Allerdale has been ruled out as a potential host for an underground radioactive waste facility.
Nuclear Waste Services has announced this morning that the area was not suitable geologically for the disposal facility, known as a GDF.
It said existing data and new assessments to understand if six siting factors, safety and security, community, environment, engineering feasibility, transport, and value for money, could be supported if a GDF was hosted in Allerdale.
A spokesman said: “Following a comprehensive and robust evaluation of information it was concluded only a limited volume of suitable rock was identifiable and the geology in the area was unlikely to support a post closure safety case.
“Nuclear Waste Services has therefore taken the decision not to take Allerdale further in the search for a suitable site to host a GDF.”
It added initial assessments of existing data and information for the other three communities – mid-Copeland, South Copeland and Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire – in the siting process have indicated potentially suitable geology.
Corhyn Parr, CEO of Nuclear Waste Services, said: “We need enough suitable geology to accommodate a GDF and to support safety cases to build, operate, and close the facility. Our assessments show evidence of limited volume of suitable rock for a GDF in the Allerdale search area, including the adjacent inshore area.
“We wish to thank the Community Partnership and the Chair for their hard work, time, and commitment. They have been instrumental in active local engagement and working with community groups who we have been able to support through NWS community funds.
“There is a positive legacy to the Allerdale community’s participation in the process, with around £2 million GDF Community Investment Funding supporting over 50 local projects which we will continue to support.
“We’re engaging with three other communities about hosting a GDF, with site evaluation work underway in these areas. The door also remains open for new communities to join the process.
“The GDF Programme is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. It will dispose of higher activity waste deep underground, safely and securely containing and isolating the waste making it safe for future generations.
“The GDF programme requires both a suitable site and a willing community and is still in the early stages. Construction will only start on a GDF when a suitable site is identified, a potential host community has confirmed its willingness to host the facility through a Test of Public Support, and all the necessary consents and permits have been obtained. These steps could take around 15 years.
Mark Fryer, leader of Cumberland Council said: “Talks of a GDF site here in Cumberland have been ongoing for more than 10 years with differing views and opinions from many. I’m pleased that we finally have a resolution to part of the plans for where the waste will be stored and we know where we stand in terms of it not being in Allerdale.
“I’ve always been open to the process and we represent our community on the partnership for the proposed Copeland sites. Ultimately, NWS need to find a plan for this waste and where it can be safely stored, whether that be in Cumberland or elsewhere. I await with interest further news on their plans.”
