IHC given authorisation for equipment with radioactive sources on dredgers
The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection has granted 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. Our decision specifies the safety requirements that IHC must meet. You have the right to appeal against our licensing decision until midnight on 16 August 2024.
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. Dredged material of inadequate or excessive density can lead to processing issues.
The density 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. High radiation levels indicate inadequate density, while low radiation levels indicate excessive density. This process enables the crew of a dredger to monitor the density of the material they have to work with.
Conditions fulfilled
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. To carry out these activities, the company requires our authorisation, which is contingent on meeting a number of criteria.
Qualified and trained personnel handle the radioactive sources
IHC will ensure that only qualified and trained personnel handle the radioactive sources, including installation and removal. This is made clear in the licence application. To carry out this work, an employee must have completed training as a radiation protection officer or (general) coordinating specialist.
Bank guarantee to cover cost of radioactive waste disposal
IHC was also required to provide a temporary bank guarantee to cover the cost of safe disposal of radioactive sources that have reached the end of their useful life. This is specified in the licence, in addition to other requirements.
No responses to the draft licence
From 17 May until 28 June 2024, all parties had the opportunity to submit a response to the draft licence. No objections were submitted during this time.
Appeals may be submitted until 16 august 2024
If you disagree with our decision (in Dutch), you have the right to appeal until midnight on 16 August 2024. You can do so if you are an interested party, which means that our decision to grant this licence affects you directly. You can also lodge an appeal if you have previously submitted a response (objection), or if you cannot reasonably be blamed for not submitting an objection.
If you lodge an appeal, you can also apply for preliminary relief. This ensures that the licence does not take effect until after your appeal has been reviewed.
2 ways to submit
Submit your notice of appeal or request for preliminary relief to the Administrative Jurisdiction Division of the Council of State. There are 2 ways to do this:
- Online: if you are a private citizen, you can use your DigiD to log on to the Council of State’s digital service desk and submit your appeal there.
- By post: send your notice of appeal to the Administrative Jurisdiction Division, Council of State, PO Box 20019, 2500 EA The Hague.
Would you like to find out more?
For more information, see the official announcement (in Dutch) in the Government Gazette.