Government sets out process for identifying potential sites for disposal of radioactive waste

In a framework document (34-page / 625KB PDF) setting out the agreed criteria for identifying suitable sites, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) has confirmed that it will use desk-based studies to identify possible sites from areas put forward following a decision to participate in the programme by the relevant local authority.

It has also announced the start of its review of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CORWM), the independent body which scrutinises proposals for the management of higher level radioactive waste. Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) such as the CORWM are generally subject to reviews every three years as part of the Government's accountability commitments. The review will challenge whether there is a continuing need to carry out its role and, if so, whether its control and governance arrangements are adequate.

Both announcements are part of the Department's response (33-page / 251KB PDF) to a public consultation on the desk-based identification and assessment of potential candidate sites. In a ministerial statement on the developments, Energy Minister Charles Hendry said that the framework had considered the consultation responses to "more clearly define" the criteria that would be used for selecting sites.

"Having considered all responses received during the consultation the Government has concluded there was general support for our proposals for site identification and assessment and for the criteria which will be used to identify and evaluate potential candidate sites," he said.

"The Government is committed to a staged siting process based on voluntarism and partnership and the invitation for more communities to come forward to find out more about the siting process remains open," he added.

Geological disposal was chosen as the best long-term option for the safe management of nuclear waste following a consultation process in 2008. It involves burying the waste deep inside a suitable rock formation to ensure that no significant quantities of radioactivity ever reach the surface. Similar methods of disposal are implemented in Canada, France, Finland and Sweden.

In the framework document, the Government has confirmed that sites will be assessed with reference to multiple criteria using a technique called Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The document sets out the next steps to develop this process including the development of scoring scales and weightings for different criteria. These include geological setting; potential impact on people; potential impact on the natural environment and landscape; the effect on local socio-economic conditions; transport and infrastructure provision; and the cost, timing and ease of the implementation of the programme.

Desk-based assessment is the fourth stage of the Government's radioactive waste management process. A potential site will only be assessed in this way once it has passed an initial geological suitability screening and the local authority has made a formal decision to go ahead with the process.

Three local authorities - Copeland and Allerdale Borough Councils and Cumbria County Council - have expressed interest in providing a site for radioactive waste since the 2008 consultation, and are currently considering whether to move on to the siting process itself.

The Government has also published a separate strategy on low-level radioactive waste from non-nuclear industries, such as hospitals and universities. The strategy, which is intended to be used by waste planning bodies, regulators and the waste producers themselves, provides further guidance on the Government's policy that such waste should be disposed of locally where suitable facilities exist.