Environmental Audit of Construction Sites

Two potential construction sites have  beenevaluated for the construction of the new Visaginas NPP. Both of them are on the territory of Ignalina NPP. In order to assess the pollution caused by the previous activity on the construction sites, estimate the cost of eliminating the pollution and removing the debris which accumulated on site due to previous activities and establish the terms thereof, in January 2009 the environmental audit of the construction sites was commenced. The results of the environmental audit of the construction sites are required when drafting the documentation for the procurement of technologies for the new Visaginas NPP wherein it is necessary to indicate the characteristics of the sites, restrictions and features thereof so that the manufacturers of technologies could be able to draw up an appropriate design solution for the nuclear power plant.

While conducting the environmental audit of the construction sites, eco-geological (chemical pollution) and radionuclide pollution is examined as well as the costs and terms of removing the debris have been assessed.

In July 2009, the investigation of radionuclide pollution on the construction sites was accomplished. During the investigation conducted by the Radiation Protection Centre (RSC) it was established that the soil was not polluted with radionuclide. When examining pollution on the construction sites, the RSC measured gamma radiation dose rate, radon volume activity in soil air of the construction sites, established radionuclide activity by gamma spectrometer and measured tritium.

In July 2009, company Geotestus performed eco-geological investigation on the construction sites of the new NPP during which the chemical pollution of the soil and groundwater on the sites was examined. Having analysed the report of investigation, the Geological Service of Lithuania has concluded that the soil and groundwater on the sites examined is free from chemical pollution and at the moment no environmental measures are necessary. The Geological Service of Lithuania analysed the report submitted by company Geotestus in compliance with the Environmental Requirements for the Management of Chemically Polluted Territories, LAND 9-2002 and the Regulation on Ecogeological Investigations.