Work has started to permanently secure low level nuclear waste vaults in Cumbria.
The Low Level Waste Repository, which is part of Nuclear Waste Services, has started the final capping of historic trenches and vaults where waste is stored as they are now full and ready to be closed off.
The project has been named ‘Capping Operations’ and will take five years to complete.
The first phase Southern Trench Cap Interim Membrane project will see a replacement membrane put in place over some of the trenches to continue to protect the waste and will remain in place for up to 100 years.
Nuclear Waste Services said that plans have been put in place to mitigate and minimise any associated noise, dust, traffic, ecological and visual impacts.
This includes through the installation of noise barriers and visual screening bunds, regular noise monitoring of activities and a commitment to bring the majority of aggregate and materials to the site via rail.
Disposal of low level radioactive waste first began in 1959 with waste being tipped into lined trenches at the Repository site near Drigg.
Disposal techniques evolved during the late 1980s and early 1990s through the construction of highly engineered concrete vaults.
This resulted in a modern approach to the treatment and safe disposal of low level nuclear waste in specially designed metal containers, which have been placed in engineered vaults at the Repository site.
The work on starting to close off the vaults and adjacent trenches is part of Nuclear Waste Service’s wider long-term programme to make the UK’s radioactive waste safe, sooner for future generations.
Mike Pigott, director of sites and operations for NWS, said: “The Low Level Waste Repository is an important national asset and is critical to delivering the Nuclear Waste Services’ mission.
“I am pleased we’re progressing work on this long-term project with work commencing on site for this phase, it is vitally important that NWS caps the existing vaults and trenches to provide long-term protection to the wastes and the environment for generations to come.
“We’re making good progress on the project with a cap design agreed, infrastructure in place to deliver this work and permission to build the cap has been granted by the local authority.
“We will continue to work with our community to maintain our social licence to operate and are committed to being a considerate neighbour whilst delivering our important mission.”
Nuclear Waste Services said it has been engaging with the local community with drop-in sessions and site tours to share more details about what residents will see and hear over the next six to twelve months of operations.
NWS is currently engaging with the supply chain to select the contractor for the next phase of the project, which is planned to be phased over four years and expected to commence late in 2024.
