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 [email protected]
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.
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