Environmental performance
The LLWR site is a prime example of an area which has a high level of environmental protection, with the provision of ideal wildlife habitats for protected species. We pay particular attention to the maintenance of landscape and watercourses for the wellbeing of resident plants and animals.
Discharges of radioactivity to air and water are so low as to not require limitation by the Environment Agency. However, the best practicable means of avoiding or reducing discharges are used to ensure that discharges remain low with no detriment to the environment.
No specific “critical groups” (the group of persons most likely to be exposed to radiation from discharges) have been identified for the discharges from the Repository. Environmental samples are regularly taken from locations on the site, and similarly, radioactivity is monitored at surrounding inland locations such as the Drigg Stream, River Irt, Drigg Village, local roads and Drigg Sand Dunes and monitored; with no evidence of any abnormal levels of radioactivity associated with Repository operations. The results confirm that there is no environmental detriment. These results are available to the public via the Environment Agency and have in the past been published in British Nuclear Group’s Annual Report.
The Repository also holds environmental consents under the Water Resources Act for sewage and leachate; and an environmental permit from the local authority (Copeland Borough Council) under Pollution Prevention and Control, for the waste grouting plant. There is no environmental detriment from these activities.
Environmental performance
