Which statement describes Decommissioning?

• A. The ongoing operation of a system under routine conditions.
• B. The process of removing an asset or facility from service or operation, often involving environmental cleanup and/or returning the site to its original state.
• C. A temporary shutdown for maintenance.
• D. A process of upgrading equipment.

Answer: (B)

Decommissioning is the act of retiring an asset or facility from service, typically involving environmental cleanup and returning the site to its original state or a safe condition. This means you’re removing the system from operation rather than just shutting it down temporarily or upgrading it. In practice, decommissioning may require safely removing equipment, reclaiming or disposing of hazardous materials, and restoring the site to comply with regulations. It differs from ongoing operation, which keeps the system active; a temporary shutdown for maintenance, which is reversible and for repairs; and upgrading, which adds or replaces components to improve performance rather than removing the asset from service.