Radioactive Waste Policy Group (RWPG) - background
Introduction to the RWPG
RWPG is the UK Radioactive Waste Policy Group on which UK Government departments, the devolved administrations, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the principal regulatory bodies (Health and Safety Executive and the environment agencies) are represented.
RWPG member organisations
- Environment Agency (EA)
- Department of Environment, Northern Ireland (DOE)
- Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR)
- Food Standards Agency (FSA)
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Ministry of Defence (MoD)
- Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)
- Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS)
- Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)
- Radioactive Substances Division, Defra
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department (SEERAD)
- Welsh Assembly Government (WAG)
The group meets regularly, to discuss radioactive waste management policy and regulatory issues. It has the remit to carry out reviews, calling on external advice, as necessary.
RWPG is chaired and managed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Terms of reference
Our terms of reference are:
"To review and make recommendations on issues which arise in relation to radioactive waste management policy in the UK, radioactive discharges, and corresponding regulatory processes and arrangements".
This remit is taken to include appropriate coordination of policy and regulatory initiatives. The Group meets three to four times a year and functions through correspondence during the intervening periods.
Scope
These policy pages apply to the regulation of existing facilities whilst nuclear and radioactive materials are handled. They do not set out the landuse regulation and policy framework applicable to new, or extensions to, such facilities.
Information on the operation and policy applicable to the planning system in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are available on the DCLG website, and those of WAG, the Scottish Executive and DOE (NI).
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Page last modified: 13 September 2007
Page published: 12 August 2005