Public participation possible for IHC Onroerend Goed licence for measuring equipment with in-built radioactive sources on board dredgers

The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) intends to grant IHC Onroerend Goed B.V. (IHC) authorisation to install measuring equipment with in-built radioactive sources on board dredgers owned by other companies. IHC performs this work on-site at Smitweg 6 in Kinderdijk and at varying locations across the Netherlands. The draft licence specifies safe practices for handling these radioactive sources. Until 28 June 2024, all individuals are welcome to make their submissions in response to the draft licence.

Radioactive sources for measuring density of dredging slurries

Dredgers maintain navigable channels by clearing waterways of sand, mud and sludge. Efficient dredging requires continuous monitoring and assessment of the density of the dredged material, and hence the volume of materials dredged. Dredged material of inadequate or excessive density can lead to processing issues.

The concentration of dredged material can be measured using a radioactive source. The radiation from the source passes through the slurry and is collected on the other side. The concentration of the dredged material can be inferred by measuring the radiation passing through it: high radiation levels indicate inadequate density, while low radiation levels suggest excessive density. This way, the crew of a dredger can monitor the concentration. 

Authorisation for installing radioactive sources on board dredgers

IHC supplies the radioactive sources with measuring equipment for use on board other companies’ dredgers. IHC carries out the proper installation of the radioactive sources on the dredgers as well as other work including the removal or maintenance of radioactive sources. For this, they require authorisation by the ANVS.

Qualified and trained personnel handle the radioactive sources

Only qualified and trained personnel may handle the radioactive sources, including installation and removal. For this, an employee must have completed training as a radiation protection officer or (general) coordinating specialist. The licence application states that IHC ensures that only qualified and trained personnel handle the radiation sources.

Bank guarantee to cover cost of radioactive waste disposal

IHC was additionally required to provide a temporary bank guarantee. This is needed to cover the cost of safe disposal of radioactive sources that have reached the end of their useful life.

This as well as other requirements are specified in the licence.

Responses can be submitted until the end of 28 June 2024

You can review the draft licence (in Dutch) for IHC up to and including 28 June 2024. If you have any views on this draft permit you wish to present, you may do so by submitting a statement of opinion.
There are 3 ways to respond:

  1. By email: send an email to Postbus.Aanvragenenmelden@anvs.nl and put ‘Statement of Opinion concerning draft licence for IHC Onroerend Goed’ in the subject line of your email.
  2. In writing: send a letter to the ANVS, Statement of Opinion concerning draft licence for IHC Onroerend Goed, P.O. Box 16001, 2500 BA The Hague.
  3. By phone: call the Information Desk for Nuclear Energy Act permits at +31 (0)88 489 05 00, available from Monday to Friday between 08.30 and 17.00.

These statements of opinion will be taken into account when we make the final decision on IHC Onroerend Goed’s licence application. We will also include your statement of opinion and our response to it in our final decision. This decision will also be published on our website. If you have submitted a statement of opinion, you will receive a link to the definitive licence if you have requested one.

For more information

Please read the official announcement (in Dutch) in the Government Gazette.