MoreThanWaste.com - Views sought on radioactive waste disposal in Scotland (19/05/2008)

"We want to achieve a clear understanding of the principles and requirements that developers or operators of near-surface radioactive waste disposal facilities need to meet before we can grant an authorisation for radioactive waste disposal"

George Hunter, SEPA

Stirling, Scotland, UK: The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is seeking views on guidance to be issued on the principles and requirements for near-surface disposal facilities dealing with radioactive waste.

The document has been produced by SEPA in its role as Scotland’s environmental regulator, The improved guidance is intended to help deliver safe and sustainable management of radioactive wastes suitable for near-surface disposal, both during operation of disposal facilities and long after they have been closed, according to the organisation.

Earlier guidance from SEPA on regulating the disposal of low and intermediate level radioactive waste to specialised facilities on land, was published in 1997. An update is required because of developments in law and policy in the UK, revised international advice and recommendations and also recognition that specific guidance for near-surface facilities is required, says SEPA.

Production of the guidance has been a joint effort as SEPA has worked with the Environment Agency in England and Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland on the document.

SEPA’s George Hunter said:

“The guidance sets down the principles and requirements that we expect any near-surface disposal facility for radioactive waste to comply with. I would urge anyone with an interest in this area to send us their views.

“We want to achieve a clear understanding of the principles and requirements that developers or operators of near-surface radioactive waste disposal facilities need to meet before we can grant an authorisation for radioactive waste disposal. We believe the document sets out high environmental standards to ensure protection of people and the environment, both now and in the future.”

Following the consideration of the feedback from the consultation exercise, the final guidance should be published in late 2008, says SEPA.

Further information

Full details of the proposals can be found on the SEPA website.

Comments should be made to SEPA by emailing NearSurfaceGRA@sepa.org.uk by Monday 1 September.


	Views sought on radioactive waste disposal in Scotland (19/05/2008) "We want to achieve a clear understanding of the principles and requirements that developers or operators of near-surface radioactive waste disposal facilities need to meet before we can grant an authorisation for radioactive waste disposal" George Hunter, SEPA Stirling, Scotland, UK: The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is seeking views on guidance to be issued on the principles and requirements for near-surface disposal facilities dealing with radioactive waste. The document has been produced by SEPA in its role as Scotland’s environmental regulator, The improved guidance is intended to help deliver safe and sustainable management of radioactive wastes suitable for near-surface disposal, both during operation of disposal facilities and long after they have been closed, according to the organisation. Earlier guidance from SEPA on regulating the disposal of low and intermediate level radioactive waste to specialised facilities on land, was published in 1997. An update is required because of developments in law and policy in the UK, revised international advice and recommendations and also recognition that specific guidance for near-surface facilities is required, says SEPA. Production of the guidance has been a joint effort as SEPA has worked with the Environment Agency in England and Wales and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland on the document. SEPA’s George Hunter said: “The guidance sets down the principles and requirements that we expect any near-surface disposal facility for radioactive waste to comply with. I would urge anyone with an interest in this area to send us their views. “We want to achieve a clear understanding of the principles and requirements that developers or operators of near-surface radioactive waste disposal facilities need to meet before we can grant an authorisation for radioactive waste disposal. We believe the document sets out high environmental standards to ensure protection of people and the environment, both now and in the future.” Following the consideration of the feedback from the consultation exercise, the final guidance should be published in late 2008, says SEPA. Further information Full details of the proposals can be found on the SEPA website. Comments should be made to SEPA by emailing NearSurfaceGRA@sepa.org.uk by Monday 1 September.