Home > LLW Repository Operations > Feature projects > Site Closure

Site Closure 2007-2059

Site Closure begins with the continuing Lifetime Project in 2007 and culminates in final remediation of the site in 2059.

Lifetime Project

The key to Site Closure is the Lifetime Project. By early 2008 the project aims to achieve consensus on site end state, and necessary risk mitigation measures to ensure risk to the environment remains acceptable for the foreseeable future. The Lifetime Project will also address the radiological capacity of the site and will therefore underpin decisions on future disposals at the Repository.

It is recognised that the Lifetime Project could identify other mitigation measures that manage risks caused by the site that are not expected to materialise for circa 10,000 years (eg glaciation). However, it is also recognised that mitigation against these events will require consideration at regional rather than site context.
 
Site Closure work therefore includes concept design on a number of possible measures from the Lifetime Project that mitigate risk beyond 1,000 years. Full definition and implementation are not included in the Lifetime Project as it is considered premature until the regional context is understood.

Pre-closure Work

Concept design of key features such as the South Drain, Cut-Off Wall and Capping that will have been initially assessed and optimised in the Lifetime Project. The scope also includes site investigations to support the Lifetime Project, and concept design activities that support the disposal planning application.
This work also includes the planning application to convert Vault 9 from storage to disposal prior to the commencement of capping activities.

Capping

Installation of a continuous cap over the current vault and trench areas and any future vaults, will commence in 2014 and be completed in 2056 in line with future site operations.

South Drain and Cut-Off Wall

Engineered features will be installed to control migration of potential contaminants (therefore reducing environmental risk posed by the site) by 2056.

LLW Facilities Remediation

Remediation of LLW facilities following the cessation of LLW operations are planned to be complete by 2056.

Sealine Removal

Removal of the discharge sealines commence after the passive drainage measures (south drain) have been installed and commissioned.

Sea Defences

Workscope involves conceptual design work for potential sea defences.

Grout Trenches

Control the rate at which contaminants are potentially released and removal of specific materials that are a primary source of risk.