SAFSTOR is a nuclear decommissioning method in which a nuclear power plant or facility governed by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission, is "placed and maintained in a condition that allows the facility to be safely stored and subsequently decontaminated (deferred decontamination) to levels that permit release for unrestricted use".[1]
During SAFSTOR the de-fuelled plant is monitored before complete decontamination and dismantling of the site, to a condition where nuclear licensing is no longer required. The decommissioning must be completed within 60 years of the plant ceasing operations.[2]
During the storage interval, some of the radioactive contaminants of the reactor and power plant will decay, which will reduce the quantity of radioactive material to be removed during the final decontamination phase.