UKAEA Submits Planning Application For New Waste Disposal Facility

5th July 2006

A planning application for the construction of facilities for disposing of solid low level radioactive waste from decommissioning Dounreay has been submitted to the Highland Council.

UKAEA is seeking permission to construct a series of shallow engineered vaults adjacent to the existing nuclear licensed site, a grouting plant within the existing site and an administration block. The facilities are required for disposal of up to a maximum of 175,000 cubic metres of solid low level waste which is expected to be generated during the decommissioning of the site. The facility would be required for the lifespan of the decommissioning programme at an estimated total lifetime cost to design, construct, operate and close of around £110 million.

The engineered vaults will be built in three phases, with each phase being built as required. UKAEA is undergoing a vigorous waste minimisation programme and the success of this programme will determine whether all three phases will be required. Low level waste represents less than 0.01 per cent of all waste at Dounreay in terms of radioactivity but 80-90 per cent in terms of volume of radioactive waste.

From 2000 - 2005 UKAEA carried out a comprehensive study of the options for managing all Dounreay's solid low level waste. This included technical review and stakeholder consultation. Over the last six months, UKAEA has undertaken specific consultation with the local residents and local community on the location of the facilities. In February 2006, UKAEA reconsidered its choice of location of the facility following feedback during the first round of meetings held in December 2005. UKAEA believes this relocation meets the technical criteria for safety and environmental protection, while endeavouring to address the concerns expressed by residents. The size of area required for the new facilities, and taking possible sea level changes into account, means there is no suitable area within the existing site.

The planning application is being accompanied by an Environmental Statement, a comprehensive document covering environmental issues relating to the project.

Norman Harrison, Dounreay Director, said: "UKAEA undertook an extensive public consultation exercise to look at the options for dealing with the waste from decommissioning Dounreay. The best practicable environmental option for managing Dounreay's low level waste was identified as creating new disposal facility at Dounreay. UKAEA has engaged with the local residents and community to listen to their views, endeavoured to address their concerns and keep them informed as the project has progressed."

"To allow us to move forward with our programme to decommission Dounreay, it is vital we have facilities for the long term management of this waste. Submitting this application is a major step forward in decommissioning Dounreay"

Subject to consents, the facilities are due to come into operation in 2013.