Radioactive waste - High and intermediate level wastes
Higher activity waste is the more radioactive wastes from sources such as the nuclear and medical industries, military uses and academic research.
The UK Government and the devolved administrations for Wales and Northern Ireland published a consultation document on managing higher activity radioactive waste in the long-term, entitled “Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: a Framework for Implementing Geological Disposal” on 25 June 2007. This sought views not only on the technical aspects of developing a disposal facility, but how we can engage most effectively with those communities that might have a potential interest in hosting the facility.
On 12 June 2008 the Government published a White Paper setting out the next steps for implementing geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste, including details of the site selection and assessment process. It also invites communities to express an interest in beginning discussions, without commitment, on the possibility of hosting a geological disposal facility at some point in the future.
A website has been developed to provide background and technical information relating to the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely White Paper. This may be of particular interest to communities that might be considering expressing an interest in opening up, without commitment, discussions with Government on the possibility of hosting a geological disposal facility.
White Paper – Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: A Framework for Implementing Geological Disposal
- White Paper [PDF document to be provided]
- Ministerial Statement/Press release [link]
Preparation of the consultation and White Paper
The consultation and White Paper were produced through the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS) Implementation Planning Group. The MRWS Implementation Planning Group was set up to provide advice and information to Ministers on the means of managing the United Kingdom’s higher activity radioactive waste in the long term. Chaired by Defra, the group consists of the relevant parts of UK Government (Defra, BERR, MoD, DCLG and Treasury), the devolved administrations (SE, WAG and DoENI), the regulators (HSE and the environment agencies) and the NDA.
In framing our proposals, Government has taken into account contributions and comment from:
Background
Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) Recommendations and UK Government and devolved administrations’ response
To assist the MRWS process, the UK Government and the devolved administrations set up an independent committee (Committee on Radioactive Waste Management, CoRWM) in November 2003. The Committee’s remit was to oversee a review of options for the long term management of high and intermediate level radioactive wastes in the UK and to recommend the option or combination of options that can provide a long term solution.
The review of options was carried out in an open, transparent and inclusive manner and the Committee published its recommendations on 31 July 2006
Following the publication of CoRWM’s recommendations, the Environment Secretary responded by announcing plans for the long term management of higher-activity radioactive waste to Parliament on Wednesday 25 October 2006.
The announcement accepted CoRWM’s primary recommendation on geological disposal of higher activity radioactive waste, and its recommendations for safe and secure interim storage. Further information is available at the following links:
In October 2007, CoRWM was reconstituted, with modified terms of reference and expertise. The Committee will provide independent scrutiny and advice to Government and devolved administration Ministers on the long-term radioactive waste management programme, including storage and disposal.
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Page published: 12 June 2008