N-Base Briefing 434


N-Base Briefing 434
7th November 2004

ISSN 1478-4661

Consulting on increased waste inventory

An updated inventory of the UK's radioactive waste has been published by the government advisers on the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CORWM) and it reveals a much bigger problem than previously admitted.

The new inventory of UK nuclear waste estimates there are 2,000 cubic metres of high level wastes, 349,000 cubic metres of intermediate level wastes and 1.93 million cubic metres of low-level waste.

But in addition to this there are an estimated 18 million cubic metres of contaminated soil, rubble and other wastes. CORWM says the final figure could be anything from twice as much again - to half as much such is the lack of detailed information. An issue that will affect the final amounts of waste is how long the Sellafield reprocessing plants are kept open.

CORWM has also launched its first consultation document. Full details and copies of all documents at www.corwm.org.uk

Jobs promise

The Government has committed itself to helping Cumbria face the prospect of economic uncertainty with the decommissioning of Sellafield. At the first meeting of the West Cumbria Strategic Forum trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt signed an agreement with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, local authorities and the North West Development Agency. Details available at www.cumbria.gov.uk

New build

The chief executive of Scottish and Southern Energy has said the UK will have to consider building new nuclear power reactors within two years because it was a "big risk" to rely on renewable energy. Mr Ian Marchant said he hoped the next government, after next year's expected general election, would quickly tackle the problem. Asked if his company might be involved in new reactors Mr Marchant said "Given the choice, no, but would I have to ? Maybe."

Vulcan concern

Concern over the future of HMS Vulcan, the navy's nuclear submarine test complex adjacent to Dounreay, has been expressed by its chief officer, Commander Charles Hume. Vulcan is three years into a 13 year Ministry of Defence contract to test a new fuel core in its pressurised water reactor. The core is intended for use in the Vanguard and new Astute-class submarines. Commander Hume said the site might face decommissioning in 10- years unless extra work could be found.

New commissioner

The proposed new European Commission energy commissioner is Andris Piebalgs, a Latvian former diplomat and finance minister.

Aircraft crash

The security director of British Nuclear Fuels, Roger Howsley, has said the UK's nuclear power stations can withstand a terrorist attack and the crash impact of a jumbo jet.

Discharge request

The UKAEA has asked for regulatory permission to divert groundwater passing through an area of contaminated land into the sites low-level liquid waste system.