The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

The Welsh Government's Environment and Sustainable Development Minister was shown a range of decommissioning activities during a recent visit to Trawsfynydd site in North Wales. The visit was hosted by Site Director Dave Wilson.

The Minister, John Griffiths, whose remit includes waste management and energy policy, expressed a particular interest in the environmental clean-up work being undertaken at the site. 

He was shown the progress being made on decommissioning the fuel ponds and witnessed scabbling, where robotic machinery is being used to remove contaminated concrete. His interest in the site's legacy waste streams also took him to the resin plant, which treats radioactive material before it is packaged into drums in preparation for long-term storage. 

His tour was completed with a visit to the Fuel Element Debris (FED) plant where Intermediate Level Waste is immobilised by encapsulating in grout within steel containers.

Commenting on his visit, Mr Griffiths said:

"Clearly it is very important that decommissioning is carried out with professionalism and the highest skill and care. It was very interesting to see first hand this work and discuss matters with those carrying out the operations.' Site Director Dave Wilson said: "We are very pleased the Minister has taken time out from his busy schedule to visit us. We are currently accelerating a major programme of critical decommissioning works and always welcome the opportunity to engage with our stakeholders to highlight the challenges we face, and to demonstrate the progress we are making."