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These pages contain information about the environmental aspects of the proposal by the site operator, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd (DSRL), to build low level radioactive waste disposal facilities at Dounreay. They also feature general information about related topics and issues.
SEPA is responsible for regulating the disposal of radioactive waste. The site operator must make an application to SEPA under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (RSA 93) for an authorisation to dispose of waste at the site. Radioactive waste cannot be disposed of to the facilities unless SEPA has granted an authorisation.
In addition to the eventual disposal of radioactive waste, SEPA has a range of responsibilities covering the design, construction, operational and post-closure phases of any facilities. A range of regulatory regimes will be applicable including: Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (known as the Controlled Activities Regulations, or CAR); Pollution Prevention and Control (Scotland) Regulations 2000 (PPC); Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 (WML); and Environmental Protection Act 1990 (EPA).
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SEPA inspectors at Dounreay |
Background
Dounreay was Britain’s centre for experimental fast breeder research and development from 1954 until 1994. It is currently the largest nuclear decommissioning project in Scotland and the second largest in the UK after Sellafield.
In addition to the low level waste (LLW) already stored on the site, future decommissioning activity will produce further volumes of LLW. There is also LLW in existing pits which may have to be retrieved. All of this waste must be disposed of in a suitable facility. A direction from Scottish Ministers to SEPA has ruled out disposal of LLW from Dounreay in the national LLW facility near to Drigg. LLW from Dounreay must be dealt with at Dounreay.
Planning
SEPA is a statutory consultee for the planning application made by the site operator, DSRL, to Highland Council in June 2006 to construct low level radioactive waste disposal facilities at Dounreay. The planning consultation closed on 21 July 2008.
For specific documentation related to the planning application by DSRL to Highland Council go to the DSRL website.
For SEPA’s response to the planning consultation follow planning response.
Coming soon. Reports detailing how SEPA has examined DSRL’s environmental statement to ensure the scheme is satisfactory.
Operation and regulation
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 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). On 10 April 2008 SEPA received an application from DSRL for an authorisation to dispose of solid radioactive waste in the proposed facilities.
Applications for other necessary permits are expected in due course, if the Highland Council grants planning permission for the development.
In line with its policy of open and transparent regulation SEPA will consult the public, as well as statutory stakeholders, at appropriate points during its consideration of the various permits and authorisations required.
Project information
Other information and related documents
- RSA authorisation application details (available soon)
- SEPA Radioactivity information
- For information about the legislation, regulation, policy and guidance
applicable to SEPA's responsibilities for the project follow overview of
legislation (150k pdf)
- For more information about how the External Advisory Group advises the project team follow EAG role and remit
We will be adding to this section of the website as information becomes available.
Links
Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: www.defra.gov.uk
Scottish Executive: www.scotland.gov.uk
The Highland Council: www.highland.gov.uk
Food Standards Agency: www.foodstandards.gov.uk
NDA: www.nda.gov.uk
Health Protection Agency: www.hpa.gov.uk
Health & Safety Executive: www.hse.gov.uk
NHS Highland: www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk
Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd: www.dounreay.com
Friends of the Earth: www.foe.co.uk
Greenpeace: www.greenpeace.org.uk
Glossary
FAQs
Contact us
The questions and answers document sets out the issues relevant to SEPA.
If you are a journalist please contact the public relations team.
If you are an MP or MSP, or are working for them, please email us
To enquire about information SEPA holds go to access to information enquiries.
For all other enquiries please email us
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