5th transportation of vitrified residues from France to Belgium

Press release

September 18, 2002

The preparative operations for the 5th transport of vitrified residues from France to Belgium are under progress. This transport is provided for by the reprocessing contracts signed between COGEMA and SYNATOM, in accordance with the directives issued by the Belgian Authorities.
This transport will leave the COGEMA LOGISTICS railway terminal in Valognes (France) when operational conditions are met, from September, 24th, 2002.

These vitrified residues, resulting from the reprocessing in the COGEMA La Hague plant of the Belgian spent fuel, are returned to the BELGOPROCESS dedicated storage facilities in Dessel (Belgium).

The casks used for transport fully comply with the safety standards defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Besides, nuclear material transportation strictly conforms to national and international regulations in order to guarantee a high level safety. Casks are submitted to a series of controls by COGEMA LOGISTICS, in the presence of SYNATOM, ONDRAF, and BELGOPROCESS representatives.