15 000 for immediate maintenance works.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 as of March 3, 2015</ref> <br />
<br />
On January 19, 2015, in a press conference, the University announced that they are considering to terminate their contract thus ceasing to be the opeator of SRR if they do not receive financial support from the Government. Maintenance of the facility costs approximately EUR 200 000 a year and it it too expensive for the University.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
In February the Government announced that the sum of EUR 300 000 would be granted in 2015 for the maintenance of SRR<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/as of March 3, 2015</ref>.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of February 2015 it was announced that the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. will became the operator again. The change is expected to take place in April 2015. However, the University is planning to continue the development of the cyclotron center.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76551Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T18:25:44Z<p>KristinLV: /* 1990s-2015 */</p>
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<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2015===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the USA.<br />
<br />
In 2013 the University of Latvia replaced the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. as the operator of the facility, planning to develop a cyclotron center there. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron as of March 3, 2015</ref> and has several usages. In medicine it can be used for cancer treatment and diagnostics of cardio-vascular diseases<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. University of Latvia also intended to export the developed medicinal products and conduce scientific researches. Export was considered because there are no cyclotron centers in neighbouring countries<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
In October 2014 the University announced that they hope to repair both external vaults of the reactor by the end of the year to prevent them from leaking<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The vaults were built in the 1960s and had never been checked before. The Government confirmed an initial grant of EUR 119 340 for this purpose, total costs were supposed to be known later, after the Univerisity would have made a schedule. Works were expected to commence in November.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
In December 2014 a small leakage started from one of the vaults increased the level of tritium to 10 Bq/l. The limit is 100 Bq/l.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The leakage was stopped, but in January 2015 the Ministry of Environment informed that there might have been another leakage, this time from the other vault<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
Another potential threat is the main fuel tank as it is made of a lower quality material<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Also there is a crack in one of the outer walls, from the floor to the ceiling. It is so wide that it is possible to see through it<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/<br />
as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Due to low funding the entire facility is operated by only nine people<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The building itself is poorly maintained. The temperature inside it is only +10 C° in winter<ref>http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/zinju-analiize/zinas/salaspils-kodolreaktors-10-gados-no-soliitas-demontazhas-paveikt.a92345/as of March 3, 2015</ref>, which is enough to prevent the water inside the reactor from freezing but not enough to keep the building in a good condition.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of January 2015 the Government granted another EUR 15 000 for immediate maintenance works.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
On January 19, 2015, in a press conference, the University announced that they are considering to terminate their contract thus ceasing to be the opeator of SRR if they do not receive financial support from the Government. Maintenance of the facility costs approximately EUR 200 000 a year and it it too expensive for the University.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
At the beginning of February 2015 it was made official and the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. will became the operator again. The change is expected to take place in April 2015. However, the University is planning to continue the development of the cyclotron center.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76550Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T18:24:43Z<p>KristinLV: /* 1990s-2015 */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2015===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the USA.<br />
<br />
In 2013 the University of Latvia replaced the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. as the operator of the facility, planning to develop a cyclotron center there. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron as of March 3, 2015</ref> and has several usages. In medicine it can be used for cancer treatment and diagnostics of cardio-vascular diseases<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. University of Latvia also intended to export the developed medicinal products and conduce scientific researches. Export was considered because there are no cyclotron centers in neighbouring countries<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
In October 2014 the University announced that they hope to repair both external vaults of the reactor by the end of the year to prevent them from leaking<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The vaults were built in the 1960s and had never been checked before. The Government confirmed an initial grant of EUR 119 340 for this purpose, total costs were supposed to be known later, after the Univerisity would have made a schedule. Works were expected to commence in November.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
In December 2014 a small leakage started from one of the vaults increased the level of tritium to 10 Bq/l. The limit is 100 Bq/l.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The leakage was stopped, but in January 2015 the Ministry of Environment informed that there might have been another leakage, this time from the other vault<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
Another potential threat is the main fuel tank as it is made of a lower quality material<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Also there is a crack in one of the outer walls, from the floor to the ceiling. It is so wide that it is possible to see through it<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/<br />
as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Due to low funding the entire facility is operated by only nine people<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The building itself is poorly maintained. The temperature inside it is only +10 C° in winter<ref>http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/zinju-analiize/zinas/salaspils-kodolreaktors-10-gados-no-soliitas-demontazhas-paveikt.a92345/as of March 3, 2015</ref>, which is enough to prevent water from freezing but not enough to keep the building in a good condition.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of January 2015 the Government granted another EUR 15 000 for immediate maintenance works.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
On January 19, 2015, in a press conference, the University announced that they are considering to terminate their contract thus ceasing to be the opeator of SRR if they do not receive financial support from the Government. Maintenance of the facility costs approximately EUR 200 000 a year and it it too expensive for the University.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
At the beginning of February 2015 it was made official and the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. will became the operator again. The change is expected to take place in April 2015. However, the University is planning to continue the development of the cyclotron center.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76549Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T18:16:35Z<p>KristinLV: /* 1990s-2015 */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2015===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the USA.<br />
<br />
In 2013 the University of Latvia replaced the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. as the operator of the facility, planning to develop a cyclotron center there. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron as of March 3, 2015</ref> and has several usages. In medicine it can be used for cancer treatment and diagnostics of cardio-vascular diseases<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. University of Latvia also intended to export the developed medicinal products and conduce scientific researches. Export was considered because there are no cyclotron centers in neighbouring countries<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
In October 2014 the University announced that they hope to repair both external vaults of the reactor by the end of the year to prevent them from leaking<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The vaults were built in the 1960s and had never been checked before. The Government confirmed an initial grant of EUR 119 340 for this purpose, total costs were supposed to be known later, after the Univerisity would have made a schedule. Works were expected to commence in November.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
In December 2014 a small leakage started from one of the vaults increased the level of tritium to 10 Bq/l. The limit is 100 Bq/l.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The leakage was stopped, but in January 2015 the Ministry of Environment informed that there might have been another leakage, this time from the other vault<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
Another potential threat is the main fuel tank as it is made of a lower quality material<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Also there is a crack in one of the outer walls, from the floor to the ceiling. It is so wide that it is possible to see through it<ref>http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/<br />
as of March 3, 2015</ref>. Due to low funding the entire facility is operated by only nine people<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The building itself is poorly maintained. The temperature inside it is only +8 - +10 C° in winter, which is enough to prevent water from freezing but not enough to keep the building in a good condition.<br />
<br />
At the beginning of January 2015 the Government granted another EUR 15 000 for immediate maintenance works.<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
On January 19, 2015, in a press conference, the University announced that they are considering to terminate their contract thus ceasing to be the opeator of SRR if they do not receive financial support from the Government. Maintenance of the facility costs approximately EUR 200 000 a year and it it too expensive for the University.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
At the beginning of February 2015 it was made official and the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. will became the operator again. The change is expected to take place in April 2015. However, the University is planning to continue the development of the cyclotron center.<ref>http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ as of March 3, 2015</ref><br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76547Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T17:53:05Z<p>KristinLV: /* 1990s-2008 */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2015===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the USA.<br />
<br />
In 2013 the University of Latvia replaced the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. as the operator of the facility, planning to develop a cyclotron center there. A cyclotron is a type of particle accelerator<ref>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyclotron as of March 3, 2015</ref> and has several usages. In medicine it can be used for cancer treatment and diagnostics of cardio-vascular diseases<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. University of Latvia also intended to export the developed medicinal products and conduce scientific researches. Export was considered because there are no cyclotron centers in neighbouring countries<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. <br />
<br />
In October 2014 the University announced that they hope to repair both external vaults of the reactor by the end of the year to prevent them from leaking<ref>http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 as of March 3, 2015</ref>. The vaults were built in the 1960s and had never been checked before. The Government confirmed an initial grant of EUR 119 340 for this purpose, total costs were supposed to be known later, after the Univerisity would have made a schedule. Works were expected to commence in November. <br />
<br />
In December 2014 a small leakage started from one of the vaults increased the level of tritium to 10 Bq/l. The limit is 100 Bq/l. The leakage was stopped, but in January 2015 another leakage happened, this time from the other vault. <br />
<br />
Another potential threat is the main fuel tank as it is made of a lower quality material. Also there is a crack in one of the outer walls, from the floor to the ceiling. It is so wide that iot is possible to see through it. Due to low funding the entire facility is operated by only nine people. The building itself is poorly maintained. The temperature inside it is only +8 - +10 C° in winter, which is enough to prevent water from freezing but not enough to keep the building in a good condition.<br />
<br />
On January 19, 2015, in a press conference, the University announced that they are considering to terminate their contract thus ceasing to be the opeator of SRR, naming mainly financial reasons. Maintenance of the facility costs approximately EUR 200 000 a year and it it too expensive for the University.<br />
<br />
On February 3, 2015 it was made official and the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Center, Ltd. will became the operator again. The change is expected to take place in April 2015.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76546Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T16:47:42Z<p>KristinLV: /* Operation/Technical Information */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960, graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between the 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76545Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T16:45:53Z<p>KristinLV: /* History */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff, who spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted a full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was a Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76544Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T16:43:11Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.tautasbalss.lv/valdiba-kave-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanu/ Valdība kavē Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.salaspils.lv/novads/novads-aktualitates/par-situaciju-salaspils-kodolreaktora Situācija Salaspils kodolreaktorā šobrīd ir droša] ''(January 9, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ogrenet.lv/eko/31143/ Ja valdība neatradīs naudu Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanai, LU plāno no šī objekta uzraudzības atteikties] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.labdien.lv/straujuma-vairs-nenotiks-salaspils-kodolreaktora-sakartosanas-atliksana/ Straujuma: vairs nenotiks Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanas atlikšana] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76543Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T16:36:55Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/politika/naudins-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-ir-jabut-jaunas-valdibas-prioritatei Naudiņš: Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai ir jābūt jaunās valdības prioritātei] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.focus.lv/latvija/regioni/muiznieks-joprojam-pastav-vides-draudi-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija Muižnieks: joprojām pastāv vides draudi Salaspils reaktora teritorijā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76542Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T16:29:17Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
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|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.irir.lv/2015/1/19/lu-nopietni-apsver-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu LU nopietni apsver pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://nra.lv/latvija/128104-salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.htm Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.la.lv/partrauks-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Lauzīs līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.ir.lv:889/2015/2/3/valdiba-lauj-partraukt-ligumu-ar-lu-par-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu Valdība ļauj pārtraukt līgumu ar LU par Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
*[http://daugavasbalss.diena.lv/novadu-zinas/salaspils-novads/straujuma-neapmierinata-ar-salaspils-kodolreaktora-problemu-9128 Straujuma neapmierināta ar Salaspils kodolreaktora problēmu] ''(February 5, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76541Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T16:03:33Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/drosibas-centrs-radiacijas-limenis-salaspils-kodolreaktora-ir-normas-robezas.d?id=45428052 Drošības centrs: radiācijas līmenis Salaspils kodolreaktorā ir normas robežās] ''(January 8, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/lu-nopietni-apsver-domu-partraukt-salaspils-kodolreaktora-apsaimniekosanu.d?id=45470514 LU nopietni apsver domu pārtraukt Salaspils kodolreaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lvgmc-parzina-demontazai-nepieciesami-55-miljoni-eiro.d?id=45535182 Salaspils kodolreaktoru nodos LVĢMC pārziņā; demontāžai nepieciešami 5,5 miljoni eiro] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/daugavas-parmainas-neertais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-atrada-fidelu-kastro-un-krievija-aktivi-vac-zeltu.d?id=45536452&page=3 Straujuma dusmīga par vilcināšanos Salaspils kodolreaktora sakārtošanā] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76540Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:52:29Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
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Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
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Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-lu-cer-nodot-lidz-vasaras-vidum.d?id=43150852 Salaspils kodolreaktoru LU cer nodot līdz vasaras vidum] ''(March 16, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-likvidesanai-mekles-finansejumu-arpus-es-fondiem.d?id=45169436 Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanai meklēs finansējumu ārpus ES fondiem] ''(November 1, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/eksperti-salaspils-reaktora-teritorija-steidzami-javeic-darbi-lai-noverstu-lielakas-briesmas/ Eksperti: Salaspils reaktora teritorijā steidzami jāveic darbi, lai novērstu lielākas briesmas] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/vienai-no-salaspils-radioaktiva-udens-tvertnem-konstateta-neliela-noplude.d?id=45382694 Vienai no Salaspils radioaktīvā ūdens tvertnēm konstatēta neliela noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/pieskir-lidzeklus-neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora.d?id=45417084 Piešķir līdzekļus neatliekamiem darbiem Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-noplude-iespejams-notikusi-ari-no-otras-salaspils-reaktora-tvertnes-zino-raidijums.d?id=45418816 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde iespējams notikusi arī no otras Salaspils reaktora tvertnes, ziņo raidījums] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/eksperts-valdibas-pieskirtie-15-000-eiro-ir-glabsanas-rinkis-salaspils-kodolreaktoram.d?id=45419498 Eksperts: valdības piešķirtie 15 000 eiro ir 'glābšanas riņķis' Salaspils kodolreaktoram] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76539Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:43:17Z<p>KristinLV: /* Additional Texts */</p>
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{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] ''(Latvian)''<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76538Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:42:46Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8723-foto-slegtais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-piedzivos-otru-elpu FOTO: Slēgtais Salaspils kodolreaktors piedzīvos otru elpu] ''(April 10, 2013)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/finansejuma-trukuma-del-salaspils-kodolreaktors-netiek-pienacigi-uzglabati-apdraud-rigu-un-apkartni/ Finansējuma dēļ Salaspils kodolreaktora atliekas ir slikti uzglabātas; apdraud Rīgu un apkārtni] ''(October 26, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/trukst-finansejums-salaspils-reaktora-demontazhai.a111333/ Trūkst finansējuma Salaspils reaktora demontāžai] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.lsm.lv/lv/raksts/vide-un-zinatne/dzive/salaspilii-konstateta-neliela-radioaktiiva-tritija-noplude.a111294/ Salaspilī konstatēta neliela radioaktīvā tritija noplūde] ''(December 23, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://www.lu.lv/zinas/t/31191/ Preses konferencē informēs par situāciju Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 16, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/latvijas-universitate-visticamak-vairs-nerupesies-par-salaspils-kodolreaktoru/ Latvijas Universitāte, visticamāk, vairs nerūpēsies par Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/valdiba-vienojas-ka-bistamais-salaspils-kodolreaktors-tiks-pilniba-demontets/ Valdība vienojas, ka bīstamais Salaspils kodolreaktors tiks pilnībā demontēts] ''(February 3, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/politika/premjere-aizmirst-nosaukumu-iestadei-kurai-nupat-pieskirti-300-tukstosi-eiro-nodoklu-maksataju-naudas/ Premjere aizmirst nosaukumu iestādei, kurai nupat piešķirti 300 tūkstoši eiro nodokļu maksātāju naudas] ''(February 4, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76537Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:31:14Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76536Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:30:56Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ==<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76535Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:30:15Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-reaktora-bistamais-skidrums-glabajas-tvertnes-zem-zemes/ Salaspils reaktorā bīstamais šķidrums glabājas tvertnēs zem zemes] ''(November 7, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/neatliekamiem-darbiem-salaspils-kodolreaktora-pieskir-vel-15-000-eiro/ Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūde, iespējams, notikusi arī otrajā Salaspils reaktora tvertnē] ''(January 6, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/nav-naudas-lai-noverstu-salaspilij-tuvojosos-ekologisko-katastrofu/ Nav naudas, lai novērstu Salaspilij tuvojošos radioaktīvo katastrofu] ''(January 7, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76534Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:26:27Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media Coverage (in Latvian) */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes a video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/salaspils-kodolreaktora-tvertnes-ir-sarusejusas-un-var-radit-piesarnojuma-draudus.d?id=45126482 Salaspils kodolreaktora tvertnes ir sarūsējušas un var radīt piesārņojuma draudus] ''(October 21, 2014)''<br />
*[http://www.delfi.lv/news/national/politics/radioaktiva-udens-nopludes-draudus-salaspils-kodolreaktora-plano-noverst-lidz-gada-beigam.d?id=45159354 Radioaktīvā ūdens noplūdes draudus Salaspils kodolreaktorā plāno novērst līdz gada beigām] ''(October 30, 2014)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/veikti-jauni-merijumi-salaspils-kodolreaktora/ Veikti jauni mērījumi Salaspils kodolreaktorā] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/sabiedriba/latvijas-universitate-draud-lauzt-ligumu-par-salaspils-reaktora-apsaimniekosanu/ Latvijas Universitāte draud lauzt līgumu par Salaspils reaktora apsaimniekošanu] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
*[http://skaties.lv/latvija/salaspils-kodolreaktoru-uzturesanai-nepieciesami-teju-300-tukstosi-eiro/ Salaspils kodolreaktoru uzturēšanai nepieciešami teju 300 tūkstoši eiro] ''(January 19, 2015)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76533Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:19:23Z<p>KristinLV: /* Open questions */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Salaspils_Research_Reactor&diff=76532Salaspils Research Reactor2015-03-03T15:19:04Z<p>KristinLV: /* Additional Texts */</p>
<hr />
<div><div style="float: right;"><br />
{| class="plainlinks" style="margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border: thin grey solid" width="280" <br />
|-<br />
! style="width:30%;" |<br />
! style="width:70%;" |<br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #dddddd; text-align: center; font-size: larger;"| '''Technical Data'''<br />
|-<br />
|style="vertical-align:top; text-align:right; padding-right:0.75em;" |[[Image:Salaspils_Research_Reactor.jpeg|130px]]|| <strong>Salaspils Research Reactor</strong><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|General information<br />
|-<br />
|''Owner:'' || Republic of Latvia <small>''(supervised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
|''Operator:'' || style="vertical-align:top" | Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, Ltd.<br />
|-<br />
| || University of Latvia<ref>http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1637&Itemid=243 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Location:''|| Salaspils, District of Salaspils, Latvia<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Type of Reactor:''|| IRT [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pool-type_reactor pool-type reactor]<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool Size:'' || 4,5 m <small>''(lenght)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 2 m <small>''(width)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 8 m <small>''(depth)''</small><ref> Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Pool Weight:'' || 500 t<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
| <br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Fuel:'' || EK-10<small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-2M & IRT-3M <small>''(10.1979-07.1989)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || IRT-3M <small>''(07.1989-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Experimental Facilities:'' || <br />
|-<br />
| || 10 horizontal experimental channels ''(HEK)''<br />
|-<br />
| || 14 vertical experimental channels ''(VEK)''<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Power Info:'' ||<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Nominal Thermal Power:</small> || 1,7-2,2 MW <small>''(09.1961-06.1973)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 3,0 MW <small>''(07.1975-10.1979)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || 5,0 MW <small>''(10.1979-06.1998)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max Flux SS, Thermal:</small> || 9.4E13 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Max flux SS, Fast:</small> || 1.7E14 <small>(n/cm2-s)</small><br />
|-<br />
|<small>Moderator Material:</small> || Light water<br />
|-<br />
|<small>Coolant Material:</small> || Light water<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Reflector Material / No of Side:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || BE, H2O / 4<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Control, Safety, Shutdown Rods Material/ Number:'' || BC, SS / 13; 12 SHIM; SCRAM; 1AUTO<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cooling:'' || Nat Convection, Forced Cooling<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Cool Velocity in Core:'' || 2.25 M/S<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Pool/Pond Parameters Monitored at Reactor:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> ''(Typical values)'' || <br />
|-<br />
|pH: || 5.5 - 6.5 <small>pH</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Conductivity: || 1.5 <small>µS/cm - (n/a) µS/cm</small> <small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|Temperature: || 25 °C - 30 °C<small>''(monitored weekly)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
|''Employees:''|| 200-250 <small>''(simultaneously)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| || <small>''more than''</small> 2,100 <small>''(total)''</small><ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Safety issues<br />
|-<br />
|''Waste:''||<br />
|-<br />
|<br><br />
|-<br />
| ''Emissions of Ar-41 per hour'': || 0,9 Ci (~ 3 x 10¹º Bq) <small> ''(with 5 MW nominal thermal power)''</small><br />
|-<br />
| ''Sanitary Zone:'' || 1 km <small>''(Radius)''</small><br />
|-<br />
|''Population of the Area:''|| 23,312 <small>(data as of 01.01.2012)</small><br />
|-<br />
|colspan="2" style="background: #F0F0F0; font-weight:bold"|Construction data<br />
|-<br />
|''Constructor:'' || Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences<br />
|-<br />
|''Construction Started:'' || 01.01.1959<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
|-<br />
|''First Criticality:'' || 26.09.1961 at 5.02 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Official Opening:'' || 09.10.1961<br />
|-<br />
|''Reconstruction of Cooling Systems:''<ref>http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/TechnicalData.aspx?RId=267 as of April 24, 2013</ref> || 1975<br />
|-<br />
|''Closure:'' || 19.06.1998 at 1.00 PM<br />
|-<br />
|''Status:'' || Closed, being decommissioned<br />
|-<br />
|}<br />
</div><br />
<br />
[[File:Entrance of SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|Entrance]]<br />
[[File:SRR name plate.jpeg|thumb|right|Name plate]]<br />
[[File:SRR's pool.jpeg|thumb|right|The pool]]<br />
[[File:Road to SRR.jpeg|thumb|right|The road to the reactor]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Summary ==<br />
Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) is located in Salaspils municipality, 2 km from the centre of Salaspils city, 25 km from Riga, the capital. It was the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States<ref>http://inventions.lza.lv/proto.php?id=131 as of April 24, 2013</ref>. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes.<br />
<br />
The research reactor was originally built according to a former USSR design as a pool-type light water-water reactor with 2 MW nominal thermal power. Since 1975, after physical reconstruction of the reactor, the nominal thermal power of the reactor was increased to 5 MW. In 1995 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the Order No. 263 to shut down SRR. The operation license for the reactor was awarded until the end of 1999.<ref>http://www.bsrrw.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Salaspils-reaktora-likv-10.1.1.26.802.pdf as of April 24, 2013</ref><br />
<br />
The estimated amount of radioactive waste the decommissioning of SRR will generate is 1200 m³.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
There was a small radioactive waste storage on the site of SRR (1975-2005) where some parts dismantled from the reactor core were stored after reconstruction activities in 1975. After characterisation and re-packing all waste was transferred to the radioactive waste repository „[[Radons]]“ in Baldone. The spent fuel was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] in Russia in May 2008 within a bilateral governmental agreement.<ref>http://www.vatesi.lt/fileadmin/documents/Ataskaitos/Latvijos.pdf</ref><br />
<br />
== Links ==<br />
* Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia (supervisor): http://www.varam.gov.lv/eng<br />
* Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre, State Ltd.(operator): http://www.meteo.lv<br />
* Salaspils Municipality: http://www.salaspils.lv<br />
* Museum of Energy: http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS<br />
* http://www.latvenergo.lv/portal/page/portal/Latvian/latvenergo/main_page/korp_atbildi/ENERG_MUZEJS/SALASPILS<br />
* More about researches that were done in SRR: http://www.worldenergy.org/documents/congresspapers/18.pdf<br />
<br />
== Background Information ==<br />
<br />
===History===<br />
The story of Salaspils Research Reactor (SRR) starts in 1957 when Igors Kirko, the director of Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences, invited two academics to a meeting. His purpose was to make proposals for construction of large scientific objects in Latvia (then – Latvian Soviet Socialist Republic), which would be included in the plan for next seven years. One of the academics, Pēteris Prokofjevs, suggested to build a research reactor – he had recently visited an IRT-1000 reactor in Moscow and was deeply impressed.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The proposal was sent to the Council of Ministers of the USSR who accepted it in spring 1958. Salaspils was chosen because it was claimed to meet the requirements the best. It was close to Riga, easily accessible from the capital, the site met requirements for construction of dangerous objects and earth there was not important for agricultural needs thus it could be used for the sanitary protection zone. Also Olaine, Baldone and Carnikava's polygon were named as potencial locations. <br />
<br />
At first SRR was a regular construction site, but after a message for future generations was concreted in its foundation on May 27, 1960 in an official ceremony the government of Soviet Latvia proposed to turn SRR into a present from Latvian proletarians for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in autumn 1961. The site became an object of high priority.<br />
<br />
Construction of the reactor's pool was finished in spring 1961. Everything around the pool - walls, windows, floors – as well as the pool itself had to be cleaned otherwise all flecks of dust would become radioactive. It was done by the reactor's staff – they spent the whole summer cleaning. Cleaning was realized by joint works (also known as bees), which where mandatory and lasted full working day – 8 hours. The most famous of them took place on April 22, 1961. Maybe because it was Saturday 8 employees out of 37 did not attend the joint work at all, 7 later sneaked away.<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
<br />
The first criticality took place on September 26, 1961 at 5.02 PM. After that the reactor was shut down and turned on again on October 9, 1961 when it was officially opened by both academics and government officials.<br />
<br />
===Operation/Technical Information===<br />
Blueprints and other documentation for SRR project were received from Kurchatov Nuclear Power Institute in Moscow, which offered to increase the reactor's nominal thermal power to 2 MW. This proposal was accepted by the presidium of the Academy of Sciences. In autumn 1960 graduates who had recently joined the reactor's staff pointed out that the standardized project is already out-of-date and persuaded the constructors to modify it. Graduates built a new device for preparation of 50 m³ of distilled water that was necessary for the pool. This device allowed to produce water much faster and was also cheaper than the original one. Another modification was the control room desk. In the original project only one person could work with it while in SRR two main workspaces and several extra workspaces were created.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
During the construction works the reactor was a secret object and was named “Object IRT”. Materials for the reactor were received from “post boxes”. For instance, “Post Box No.3” stood for fuel. The employees could not travel abroad, expect for business (conferences, etc.) and they were not allowed to meet foreigners alone, only in pairs. After such meetings both persons had to write down what they had talked about. Despite all secrecy around it, SRR was open for visitors after it was put into operation. It is presumed that more than 50,000 people, mostly pupils, have visited it between 1960s-1990s.<br />
<br />
From September 1961 until June 1973, when SRR was closed for reconstruction, the reactor used EK-10 fuel with 10 % enrichment. After the reconstruction, from July 1975 until October 1979, IRT-2M fuel with 90 % enrichment was used. From October 1979 until July 1989 IRT-2M and IRT-3M (also with 90 % enrichment) were used. Starting from July 1989 until June 1998 only IRT-3M was used.<br />
<br />
Reconstruction works were necessary due to several reasons. One of them was the problem with EK-10 fuel. Its rods started to curve in the active zone of the reactor and created danger of loss of hermetism. Another problem was corrosion in the pool's aluminium vessel. Aluminium was replaced with stainless steel.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref> The Reactor's nominal thermal power was increased from 2 to 5 MW.<br />
<br />
SRR was the only research reactor in Latvia and the only civilian research reactor in the Baltic States. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neutron_activation Neutron activation] analysis, nuclear reaction research, researches in solid state radiation physics, radiochemistry and radiobiology were carried out there. They were mainly done for scientific and medical purposes. <br />
<br />
Physicists from SRR cooperated with physicists from different research reactors, other nuclear facilities and institutes of physics in the Soviet Union (for example, in Leningrad, Moscow, Belarus, Georgia), had partners abroad (for instance, in Germany, France, the Czech Republic) and carried out contract jobs. Also the Reactor had trainees from Iraq, North Korea and Libya. Specialists from SRR have worked in Iraq and Libya.<br />
<br />
===1990s-2008===<br />
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 Russia stopped to sell uranium to SRR. However, it did not affect the reactor. SRR usually used 4-5 bundles per year but the administration always ordered 7-8. These reserves where still used in 1998 when the reactor was shut down.<br />
<br />
The decision to close it was made in 1995. On May 16 the Cabinet of Ministers issued the order<ref>http://www.likumi.lv/doc.php?id=35134</ref> to shut down SRR and requested to start the preparation of a concept for decommissioning. When asked to comment it, the government explained that nuclear energy and nuclear programs are not among state priorities. Safety reasons were also mentioned.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
<br />
The reactor was shut down on June 19, 1998 at 1.00 PM.<br />
<br />
Decommissioning started in 2002.<br />
<br />
Fuel, approximately 2,5 kg (2587,7 g,13 bundles of IRT-2M), was sent to Luch ''Production Association'' in Podolsk, Russia in May 2005.<br />
<br />
Spent fuel – 78 bundles, radiation on the surface: 6000 R/h - was sent to [[Kyshtym Disaster|Mayak]] ''Production Association'' , Russia three years later. The enterprise’s press service reported the train load of spent nuclear fuel to have arrived at Mayak on May 15, 2008.<br />
<br />
Both of these deliveries were carried out based on an agreement between Latvia and Russia and in cooperation with the U.S.A.<br />
<br />
===Decommissioning===<br />
The relevant technical co-operation project on decommissioning the research reactor was submitted to the IAEA for 1997/1998. There were 5 expert missions from the IAEA from July 1997 until June 1998. The conclusion was, that the total decommissioning and dismantling costs would amount to ECU<ref>European Currency Unit</ref> 17-20 millions.<br />
<br />
In 2000, the following budget plan (price base 1998) statements for the decommissioning and dismantling of SRR were made.<ref>DECOMMISSIONING AND DISMANTLING OF THE RESEARCH REACTOR<br />
SALASPILS. I. CONCEPTUAL STUDY AND THE FIRST RESULTS.IDS 2000 June 13-16, 2000, Knoxville, TN</ref>:<br />
* The annual costs at the beginning of the decommissioning and dismantling project (1999-2000) would be comparatively low and amounted to approximately ECU 700,000 per year;<br />
* The costs during the licensing phase would be higher and amount to approximately ECU 1,940,000 in 2001 and ECU 2,780,000 in 2002.<br />
* The highest annual investments of approximately ECU 5,560,000 would be required in 2003, when the necessary additional equipment (fuel handling, waste treatment) would be delivered and the modifications at SRR have to be done.<br />
* Subsequently, the annual costs would decrease to approximately ECU 3,056,000 in 2004 (main tasks are the delivery of the transport and storage casks and the execution of the fuel reloading).<br />
* The annual costs during the final dismantling period amounts to approximately ECU 850,000 in the years 2005 to 2008 and would be covered by Latvian side.<br />
<br />
Approximately 1200 m³ of waste would be generated during decommissiong.<ref>"Divu jaunu radioaktīvo atkritumu tvertņu un lietoto slēgto starojuma avotu ilgtermiņa glabātavas izbūve radioaktīvo atkritumu glabātavā “Radons”.<br />
Ietekmes uz vidi novērtējuma noslēguma ziņojuma kopsavilkums. Riga, 2005.</ref> It will be stored in "Radons".<br />
<br />
As of April 2013, the decommissioning is behind the schedule and is still continuing.<br />
<br />
===Miscellaneous===<br />
*“IRT” stands for “Standardized Research Reactor”.<br />
*Before the reactor was put into operation, it was necessary to check the stability of its active zone's construction. That could be done by measuring vibrations in the pool, filled with distilled water. It created a problem for physicists – devices, necessary for such measuring, could be placed in the pool before adding the water, but how to remove them? Water could be emptied into drains, but, since it was distilled, preparation of new water would have been expensive and time consuming. Chemist Beno Eiduss suggested to save the water by using divers. At first this idea was rejected, but later implemented.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*The pool had a decorative lifebuoy near it because the staff believed that every pool needs a lifebuoy.<ref>Book "Salaspils zinātniskā kodolreaktora 50 gadi", Publishing House "Zinātne", 2010</ref><br />
*At the beginning of the 1980s, a theatre group visited the reactor. They were staging a play, set in a nuclear power plant. Actors wanted to achieve better understanding of how a reactor works, what employees feel while executing their tasks. When the group was already leaving, Olģerts Kroders, the Theatre Director, asked – how about if we show the play here at SRR? Administration of the reactor agreed, but, being afraid of sanitary inspection, asked not to advertise the event. The play took place on April 18, 1981 and gathered around 200 people from the reactor and the Institute of Physics.<br />
*The message concreted in the foundation of SRR for future generations says: “On May 27, 1960, 20 years after the establishment of Soviet Latvia, 43 years after the October Revolution, three years after launching of the first artificial Earth satellite, at the beginning of the Nuclear Era, a foundation for a great building – nuclear reactor of the Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences – was made.”<ref>"Slepenais objekts Salaspilī", magazine "Ilustrētā Zinātne", No.9/2011</ref><br />
*Since 2010, some documentation and equipment from SRR, including the control room desk, are exhibited in Latvian Museum of Energy.<br />
<br />
=== More Resources ===<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=267 IRT Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
* [http://nucleus.iaea.org/RRDB/RR/HeaderInfo.aspx?RId=268 RKS25 Reactor in ''Nucleus'' IAEA information system]<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Additional Texts ===<br />
* [http://www.bellona.org/articles/articles_2007/latvian_waste Bellona: Russia ready to accept Latvian nuke waste in early 2008]<br />
* [http://likumi.lv/doc.php?id=97446 Likumi.lv: Par Salaspils kodolreaktora likvidēšanas un demontāžas koncepciju] (<small>''Latvian''<small>)<br />
<br />
=== Media Coverage (in Latvian) ===<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/arhivs/svinigi-aptur-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-10284539 Svinīgi aptur Salaspils kodolreaktoru] ''(June 20, 1998)''<br />
*[http://www.videsvestis.lv/content.asp?ID=56&what=38 Likvidējamais kodolreaktors] ''(2003)''<br />
*[http://www.apollo.lv/portal/news/articles/13841/0 Pastiprina kontroli Salaspils reaktorā] ''(February 20, 2004)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zinas/latvija/315190-latvija_beidzot_atbrivojas_no_divarpus_kilogramiem_bagatinata_urana Latvija beidzot atbrīvojas no divarpus kilogramiem bagātināta urāna] ''(May 30, 2005)''<br />
*[http://www.diena.lv/sabiedriba/kodoldegviela-no-salaspils-reaktora-nonakusi-krievija-605116 Kodoldegviela no Salaspils reaktora nonākusi Krievijā] ''(May 16, 2008)''<br />
*[http://www.tvnet.lv/zala_zeme/daba/371442-salaspils_kodolreaktora_turpinas_demontaza_cik_tas_dross Salaspils kodolreaktorā turpinās demontāža. Cik tas drošs?] ''(March 27, 2011)'' ''(includes video - a rare opportunity to see the SRR from the inside!)''<br />
*[http://unity.lv/lv/news/314601/ Tapusi grāmata par Salaspils kodolreaktora vēsturi] ''(April 18, 2011]''<br />
*[http://www.lza.lv/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1216&Itemid=359 Kodolpētniecības 50 gadi Latvijā] ''(May 9, 2011)''<br />
*[http://ilustretazinatne.lv/content/slepenais-objekts-salaspili Slepenais objekts Salaspilī] ''(September 2011)''<br />
*[http://www.latvijasradio.lv/zinas/raksts.php?id=55476&gr=53 Latvijas Universitātes pārziņā varētu nonākt Salaspils kodolreaktors] ''(December 11, 2012)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/2079-kas-notiek-salaspils-kodolreaktora Kas notiek Salaspils kodolreaktorā?] ''(April 26, 2012)'' ''(includes a photo gallery)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8186-salaspils-kodolreakotra-rosisies-petnieki-vai-izklaideties-karojosie Salaspils kodolreakotrā rosīsies pētnieki vai izklaidēties kārojošie?] ''(March 12, 2013)''<br />
*[http://www.aprinkis.lv/sabiedriba/pasvaldibas/item/8330-lidz-vasarai-salaspils-kodolreaktoru-nodos-lu Salaspils kodolreaktoru līdz vasarai nodos LU, lai demontētu] ''(March 19, 2013)''<br />
<br />
=== Open questions ===<br />
<br />
* ''Radiation doses? What kind of?''<br />
* ''Contacts of critic groups?''<br />
* ''Are the any photos of the facility we are allowed to use?''<br />
* ''Was it really a light water-water reactor?''<br />
<br />
<small>{{Footnotes}}</small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Baltic Map]]<br />
[[Category: Latvia]]<br />
[[Category: Nuclear Power Plant]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Atomic_Threats_In_The_Baltic_Sea_Region/VOIP_meeting_March_25,_2014&diff=73649Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/VOIP meeting March 25, 20142014-04-01T23:41:47Z<p>KristinLV: /* Minutes */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region}}<br />
<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/VOIP meeting March 9, 2014|previous project Skype conference on March 9, 2014]]<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/VOIP meeting April 19, 2014|next Skype conference on April 19, 2014]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Skype conference March 25th, 2014 at 8 PM ==<br />
'''Topics''':<br />
# [[#clarification of facilitation + minutes keeping|clarification of facilitation + minutes keeping]]<br />
# [[#updates from projects and working groups|updates from projects and working groups]]<br />
# [[#next working meeting|next working meeting]]<br />
# [[#appointment for next VOIP conference|appointment for next VOIP conference]]<br />
<br />
<br />
== Minutes ==<br />
Participants: A, B, C<br />
<br />
<br />
=== clarification of facilitation + minutes keeping ===<br />
* <u>facilitation</u>: B<br />
* <u>minutes keeping</u>: C<br />
<br />
<br />
=== updates from projects and working groups ===<br />
* <u>[[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group|media group]]</u>: new press release at the end of April<br />
<br />
Topics: Chernobyl day, European Antinuclear forum, next working meeting<br />
<br />
* <u>[[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Finances group|finances group]]</u>: New EU program Erasmus + (replaces old programs, such as Youth in Action, Erasmus, etc.) Looks like applicants could receive more funding. In addition, the procedure for final reports has been simplified.<br />
* <u>[[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Coordination group|coordination group]]</u>: no updates yet.<br />
* <u>[[Atomic Threats Around the Baltic Sea book project|book project]]</u>: no updates yet.<br />
* <u>networking</u>: <br />
*Updates from Finland: rumours about Talvivaara’s bankruptcy; public debate on Fennovoima NPP; boicott of K-Market to make them to leave Fennovoima; upcomming exhibition about Talvivaara disaster.<br />
*Germany: rallies are smaller than last year. Next big rally: 10 May, topic: support for renewable energy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=== next working meeting ===<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Working meetings/Fourth meeting|May working meeting]] will take place May 5-11, 2014 in Döbeln (D). We need to contact potential participants and prepare a new callout.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== appointment for next VOIP conference ===<br />
The next project meeting via skype is taking place on [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/VOIP meeting April 19, 2014|Saturday, April 19th 2014, at 9 PM CET]].<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region]]<br />
[[Category: Events]]<br />
[[Category: Project meetings]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Atomic_Threats_In_The_Baltic_Sea_Region/Media_group/Skype_conference_on_January_26,_2014&diff=72939Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on January 26, 20142014-02-11T22:44:41Z<p>KristinLV: /* Media strategy */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region}}<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on December 12, 2013 at 8 PM CET|previous media group Skype conference on December 12, 2013]]<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on February 11, 2014|next media group Skype conference on February 11, 2014]]<br />
<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
<br />
== Media group Skype conference, 26/01/2014 ==<br />
* Participants: A., B.<br />
* Minutes: B.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Topics ===<br />
''proposal:''<br />
# clarification of facilitation and minutes keeping<br />
# [[#Next media release|next media release - topics and messages]]<br />
# [[#Media strategy|media strategy discussion]]<br />
# [[#Milestones for media group|milestones discussion]]<br />
# [[#Next Skype conference|preparation of next Skype conference]]<br />
# [[#Other topics|other topics]]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Next media release ===<br />
* We need topics, main message and the release date<br />
** Proposals: anti-nuclear camp + the network meeting: activists are motivated to get organized; international camp; skills training and preparation of further events.<br />
***09-16/08/2014 camp<br />
***04-08/08/2014 network meeting<br />
* We can also use material from the brainstorming on 08/12/2013, selecting events that are in the Baltic Sea region:<br />
**book/database project; <br />
**Case Pyhajoki and follow up; <br />
** results from a Greenpeace expert talk on Monday (maybe); <br />
**things not yet concretely planned, e.g. info events, exhibitions (photos which were taken in Baltic Sea Info Tour); <br />
**nuclear lobby events (on website); <br />
**European anti-nuclear forum in Prague 29 of April 2014; <br />
**events connected to Fukushima; Chernobyl events (although there is nothing much going on in the region at the moment);<br />
**Ostrovets NPP - Austrian researchers study flexRISK shows that most of Europe would suffer in case of catastrophy in Ostrovets;<br />
** COP; <br />
**nuclear updates from Finland regarding uranium mining issues (this could possibly be used for media release);<br />
** anti-nuclear camp in North of Germany next summer => these are only some of the events that are going to happen<br />
*Alternatively, we can prepare a media release with background information only - select a topic, for instance, unranium mining and provide info about it.<br />
* A. could make a draft for the release.<br />
*If we would choose to write about the camp, we would have 2 in 1: advertize the camp and spread the word about atomic threats to the Baltic Sea.<br />
* Official reason for sending out the press release?<br />
**The press release could be sent out after the next working meeting, however, that would be only in March.<br />
**Suggestion: we can send one release before the working meeting and another one after it. First release: announcement; second release: more concrete information.<br />
***Maybe we will have a spontaneous reason for sending it out.<br />
*If we make only one press release, it should be sent out before the next working meeting.<br />
**Proposals for the text by 09/02/2014.<br />
**A. will make the first proposal and then we can discuss it.<br />
**Sending out: by 16/02/2014.<br />
*We need:<br />
**translations;<br />
**quotations;<br />
**comments on the draft.<br />
**We should try to have regional context for translations (quotations, events). Regional context should not be camp related and<br />
local media releases should be extracts of the bigger international one.<br />
*A. will send the invitation for the next media conference.<br />
<br />
=== Milestones for media group ===<br />
Will not be discussed today.<br />
<br />
=== Media strategy ===<br />
Will not be discussed today.<br />
<br />
=== Next Skype conference ===<br />
* next Skype conference: [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on February 11, 2014|February 11, 2014 at 8 PM CET]].<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Other topics ===<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region]]<br />
[[Category: Events]]<br />
[[Category: Project meetings]]</div>KristinLVhttp://nuclear-heritage.net/index.php?title=Atomic_Threats_In_The_Baltic_Sea_Region/Media_group/Skype_conference_on_January_26,_2014&diff=72938Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on January 26, 20142014-02-11T22:44:29Z<p>KristinLV: /* Milestones for media group */</p>
<hr />
<div>{{Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region}}<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on December 12, 2013 at 8 PM CET|previous media group Skype conference on December 12, 2013]]<br />
* [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on February 11, 2014|next media group Skype conference on February 11, 2014]]<br />
<br />
<br />
__TOC__<br />
<br />
<br />
== Media group Skype conference, 26/01/2014 ==<br />
* Participants: A., B.<br />
* Minutes: B.<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Topics ===<br />
''proposal:''<br />
# clarification of facilitation and minutes keeping<br />
# [[#Next media release|next media release - topics and messages]]<br />
# [[#Media strategy|media strategy discussion]]<br />
# [[#Milestones for media group|milestones discussion]]<br />
# [[#Next Skype conference|preparation of next Skype conference]]<br />
# [[#Other topics|other topics]]<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Next media release ===<br />
* We need topics, main message and the release date<br />
** Proposals: anti-nuclear camp + the network meeting: activists are motivated to get organized; international camp; skills training and preparation of further events.<br />
***09-16/08/2014 camp<br />
***04-08/08/2014 network meeting<br />
* We can also use material from the brainstorming on 08/12/2013, selecting events that are in the Baltic Sea region:<br />
**book/database project; <br />
**Case Pyhajoki and follow up; <br />
** results from a Greenpeace expert talk on Monday (maybe); <br />
**things not yet concretely planned, e.g. info events, exhibitions (photos which were taken in Baltic Sea Info Tour); <br />
**nuclear lobby events (on website); <br />
**European anti-nuclear forum in Prague 29 of April 2014; <br />
**events connected to Fukushima; Chernobyl events (although there is nothing much going on in the region at the moment);<br />
**Ostrovets NPP - Austrian researchers study flexRISK shows that most of Europe would suffer in case of catastrophy in Ostrovets;<br />
** COP; <br />
**nuclear updates from Finland regarding uranium mining issues (this could possibly be used for media release);<br />
** anti-nuclear camp in North of Germany next summer => these are only some of the events that are going to happen<br />
*Alternatively, we can prepare a media release with background information only - select a topic, for instance, unranium mining and provide info about it.<br />
* A. could make a draft for the release.<br />
*If we would choose to write about the camp, we would have 2 in 1: advertize the camp and spread the word about atomic threats to the Baltic Sea.<br />
* Official reason for sending out the press release?<br />
**The press release could be sent out after the next working meeting, however, that would be only in March.<br />
**Suggestion: we can send one release before the working meeting and another one after it. First release: announcement; second release: more concrete information.<br />
***Maybe we will have a spontaneous reason for sending it out.<br />
*If we make only one press release, it should be sent out before the next working meeting.<br />
**Proposals for the text by 09/02/2014.<br />
**A. will make the first proposal and then we can discuss it.<br />
**Sending out: by 16/02/2014.<br />
*We need:<br />
**translations;<br />
**quotations;<br />
**comments on the draft.<br />
**We should try to have regional context for translations (quotations, events). Regional context should not be camp related and<br />
local media releases should be extracts of the bigger international one.<br />
*A. will send the invitation for the next media conference.<br />
<br />
=== Milestones for media group ===<br />
Will not be discussed today.<br />
<br />
=== Media strategy ===<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Next Skype conference ===<br />
* next Skype conference: [[Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region/Media group/Skype conference on February 11, 2014|February 11, 2014 at 8 PM CET]].<br />
<br />
<br />
=== Other topics ===<br />
<br />
<br />
<small><small>{{Footnotes}}</small></small><br />
<br />
<br />
[[Category: Atomic Threats In The Baltic Sea Region]]<br />
[[Category: Events]]<br />
[[Category: Project meetings]]</div>KristinLV