Radiological Environmental Impact Assessments (REIAs) services
Setting the standard for environmental modelling, impact assessment and training.
Radiological Environmental Impact Assessments (REIAs) play a vital role in safeguarding workers, the public, and the environment before, during and after radiological activities. These assessments are indispensable in the planning stages of nuclear facilities, where they help evaluate potential impacts and design effective safety measures. REIAs are also crucial for supporting industry and authorities in licensing procedures, in decommissioning and waste management, in site remediation strategies and in post-accident situations.
At SCK CEN, we provide technical and scientific support for radiological environmental decision-making to ensure the safety of workers, the public, and the environment. Our services include:
- Environmental modelling
- Radiological environmental impact assessments on humans and non-human biota
- Dedicated training
Expertise and services
Environmental modelling
In the field of radiological environmental impact assessment, we focus on the development of innovative assessment approaches, conceptual and mathematical models. Our work is underpinned by robust science and data to ensure accurate and reliable evaluations. We pride ourselves on creating transparent, traceable and fit-for-purpose models that are specifically tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. By going beyond the commonly used “off-the-shelf” models, our bespoke solutions provide a high level of precision and relevance, ensuring that every assessment is both comprehensive and client-specific.
Key models and tools:
- Biosphere model: approved by the Belgian Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC) for radiological environmental impact assessments.
- D-DAT: Dispersion, Dynamic transfer, and Dose Assessment Tool for wildlife in aquatic environments.
- ERICA tool: Assessment of radiological risk to non-human biota.
- Radioecological modelling: Soil-vegetation-atmospheric transfer models, population modelling for non-human biota.
Our approach:
Our approach is centered on reducing model complexity, minimising parameter needs and eliminating unnecessary conservatism. We are recognised nationally and internationally, with a long track record in esteemed radiation protection organisations such as the IAEA’s MEREIA program, UNSCEAR and ICRP. Our expertise spans all phases of the modelling cycle, including conceptual modelling, model design, coding, parameterisation, model calibration, validation and optimisation. This comprehensive involvement ensures that our models are robust, accurate, and tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.
Radiological Environmental Impact Assessment
With our nationally and internationally recognised expertise, approaches, models and tools, SCK CEN provides reliable REIAs and gives expert advice on emerging situations to authorities, industries and the public.
Through our radiological environmental impact assessments, we support:
- Licensing procedures: We support licensing for new installations, nuclear power feasibility studies and discharge permits, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
- Decommissioning and waste management: Our expertise supports the (specific) clearance of radiological waste streams for recycling, incineration or disposal, deriving discharge limits and developing long-term radioactive waste storage solutions.
- Site remediation: We support decisions on remediation needs and the selection of appropriate strategies for site remediation to restore and protect the environment.
- Post-accident situations: We help mitigating and managing radiological consequences by providing comprehensive follow-up and impact assessments for incidents like Fukushima and Chernobyl.
Our strengths
- Integrated assessment approaches for people and non-human biota, in line with ICRP and IAEA guidance.
- Nationally and internationally recognised expertise and tools.
- Research-grade staff with long-term consultancy experience.
- Best available data and site-specific parameters.
- Statistical expertise, including uncertainty analysis and numerical optimisation.
- Specialised infrastructure and equipment.
- Expert advice on emerging situations to authorities, industries and the public.
Training
At SCK CEN, we understand that every project is unique and so are your training needs. That is why we offer tailored REIA training programs designed to provide the specific knowledge and skills required for your projects.
We offer a wide range of training on how to:
- Perform prospective and retrospective REIAs
- Demonstrate regulatory compliance
- Develop REIA models (conceptual and numerical)
- Model ecological systems
- Assess impacts on wildlife using the ERICA Tool
Scientific publications
Scientific research enhances the flexibility and reliability of our models and approaches, leading to more accurate and effective decisions.
Curious to learn more? Check out our latest publications to dive deeper into our innovative research and findings.
Why is SCK CEN the trusted choice?
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Recognized expertise and active collaboration
At SCK CEN, our (inter)nationally recognised expertise in radiological and non-radiological research is built on decades of collaboration with international organisations such as the IAEA (MEREIA program), UNSCEAR, ICRP task groups and Bioprota [NV1] . This long-standing collaboration underscores our commitment to advancing science and shaping the future of environmental modeling. We also actively contribute to European research initiatives such as Sinfonia, RadoNorm, and Catapult.
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Comprehensive modeling services
We offer full-cycle involvement in the assessment process, from conceptualisation to validation and optimisation. Our team is skilled in applying, developing, and refining models that can be integrated into fit-for-purpose tools, customised to meet your specific needs. We ensure accurate and reliable assessments by determining site-specific and material-specific parameters.
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An integrated approach for clear, reliable results
Our integrated approach ensures that we meet the highest standards in modeling, making complex systems easier to understand. We reduce parameter needs, eliminate unnecessary conservatism, and focus on providing clear and reliable results for both human and non-human biota. This is aligned with international radiation protection guidance from ICRP and IAEA, as well as current national and international regulatory trends.
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Specialised infrastructure for cutting-edge research
SCK CEN is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and specialised equipment that supports both radiological and non-radiological research. Our facilities include:
- Greenhouses for plant studies
- Laboratories capable of handling both non-radiological and radiological research
- Extensive soil investigation facilities
- Equipment for determining leaching parameters for specific waste streams
- On-site measurement tools for accurate assessments
Reference projects, clients and partners
- Licensing: e.g. RECUMO
- Waste management: e.g. RIAD tool ENGIE, long-term deep disposal NIRAS/ONDRAF
- Site remediation strategies: e.g., Kyrgyzstan