Preparation of guidance on the appraisal of the environmental impact assessment report for the center for nuclear science and technology of Vietnam

Abstract

At present, Viet Nam is intensifying work on the preparation of the construction of the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) with a new research reactor (10 MWt capacity, with the possibility of increasing the capacity to 15 MWt). The implementation of this project will improve Vietnam’s nuclear infrastructure and will become a reliable stepping-stone for the further development of nuclear energy. The main tasks of the CNST are solving tasks in the field of science, engineering, and technology; conducting research in the field of production of radioisotopes for medical and industrial purposes, conversion of materials, and reactor materials science; conducting fundamental and applied research in nuclear physics, experimental research in physical processes; training and advanced training of personnel in the field of nuclear energy. This article presents and analyzes the legal system of Vietnam on environmental protection, up-to-date documents related to the environmental impact assessment (EIA) of Vietnam and international organizations. Issues requiring attention related to the EIA on the radiological aspect during the implementation of the CNST project at the construction stage, trial, and normal operation are considered. The structure of Guidance on the appraisal of the EIA report (GAR EIA) for Vietnam’s CNST project is presented.