As one of the pioneers of nuclear technology, the UK has accumulated a substantial legacy of radioactive waste from a variety of different nuclear programmes, both civil and defence-related. Some of this waste is already in storage, but most still forms part of existing facilities and will only become waste over the next several decades or so as these plants are decommissioned and cleaned-up. Some of the waste will be radioactive and thus potentially hazardous for long time periods, and we need to manage it for the very long-term.
For over three decades, the UK struggled to successfully find a solution to the problem of long-term radioactive waste management. In 2001 Government initiated the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS) programme with a public consultation on the process. This was to find a practicable solution for the UK's higher activity wastes that:
- achieved long-term protection of people and the environment
- did this in an open and transparent way that inspired public confidence
- was based on sound science, and
- ensured the effective use of public monies.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Geological Disposal (60Kb)
Current Consultation
We welcome your comments until 30 November on:
NDA RWMD proposed R&D Strategy (2008) (5Mb)
This document provides draft proposals for a programme of research and development to support implementation of a geological disposal facility for radioactive waste.
This consultation document outlines the proposed aims and objectives of the Strategy and how the NDA proposes to engage and communicate with stakeholders about its work programme on geological disposal.
This consultation document outlines the proposed aims and objectives of the assessments, when and how they would be undertaken in relation to the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS) site selection process and how stakeholders could be involved.
Click here for details of Geological Disposal Consultation Workshop being held 7 and 8 October 2008
Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM)
An independent body, the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM), was set up to recommend options to provide a long term solution to managing higher activity radioactive wastes in the UK. To ensure its recommendations had wide-ranging support, CoRWM sought to combine the use of the best possible science and other expert advice with a wide-ranging programme of public and stakeholder engagement.
On 31 July 2006, CoRWM announced an integrated package of recommendations. Government responded, announcing plans for the long term management of higher-activity radioactive waste to Parliament on 25 October 2006. The announcement accepted CoRWM's recommendation of geological disposal, coupled with safe and secure interim storage along with a programme of ongoing research and development as the way forward.
Implementation of geological disposal
Following careful consideration of the responses to a consultation Government published the White Paper – "Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: A Framework for Implementing Geological Disposal" in June 2008. This sets out Government's detailed framework for the long term management of higher activity wastes.
One of the key points is that Government has made the NDA the implementing organisation, responsible for planning and delivering the geological disposal facility. As part of this process, the NDA will engage with the communities and other stakeholders.
Contact
If you require more information from the NDA on the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS) programme or geological disposal, then please contact:
John Dalton
Head of Communications
Radioactive Waste Management Directorate
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Curie Avenue
Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
Didcot
Oxfordshire
OX11 0RH
Email: john.dalton@nda.gov.uk