A key programme of work at the Low Level Waste Repository in Cumbria is making progress to permanently secure low level radioactive waste vaults.
The Repository, which is part of Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) and manages the disposal of the UK’s low level radioactive waste, has started key work on the final capping of historic trenches and vaults, which are now full and ready for permanent closure.
Disposal of low level waste began in 1959, with waste being tipped into lined trenches at the Repository site near Drigg, Cumbria.
Disposal techniques evolved during the late 1980s and early 1990s by constructing highly engineered concrete vaults. This resulted in a modern, innovative approach to the treatment and safe disposal of low level nuclear waste in specially designed metal containers, which were placed in engineered vaults at the Repository site.
Safely managing radioactive waste is crucial for our future safety
A long-term programme is now underway to permanently close the existing vaults and adjacent trenches – and initial work on the ground has begun.
This work is key to Nuclear Waste Service’s mission to make low level radioactive waste permanently safe sooner, which is vitally important to the UK and future generations.
The UK has been producing and managing nuclear waste for many decades and will continue to do so for many more. Today, nuclear power is viewed by the UK Government as essential to the low-carbon energy mix and securing our energy supply in the future.
Therefore, the ability to safely manage and dispose of radioactive waste today and for future generations is crucial.
Mike Pigott, Director of Sites and Operations for NWS, said: “The Low Level Waste Repository is an important national asset and is critical to delivering the Nuclear Waste Services mission. I am pleased we’re progressing with work on this long-term project, with work commencing on-site for this phase.
“It is vitally important that NWS caps the existing vaults and trenches to provide long-term protection to the wastes and the environment for future generations.”
Working with the local community to deliver an important mission
Most radioactive waste arising in the UK is Low Level (LLW) or Very Low Level (VLLW). Nuclear Waste Services delivers solutions for this waste, including at the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR), as a valuable but finite resource for low level waste disposal.
NWS has been engaging with the local community with drop-in sessions and site tours to share more details about what residents will see and hear over the next six to twelve months of operations.
Plans are in place to mitigate and minimise any associated noise, dust, traffic, ecological, and visual impacts.
For example, through the installation of noise barriers and visual screening bunds, regular noise monitoring of activities and a commitment to bring the majority of aggregate and materials to the site via rail.
“We’re making good progress on the project with a cap design agreed, infrastructure in place to deliver this work, and permission to build the cap has been granted by the local authority,” explained Pigott.
He concluded: “We will continue to work with our community to maintain our social licence to operate and are committed to being a considerate neighbour whilst delivering our important mission.”
