ANNEX: EXAMPLES OF KEY INFORMATION FILES

A.3. Overview of the KIF for the Centre de Stockage de la Manche in France

(developed by Andra)

Andra is developing a preliminary KIF regarding the Manche disposal facility, “Centre de Stockage de la Manche”, in the framework of the next review of the safety case, due in 2019. French regulation requires a summary memory file (SMF) to be presented by the operator prior to the closure of a repository. Andra decided to present the KIF as being part of the SMF. Regulatory requirements not met by the KIF, because it is being developed in an international context, will be addressed by complementary documents also belonging to the SMF. The SMF will replace the “summary record” that was elaborated earlier, at a preliminary stage, and displayed as such on Andra’s website. The concept of KIF has already been presented to local stakeholders. They will be consulted during the elaboration process.

This KIF is being developed in French, with some parts (introduction, chapter abstracts, etc.) provided both in French and in English. Hereunder is a “storyboard” of this KIF, translated in English, with full text developed in a few sections.

Section 0. Introduction

This document has been finalised in MM YYYY. It aims to inform future generations of the existence of a radioactive waste repository near the town of Digulleville, 20 km north-west of the city of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (France).

This repository hosts radioactive wastes that pose a threat to man and the environment. A system of isolation and surveillance has therefore been put in place to guarantee the safety of future generations. In order for it to be effective, any human intrusion must be avoided as long as the dangerousness of the disposed waste has not diminished to an acceptable level. Most of the radionuclides contained by the waste have a short period, which means that they will lose half of their radioactivity in at most 31 years. These radionuclides will have almost disappeared at the horizon of the 24th century.

Several means have been put in place to preserve the memory of the existence of the Manche repository as long as possible, avoid any involuntary intrusion and pass a detailed knowledge of the repository to future generations. This document plays a central role in this process.

To fully fulfil its role, this document must be accessible and understandable to as many people as possible. You have it in your hands today, so please do your best to ensure that future generations can have access to it and understand what is written there.