Dounreay low level waste vaults begin to accept waste
23rd May 2015
A major programme milestone has been achieved with the placement of the first low level waste disposed into the new Low Level Waste Facilities at Dounreay.
DSRL were granted planning permission to construct up to six vaults in April 2009. Phase one vaults; a low level waste vault and a demolition low level vault was constructed to accommodate waste accumulated on the site arising from previous operations and from decommissioning operations. The construction of this stage of the vaults was ceremoniously celebrated in April 2014.
On April 24 2015, active commissioning began at the Encapsulation Plant where one half-height ISO container packed with low level waste was filled with grout. This followed a successful grouting process demonstration with inactive waste to SEPA on April 14.
Packages of demolition low level waste have also been transferred from storage on the Dounreay site to the demolition low level waste vault and the first grouted half height ISO container has been disposed of at the low level waste vault, starting the active commissioning of the process and operation of the new Low Level Waste facilities.
DSRL has now confirmed that phase two will also be required and will comprise of a further two low level waste vaults, to accommodate further waste from decommissioning.
To meet the site decommissioning requirements phase two would be required by 2020, however DSRL is planning to bring the construction programme forward within the overall portfolio of site projects.
Work continues to assess the waste arising rates and total waste volumes and this will influence the programme for construction and operation of the vaults and any requirement for phase three.
DSRL remains committed to waste avoidance and minimisation and to the safe decommissioning of the Dounreay site.
Related Businesses
Related Articles
3/12/2025
TAE Technologies and UKAEA partner to commercialise fusion tech
Joint venture to develop neutral beams for fusion and non-fusion applications, creating high-skilled jobs and establishing a critical supply chain. TAE Technologies, a leading US private fusion energy firm with over 25 years at the forefront of scientific innovation, today announces a bilateral and reciprocal investment commitment with the United Kingdom's national fusion laboratory, the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to commercialise TAE's proprietary particle accelerator technology for the global market.
1/12/2025
Buried Hazards, Unfinished Business - What the NDA's 2025 Progress Report Really Tells Us
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has released its 2025 Mission Progress Report is a slightly sprawling document chronicling one of the UK's most complex environmental undertakings. The safe dismantling of its early nuclear legacy.
30/11/2025
New recruit officers join the Civil Nuclear Constabulary
The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) welcomes its newest recruits. The CNC hosted two passing out parades for the graduating Authorised Firearms Officers (AFOs) of Initial Foundation Programme (IFP) 106.
29/11/2025
Dounreay's next generation of talent honoured by apprentice award
Nuclear Restoration Services Dounreay's Kate Thomson has won Modern Apprentice of the Year at the Highlands & Islands Apprenticeship Awards in Inverness. Kate, who is in the second year of her apprenticeship in commercial and quantity surveying, said she was thrilled by the honour.
24/11/2025
Taskforce calls for radical reset of nuclear regulation in UK
Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce publishes final report and calls for radical reset of overly complex nuclear regulatory system. An overly complex nuclear regulatory system has contributed to the "relative decline" of the UK's ability to deliver faster and cheaper nuclear projects.
18/11/2025
Funding approved for Wick Harbour port consultant
A specialist ports consultant has been appointed to develop a long-term strategic plan for Wick Harbour Authority (WHA) in Caithness. WHA has secured £47,775 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) and the Nuclear Restoration Services, NRS Dounreay towards the cost of the services.
11/11/2025
Fallon Campbell From Melvich Near Thurso Named As Apprentice of the Year At Awards In London
Rising star from North Scotland honoured at event to celebrate brightest and best in industry. An electrical apprentice from North Scotland is celebrating after being recognised for her contribution to industry at the 13th annual Engineering Construction Industry ECI Training and Development Awards in London.
15/10/2025
The NDA Group Graduate Programme: more than a job
The NDA group graduate scheme offers far more than just a stepping stone into the nuclear industry; it's a chance to grow professionally, explore new places, and become part of a supportive community. Nuala Ledward, Assurance and Performance Graduate, shares how her secondment to Dounreay brought these benefits to life.
4/8/2025
UKAEA develops 3D printing for fusion components
At its recently opened Central Support Facility (CSF), UKAEA has commissioned an electron beam additive manufacturing machine that can be used to incorporate tungsten into components, alongside a selective laser manufacturing machine. Fusion can play a key role in a global low carbon energy future.4/8/2025
Advancing Fusion Remote Maintenance: Industry Collaboration Driving Innovation
As part of the Fusion Futures (FF) programme, UKAEA's Remote Applications in Challenging Environments (RACE) has partnered with industry leaders to develop two groundbreaking technologies for remote maintenance in fusion energy engineering. Thanks to FF funding, industry has taken the lead in maturing UKAEA technology concepts—delivering real-world solutions that enhance operational autonomy and reduce maintenance burdens in extreme environments.
Our Social Media
