Geological Disposal Facilities

Waste Volume and Categorization

Immobilising radioactive waste within multiple

engineered barriers located inside deep geological

formations

Dependent on rock type, size and formations found

Two parts; surface facility to receive waste products by

road or rail, and underground facility to store waste

Below ground 1000m below surface to protect the

community, with an area of 10-20 square Km

UK Government looks to build one GDF for cost efficiency

and minimise environmental impacts

After 100 year lifespan, GDF will be sealed permanently

High Level Waste0.02%

Intermediate Level Waste

6.36%

Low Level Waste

30.46%Very Low

Level Waste

63.15%

Predicted Total Volumes of Waste (% of 4,5000,000m3)

Reported 1st April 2013

High Level Waste

1%

Intermediate Level

Waste

58%

Low Level Waste

40%

Very Low Level

Waste

1%

Current Volume of Waste

(% of 165000m3) Reported 1st April 2013

Further information can be found at http://ukinventory.nda.gov.uk/the-2013-inventory/2013-uk-data/

High Level Waste (HLW)

Extremely hot radioactive waste, derived from the

reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel

Requires “vitrification” to convert into solid glass, allowing safe storage, gradual cooling, and radioactive decay over several decades and allows safe transport.

Intermediate Level Waste (ILW)

Moderately radioactive waste, but at manageable heat.

Derived from operation and maintenance at nuclear sites,

e.g. metal items from reactor cladding, or sludge from

treatment of radioactive liquids.

Likely that decommissioning of nuclear sites will result in

high volumes of intermediate waste.

Requires treatment in solid form, then packages in

purpose designed containers made from stainless steel,

iron or concrete.

Low Level Waste (LLW)

Consists of contaminated paper, plastics and scrap metal

from hospitals, research establishments and nuclear sites

Greater than 90% of projected total radioactive waste

volume produced, with only 0.1% of total radioactivity.

Currently sent to LLW repository near Drigg, Cumbria,

where it is encapsulated in cement, placed in large steel

containers and secured in a shallow engineered vault

below the surface.

Some LLW cannot be disposed of at Drigg, due to high

concentrations of radionuclides, so GDF will be used.

Spent Nuclear Fuel (SNF)

Not currently classified as waste in the UK ,due to the

potential of reprocessing for future use in new or existing

nuclear reactors. However it has been included in

projections for future waste.

The Volunteerism Approach

Why?

Up to £2.5million per community involved in

project

Safe and Secure Storage of UK Nuclear Waste

Job Creation in the Area

The UK needs new facilities to help safely

dispose of this waste.

Project Timeline

To show interest in the facility proposal in your area,

please contact your local authority, or the UK Geological

Disposal Facility Team at ond@decc.gsi.gov.uk

Contacts

Facility Planning & Design

15-20 YEARS

Screening and Public Engagement

2 YEARS

Construction & Operation

+100 YEARS

Where?

An expert team will determine the safest, and

least intrusive site in your area to locate the

facility

How?

If your community is interested, your local

authority should be contacted, allowing

feasibility studies to be conducted

15 Currently Operating Reactors in the UK

By 2025, half will be decommissioned

How is it Run?

The UK’s Nuclear Legacy

How is it Run? Community

The community is central to the proposal, and must approve the project

before any work commences.

Regulators

Independent bodies are responsible for ensuring the project and the plan is

safe before construction begins, and for regulating during operation.

Government

The Government owns, funds, and sponsors the project

Developer

The developer constructs the facility.

CoRWM

The Committee on Radioactive Waste Management provides independent

advice to the Government to ensure safe management.