We performed an Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA) to evaluate the impact on non-human
biota from liquid radioactive effluents discharged by the Belgian Nuclear Power Plants
(NPPs) of Doel and Tihange. A deterministic risk assessment for aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems was performed using the ERICA tool and applying the ERICA screening value of 10
µGy.h-1. The ERA was performed for the radioactive discharge limits and for
the actual releases (maxima and averages over the last 10 years, 1999-2008). All ERICA
reference organisms were considered and depending on the assessment situation, additional
reference organisms were included in the analysis. It can be concluded that the current
discharge limits for the Belgian NPPs do not result in significant risks to the aquatic
and terrestrial environment and that the actual discharges, which are a fraction of the
liquid discharge limits, are unlikely to harm the environment.