Proposed low level waste facilities
This page contains information about the environmental aspects of the proposal by the Dounreay site operator, currently Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), to build low level radioactive waste disposal facilities at Dounreay.
Background
In addition to the low level radioactive waste (LLW) currently in surface storage on the Dounreay site, the decommissioning activity will produce further large volumes of LLW. There is also LLW stored in existing pits on the site which may have to be retrieved.
SEPA is responsible for regulating the disposal of radioactive waste. In order to operate any radioactive waste disposal facilities at Dounreay, the site operator will have to make a successful application to SEPA for an authorisation to dispose of waste at the site under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 93). A direction from Scottish Ministers to SEPA has ruled out disposal of LLW from Dounreay in the national LLW repository near to Drigg in Cumbria. Therefore, LLW from Dounreay must be dealt with at Dounreay.
Regulation and public participation
SEPA is responsible for regulating the disposal of radioactive waste, but will also regulate and authorise other aspects of the construction and operation of the proposed facilities in order to protect human health and the surrounding environment.
In order to operate any radioactive waste disposal facilities at Dounreay, the site operator had to make a successful application to SEPA for an authorisation to dispose of waste at the site under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. In 2008 SEPA received an application from DSRL for an authorisation to dispose of solid radioactive waste in the proposed facilities. Supplementary information was requested by SEPA and an updated application was received in November 2010. This application is supported by an Environmental Safety Case (ESC 2010) which can be found on the DSRL website, along with supporting documents.
In line with its policy of open and transparent regulation, SEPA will consult with the Food Standards Agency and the Health and Safety Executive on the application at the end of 2010. There will be a public consultation on the draft RSA 93 determination, which is expected in March 2012.
Applications for other necessary permits for waste and water related aspects of the project are expected in due course. SEPA will consult statutory stakeholders and the public at appropriate points during its consideration of the other various permits and authorisations that may be required.
Planning
SEPA was a statutory consultee for the planning application made by the site operator, DSRL, to Highland Council in June 2006 to construct solid low level radioactive waste disposal facilities and associated infrastructure at Dounreay.
For specific documentation relating to the planning application by DSRL to Highland Council go to the DSRL website, and for SEPA's response to the planning consultation, follow the planning response:
Project information