Exective summary
Shifting of the Atomic Energy Authority building and the existing Spent Source Storage Facility is needed before the construction of the New Second Kelani Bridge as it is located within the project area. Approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the New Second Kelani Bridge has already been obtained by the RDA from the Central Environment Authority on 27th August 2013, however, it has been recognized that a supplemental EIA has to be carried out for retaining the Spent Source Storage Facility at the present location with the transfer of all the radioactive sources to a newly constructed building and construction of new accommodation facilities (together with security office) within the existing Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board premises at Orugodawatta. Shifting of the Facility to a different location within the same premises, and transfer the radioactive sources to the new Facility is recommended considering the dilapidated nature of the existing facility. Shifting the facility to a location away from the present location is not acceptable due to public protests. The spent radioactive source storage facility will be managed by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board (SLAEB) under regulatory controlled conditions of Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC). The method of management is storing them under safe and secured conditions using internationally recommended methods. Almost all of the stored radioactive sources are received from governmental and nongovernmental organizations (radiation facilities that use radioactive sources) for temporary storage until their final disposal. Some of the temporary stored sources will be transported to their original destinations (original suppliers) for final disposal. Most of the heavy containers having radioactive sources will be handled (moving, loading and unloading) by using a pellet truck. The sources will be transported under the approval of SLAERC following international radioactive material transport regulations. There is no water requirement for operations of the Spent Source Storage Facility other than for firefighting, and general use of the workers/security personnel at the facility. There is no waste generated at the facility. It stores shielded solid radioactive sources only. These sources will be stored under shielded conditions and leakage radiations from the shield must be below the acceptable limits. Method of storage is using delay and decay principle for ix low half-life radioactive sources under shielded condition and the long half-life radioactive sources will be stored under special conditions. The layout of the new Spent Source Storage Facility has been based on the guidelines provided by the Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council (SLAERC) to ensure safety against any radiation leaks and to guarantee that appropriate security is been continuously provided to the facility. This facility will be managed by the SLAEB under regulatory controlled conditions of Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Regulatory Council. The building will be designed conforming to the guidelines provided the SLAERC. The RDA will be the project Proponent for the construction and will bear the responsibility of the construction. Once the construction is completed, the facility will be handed over to the SLAEB, after obtaining the necessary approvals from the SLAERC for moving the radioactive sources to the new Spent Source Storage Facility. Cracks appearing on the walls and the slab of the Spent Source Storage Facility due to ground vibration during pile construction, and damage to the Facility during the operation of heavy machinery/vehicles during construction are seen as potential Impacts during construction that may lead to radiation leaks/contamination. These impacts can be effectively mitigated by following local and international guidelines to prevent any excessive vibration occurring due to construction activities especially during pile and pier construction. Erection of fences and vibration barriers, and limitations imposed on vehicular movement, and operations of machinery can also effectively mitigate negative impacts. General risks due to exposure to radiation - during and after construction of the bridge can be seen as another significant impact. Safety & health of workers due to exposure to radiation (prolonged exposure to ambient levels) can be mitigated using appropriate shielding, area designation and providing proper protective clothing and equipment, regular checks for radiation exposure, proper training on handling radioactive material. Safety of the general public can be ensured with the use of appropriate shielding, area designation and placing of appropriate warnings. Measuring of ambient radiation and taking proper precautions, if needed. Safety and health of workers and the general public due to exposure to high radiation can be ensured by preparing Emergency Response Plans that will be formulated in line with the x provisions of the Act. In addition, facilities and resource needed to face accidents will be procured. Safety procedures will be followed to ensure Radiation Safety as instructed by the SLAERC following the guidelines and Standards of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Regulations for safe transport of Radioactive Material, Safety Standards Series No. SSR-6 will be strictly adhered to. Radioactive workers will be provided with proper safety clothing and equipment and proper security will be provided while radioactive material is being transported. No material radioactive will be disposed. However, contaminated sources may be disposed by third parties, if no proper mechanism is available for them. SLAEB will undertake storage of spent sources in the proposed facility, if needed, with proper instruction obtained from the SLAERC. Impacts during construction of the bridge and afterwards due to incidents affecting the security of the premises can be listed as: Unauthorized access, theft of radioactive material, sabotage by individuals or groups and due to social unrest, which can be effectively controlled by providing proper security measures. Proper security personnel will be placed. Surveillance systems, CCTV cameras, alarm systems, etc. will be in place. Security measure will be reviewed regularly, and the SLAERC and the Ministry will be kept updated. SLAEB will request the Minister to provide support for enactment of proper security measures. The new facility will have a high fence and a parapet wall (8 ft. high) built around the property, which will provide better security. The new facility will be built with concrete, which will withstand vibrations, Impacts due to hazards/accidents during and after construction of the bridge are very remote. Construction of the ramp bridge with steel girders, strengthening the walls to withstand high impact, raising the walls by extra walls, and imposing strict speed limits along the ramp bridge ( max. 40 km/h) has been proposed. Proper drainage management plan will be implemented. The doors of the Facility are sealed to prevent any water entering it. The floor levels have been raised by 600 mm above the final formation ground levels. The location of the facility is above 100-year flood levels and there is only a very remote chance that the facility will be flooded. Fire and smoke detectors will be installed. Fire reels will be provided. xi In conclusion, retaining the Spent Source Storage Facility at the present location with the transfer of all the radioactive sources to a newly constructed building and construction of new accommodation facilities (together with security office) within the existing Sri Lanka Atomic Energy Board premises at Orugodawatta would not lead to significant environmental impact, provided that mitigation measures as specified in the report are properly implemented and subsequently monitored. As recommendations the following can be listed: Proper planning of the new Spent Source Storage Facility is needed: This should be done according to the conditions laid down by the SLAERC. In addition, the specifications for the new facility building and the premises would comply with IAEA Standards and guidelines, hence, following these for specifications will ensure radiation safety, proper installation of security surveillance systems, appropriate enactment of security measures, including guards, easy facilitation and prompt action to be taken in cases of emergency, sabotage, accidents, etc. and will ensure smooth operations of the facility. Follow the Vibration Standards and limit any construction activities which produce excessive levels of vibration by following standard practices. The safety of the facility has to be ensured during the movement of heavy machinery during construction of the bridge. During storage, ensure radiation safety by following Standards, Guidelines and good practices as suggested by the SLAERC. The sources should be transported under the approval of SLAERC following international radioactive material transport regulations. Proper monitoring of environmental impacts (including radiation levels), safety and security measures is needed to ensure proper operations of the Facility. Also, the Risk Assessments have to be carried out as a regular exercise, which would enable the SLAEB to identify any mitigation measures to be taken when and where appropriate.
