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You are here: CIWM  >  Publications  >  Latest News  >  A New Nuclear Disposal Site Gains Approval

A New Nuclear Disposal Site Gains Approval

07 April 2011

The UK regulators have granted permission to the Waste Recycling Group (WRG) owned and operated Lillyhall landfill site in Cumbria, to start receiving and disposing of high volume very low level radioactive waste (HC-VLLM), the lowest level of radioactive waste. WRG will work with its partner Energy Solutions to ensure safe disposal of the nuclear waste.

The site is the first to gain assent under the Government's 2007 Policy for the Long Term Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste, which typically include decommissioning wastes such as lightly contaminated building rubble, concrete, soil and steel reinforcing bars, redundant plant and equipment, as well as some operational (or process) wastes such as lightly contaminated clothing, gloves and paper towels from nuclear facilities.

Exhaustive nuclear safety analysis by independent experts and a lengthy and rigorous period of scrutiny and consultation by both the Environment Agency (EA) and the European Commission preceded the announcement. Commenting on the decision, the EA said it believed that the permit would "provide for safe disposal" and "ensure the protection of the public and the environment". However, it will continue to apply stringent checks on the site and the license will include a clause that will make constant environmental monitoring mandatory.

Commenting on the news, Andy Ryan, development director at WRG, said: "There is a clear need for additional capacity for this category of material and we are pleased that, in partnership with Energy Solutions, we are able to play our part in implementing the Government's policy. We will continue to work with the Environment Agency to ensure that the disposal is undertaken in a safe and sustainable way that gives confidence to the local community."

KayLin Loveland, general manager, waste disposal & technical services at Energy Solutions, added: "Building on WRG's excellent safety record, we will look to use our world-leading expertise to deliver long-term solutions for the UK's radioactive waste legacy. The waste exists and needs to be dealt with and the Lillyhall site will play a vital role in easing the pressure on the Low Level Waste Repository and in ensuring viable disposal routes."

Krishna Buddhiraju