Annex D: Guidance for recovery phase operations

(Ref: Paragraph 3.5.2 (d))

1.0 General

1.1 If a Restricted Zone is likely to be maintained for a period of time, it may become necessary for persons to enter the zone for such purposes as the operation of essential services, security patrols, restoration activities, retrieval of property from residences, workplaces, etc., possibly the care and feeding of farm and other animals, and, later, even the operation of commercial and industrial establishments.

1.2 The issue of the return of evacuees to the Restricted Zone should be subjected to a detailed assessment. The decision on when such evacuees can return to their homes should be based on the levels of contamination in various parts of the zone, the prospects and costs of decontamination, the anticipated reduction in dose over time, the benefits versus the risk involved in a return, etc.

2.0 Assessment and Implementation of Recovery Options

2.1 The recovery process should be initiated during the response phase through the identification of stakeholder representatives whose function it is to consider the options for recovery operations and restoration of the situation back to "normal".

2.2 Because of the broad range of scenarios foreseen by this plan as well as the importance of the many factors existing at the time, which may play a crucial role for decision-makers, it is not advisable or practical to have specific quantitative guidance for recovery operations, including the return of evacuees.

2.3 A process shall be developed for "Optimization" – an internationally accepted term used to describe a flexible approach whereby a number of benchmarks (including dose and risk) are identified from national and international sources. These benchmarks are used in the analysis of recovery options and are adjusted based on site specific circumstances of such relevant factors as:

• Size and location of impacted area;
• Contaminants;
• Public health;
• Public welfare;
• Environment;
• Land uses;
• Wastes and disposal;
• Implementation costs; and
• Economic factors.

2.4 Optimization activities are both qualitative and quantitative, applied at each stage of recovery operations decision-making^{footnote 3[3]}.