SOLID LOW LEVEL RADIOACTIVE WASTE
28 February 2006 - Defra

Proposals for dealing with solid low level radioactive waste have been published today for consultation.

Most of these wastes come from the operation of nuclear facilities, mainly paper, plastics and scrap metal.

Smaller amounts are also produced by a range of non-nuclear industries such as hospitals, research and educational facilities and the oil and gas industries

However, in future, the clean-up and decommissioning of nuclear sites will create substantial additional amounts, such as soil, building rubble and items such as ducting, piping and reinforcement.

With the current disposal facility, near Drigg in Cumbria, filling up, new options for the long term management of these wastes are needed.

The consultation, issued by UK Government, Scottish Executive, Welsh Assembly Government and in Northern Ireland, the Department of the Environment, asks:

Whether there should be greater flexibility in the management of the wide range of low level radioactive wastes, provided that the necessary level of safety is maintained.

Should the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority be expected to consider other (i.e. non-NDA) nuclear and non-nuclear industry needs when making arrangements for the management and disposal of its own wastes?

Should regional and local authority planners play a greater role in providing for the management of non-nuclear low level radioactive wastes generated within their own areas?

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