COMMISSION OPINION

of 20 December 2007

concerning the amended plan for the disposal of radioactive waste from the Penly nuclear power station in France, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty

(Only the French text is authentic)

(2007/C 311/01)

On 6 July 2007, the European Commission received from the Government of France, in accordance with Article 37 of the Euratom Treaty, General Data relating to the amended plan for the disposal of radioactive waste from the Penly nuclear power station.

On the basis of these data, and following consultation with the Group of Experts, the Commission has drawn up the following opinion:

1.

The distance between the plant and the nearest point on the territory of another Member State, in this case the United Kingdom, is 106 km.

2.

The planned modification will lead to a general decrease of the gaseous and liquid discharge limits except for liquid tritium for which an increase is foreseen.

3.

During normal operation, the planned modification will not cause an exposure liable to affect the health of the population in other Member States.

4.

In the event of unplanned releases of radioactive effluents resulting from an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the initial General Data, the planned modification to the fuel management system will not give rise to doses in other Member States liable to affect the health of the population.

In conclusion, the Commission is of the opinion that the implementation of the amended plan for the disposal of radioactive waste in whatever form from the Penly nuclear power station, both in normal operation and in the event of an accident of the type and magnitude considered in the General Data, is not liable to result in the radioactive contamination of the water, soil or airspace of another Member State.