UK consults on radioactive nuclear waste management strategy

It applies to 17 sites owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) across the country

The UK is seeking views on a strategy that will apply to all radioactive waste generation within the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Group.

It includes materials that may become waste at some point in the future and provides a framework for making decisions flexibly to ensure “safe, environmentally acceptable and cost-effective solutions” that reflect the nature of the radioactive waste concerned.

The UK has been producing and managing radioactive waste for many decades and the NDA’s role is to ensure nuclear sites are decommissioned and cleaned up safely, securely, cost-effectively and in ways that protect people and the environment across 17 of NDA-owned sites.

An integrated programme is to be created which will be implemented in prioritised phases, with the initial focus on areas such as waste management culture and packaging.

The document states: “This will deliver benefits through the provision of a more integrated approach to radioactive waste management; development of proportionate, risk based waste management approaches; better co-ordination across the industry and reduced lifecycle costs.”

The consultation is open until 31st October 2018.

Last month, MPs on the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee backed government proposals to store radioactive nuclear waste under national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty (AONBs) in the UK.

Latest Podcast