The general long-term objective of the project is to improve the safety of uranium legacy sites in Central Asia countries Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan including Mongolia through justified remediation actions.

This objective will be supported by strengthening the capabilities of in the fields of nuclear and radiation safety. More specifically by providing regional capacity of water monitoring system and laboratory capacities related to uranium legacy sites.

The overall project comprises of a design phase (Phase I) and an implementation phase (Phase II and III):

Phase I: Detailed design and engineering of water monitoring system and laboratory capabilities

Phase II Procurement phase of water monitoring system and laboratory capabilities

Phase III Supply, construction, installation and commissioning of water monitoring system and laboratory capabilities

Phase I has to a large extent already been covered under a EU contract implemented by the company ENCO, but there is need to update and reassess the conceptual designs especially with relation to the water monitoring system. The final detailed system designs to be developed under this project will be done in cooperation with Central Asian local experts to ensure the compliance with laws and regulations of the partner countries. The detailed designs have to be approved by the European Commission and – if necessary – by the respective governmental institutions of the partner countries.

Phase II and III will take place when the detailed designs under Phase I have been established and where there is firm commitment from the partner countries to provide the needed human, financial and political support to ensure the long term sustainable operation of the monitoring systems.

The following results are envisaged within four interventions areas:

• Detailed design of systems for water monitoring and laboratory capacities

• Supply, installation and commissioning of equipment for water monitoring system

• Supply, installation and commissioning of equipment for laboratory capacities

• Management system and capacity building

Sound and coherent operations of the established systems with information sharing between the partner countries. National management structures in place to maintain optimal system operation.