UK Nuclear Industry LLW Strategy
25th January 2010
The draft UK Strategy for the Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste was transmitted to Government for review and approval on 22nd January 2010.
Completion of the strategy follows a formal and comprehesive consultation across the UK. Originally scheduled for a 14-week consultation period from 5th June to 11th September 2009, the consultation timeframe was extended until 30th November to ensure additional opportunity for comment from a wide range of stakeholders and interested parties. A total of 74 responses to the strategy and its accompanying Strategic Environmental Assessment were received.
A Post Consultation Response was generated that summarises the comments to the 14 consultation questions on the strategy. General observations are:
1. There is reasonable agreement with the principles set out in the draft Strategy;
2. Early dialogue with stakeholders and local communities is essential for implementing the strategy;
3. Transparency of the decision-making processes based on robust information is necessary to ensure community and stakeholder support for new projects.
The dominant concern expressed in consultation responses were largely centred on the suitability of locations for treatment and disposal facilities, While not against the principles or objectives of the proposed strategy, respondents stated a strong desire for community leaders to be involved early in the siting process for new facilities.
Based on the responses received, the LLW Strategy was revised and submitted by NDA for Government approval this spring.