BPEO-—a holistic balance or a growth industry without a purpose?.

The principle of best practicable environmental option (BPEO) has its roots in the 1975 recommendations made by the Royal Commission on Environmental Pollution, a new approach to pollution control. Since then BPEO has had a bumpy ride, failing to be clearly defined in law and applied equally and logically 'across the board'. This paper discusses the various issues surrounding BPEO, with particular emphasis on the nuclear industry, and suggesting ways forward for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]