SEPA Welcomes Radioactive Waste Decision
24th October 2006
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is pleased that a clear policy
framework for managing higher activity radioactivity wastes in the UK has been
decided upon.
Today's (Wednesday 25 October) announcement by the UK Government and devolved
administrations in response to the recommendations made by the Committee on
Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) foresees this type of radioactive waste
being managed in the long term by means of geological disposal and, until such a
facility exists, it will be stored in safe and secure interim facilities.
Responsibility for planning and implementing geological disposal will be given to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The NDA's skills will be augmented by the transfer of UK Nirex Ltd (Nirex), which will be wound up.
SEPA already works in partnership with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and
the Environment Agency (EA) and will continue to provide effective independent regulation for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive wastes.
Radioactive specialist Jim Cochrane said: "SEPA is committed to working with all
parties involved in implementing the Managing Radioactive Waste Safely (MRWS)
programme.
"We are content that the NDA's approach can be made to work within a regulatory
framework in a satisfactory manner. We will continue to take an interest in the NDA's plans to maintain, enhance and use Nirex's existing skills. Our scrutiny of the work that supports the MRWS programme will be based upon sound science and will meet stringent regulatory standards for the protection of the environment and the public."
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