LOW LEVEL WASTE
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Implementation of a new UK strategy for managing Low Level Waste (LLW) is likely to lead to a number of proposals coming forward for the use or development of LLW management or disposal facilities. This section of the website provides links to useful information for those local authorities dealing with such proposals.
Government Policy
In 2007, following public consultation, the Government published its ‘Policy for the Long Term Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste in the United Kingdom’. The policy sets out a framework for a more flexible approach to the management of LLW.
In response, NuLeAF published Policy Statement 4 on the ‘Management of Low Level Wastes’ (PS4 ). This highlights the importance of taking forward proposals in ways that address local authority views and are capable of inspiring public confidence. It supports the early involvement of communities and stakeholders in the development of programmes and plans for LLW management.
UK LLW Strategy
In June 2009, NDA went out to public consultation on strategy for the management of solid LLW in the UK . The proposed strategy emphasises implementation of the waste hierarchy, making best use of the LLW repository near Drigg in Cumbria and opening up new disposal routes.
NuLeAF organised a series of seminars to enable local authorities to discuss the proposed strategy (Seminar Report ). NuLeAF’s response can be viewed at ‘Response on UK LLW Strategy’. The final strategy document was published in August 2010 and can be read on the NDA website. NuLeAF will be producing a Briefing Paper on the implications for local authorities in the early autumn.
In July 2009, the NDA and LLWR Ltd jointly published a UK Nuclear Industry LLW Management Plan, which sets out how they intend to implement the proposed UK LLW strategy. The document outlines plans for the way in which 54 strategic initiatives will be carried forward.
Regulation
The Environment Agency (EA) has produced full guidance on the requirements for authorisation for prospective developers of disposal facilities for radioactive wastes, and a shorter guidance note regarding the disposal of waste to landfill. Information on how applications will be processed and current applications can be viewed on the EA website.
Planning
NuLeAF encourages waste producers to enter into early dialogue with Waste Planning Authorities (WPAs). As Planning Policy Statement 10 highlights (PPS10), it is important to work in constructive partnership with WPAs as delays can arise if a proposed development is not adequately conceived or does not pay due regard to local planning policies. In contrast, where proposals reflect those policies and their preferred locations for waste management facilities, applicants should expect expeditious and sympathetic handling of planning applications.
PPS10 also highlights the complementary nature of planning and pollution control regimes. Where authorisations for disposal to existing facilities are sought, the operator should enter into discussion with the local WPA to take advice on whether planning permission might also be required. This should be considered on a case by case basis, taking into account the original permissions and conditions for operation of the site.
NuLeaF has gathered together a number of local authority reports relating to planning permissions for LLW facilities. These can be viewed here. There are also Case Studies on the proposed disposal facility at Springfields, Clifton Marsh landfill site and on Vault 9 at the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR).
Briefing Paper 13 provides more general information for local authority planners on radioactive waste management. Briefing Paper 16 looks in more detail at the use of Planning Obligations for community benefits packages, as do the Case Studies on the funds associated with developments at Dounreay and LLWR.
Current developments
A small number of new applications for authorisation for disposal of LLW to landfill have been made to the Environment Agency and, where required, for planning permission to the respective local authorities. A spreadsheet showing the current status of the various applications is available (Overview of development of LLW disposal facilities ).
Industry Projects
NuLeaF has gathered together a number of examples of development and innovation in LLW management in industry, which can be viewed on this webpage.
Radioactive Waste Planning Group
A group of officers from NuLeAF member authorities meets regularly to discuss topical issues and feed into NuLeAF strategy and work. Details of meetings can be found here . To participate in the group, please contact the secretariat.
Further Information or Advice
If any local authority would like further information or advice on aspects of LLW management, please contact the NuLeAF secretariat.
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