SITING A GEOLOGICAL DISPOSAL FACILITY (GDF)
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The Government has invited local communities to express an interest in entering into discussions about the possibility of hosting a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for the disposal of Higher Activity Wastes. Government stresses that discussions would be exploratory and without prejudice to participation in the siting process.
The Implementation Framework
The process for issuing invitations, expressing an initial interest and taking steps to reach a decision about participation is set out in the Government's White Paper on the implementation framework for geological disposal. The White Paper can be found at GDF White Paper.
In NuLeAF's view, the White Paper represents a major step forward. In particular, the fundamental switch away from decide-announce-defend to a siting process based on willingness to participate, partnership and community well-being is welcome.
NuLeAF Policy
NuLeAF’s policy statement on geological disposal is available at Policy Statement 3 - Geological Disposal. This recognises that geological disposal is widely considered to be the best available approach when compared with the risks associated with other methods of long-term management of higher activity wastes.
The position in Cumbria
Three local authorities in Cumbria have submitted formal ‘Expressions of Interest’ to Government – Allerdale Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council and Cumbria County Council. Allerdale and Copeland are neighbouring authorities in West Cumbria, where familiarity with the nuclear industry comes from dealing with the Sellafield site over many decades.
A partnership has been established with participation from Allerdale Borough Council, Copeland Borough Council, Cumbria County Council, the Cumbrian Association of Local Councils and other local stakeholders. NuLeAF is also a member of the partnership.
The partnership's primary role is to advise the relevant local authorities about whether to take formal decisions to participate in the siting process for a GDF. To do this, it will need to work with the British Geological Survey, who are carrying out an initial desk-based study to identify any areas within West Cumbria that are obviously unsuitable. It will also need to develop and oversee a major programme of community engagement about possible participation in the siting process. Reports from partnership meetings can be viewed here
Discussions in other areas
There have been discussions in other areas about ‘expressing an interest’ in the siting process, but so far no other local authority has taken that step. The prospect of hosting a multi-billion pound project, with the possibility of a substantial package of local benefits, is yet to persuade other areas that a popular mandate for participation could be won. The Government’s invitation for communities to find out more remains open for the foreseeable future.
Advice and assistance
NuLeAF has been closely involved in discussions about the GDF and the implementation framework. It has therefore built up knowledge and understanding of the issues, and relationships with those involved, including Government, the NDA and the regulators. If any local authority wishes to discuss potential involvement in the siting process with NuLeAF, please contact us on 01473 264833 or at geological.disposal@nuleaf.org.uk
NuLeAF work on GDF siting
In addition to offering advice and assistance to any local authority that wishes to discuss the possibility of expressing an interest in the siting process, NuLeAF will be:
• continuing to represent local authority views in discussions with Government, NDA and the regulators
• producing briefing material as required and
• responding to consultations.
Updates are provided in reports to the NuLeAF Steering Group at SG 2010
Implementation, scrutiny and regulation
Government has made the NDA the implementing organisation, responsible for planning and delivering the GDF. Information about the NDA's work on siting a GDF can be found at NDA Role.
The Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM) provides independent scrutiny and advice to Government on the long-term management of radioactive wastes. Information about CoRWM’s role is available at CoRWM.
The programme for siting a GDF will also be subject to regulatory scrutiny. The Environment Agency, the Health and Safety Executive and the Department for Transport have recently published joint web pages explaining their roles and how they are working together, as well as providing background information, reports and links to other websites of interest.
Further information
Further explanation and background informaton can be found on the website of the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) here
Responses to frequently asked questions about geological disposal can be found at FAQS
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