Section 45Sec./Art. 45

General Principles Applying to Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management. - At all stages in the management of radioactive waste and spent fuel in the Philippines, the following principles shall be applied by all persons and entities, including governmental bodies;

(a) People and the environment are adequately protected against radiological and other hazards;

(b) The generation of radioactive waste is kept to the minimum practicable;

(c) The interdependence among the different steps of radioactive waste and spent fuel management is considered;

(d) Protective measures for radioactive waste and spent fuel management in the Philippines are implemented in a manner that reflects internationally recognized criteria, standards and guidance adopted by the IAEA;

(e) Biological, chemical, and other hazards that may be associated with radioactive waste and spent fuel management are adequately addressed;(f) Criticality and removal of residual heat generated during radioactive waste and spent fuel management are adequately addressed;

(g) Actions imposing reasonably predictable impacts on future generations greater than those permitted for the current generation are avoided;

(h) Undue burdens on current and future generations are avoided;

(i) Spent fuel may be kept in interim storage pending final disposal by geologic isolation using deep boreholes or any other method as may be prescribed by the PhilATOM;

(j) The operator of a nuclear installation shall be solely responsible for the funding of radioactive waste and spent fuel management and disposal; and

(k) The application of other existing environmental laws, rules, and regulations.