The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has published the full documentation behind its decision on the application by the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) to dispose of radioactive waste from Dounreay.

Following a second round of public consultation, SEPA decided in October 1998 to grant revised authorisations to UKAEA, to replace the site’s existing, outdated ones. The document published today sets out SEPA’s rationale in reaching its decisions. It includes minutes of SEPA Boards’ deliberations, copies of the Authorisations now with the Secretary of State for consultation, and detailed technical implementation documents.

SEPA believes that the certificates of authorisation it is now minded to grant are more appropriate, transparent and effective at controlling the disposal of radioactive wastes from the site than the previous ones, and that they will be effective in protecting human health, the food chain and the environment.

Before issuing the authorisations to UKAEA, SEPA must forward the authorisations to the Secretary of State for Scotland for consultation. This has been done, and the Secretary of State’s comments are awaited.

Copies of the full decision document (148 pages) are available on request from SEPA Public Affairs. A summary (3 pages) is also available in hard copy.