5 Nov (NucNet): The UK's Nuclear Industry Association (NIA) is backing
plans for deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, but says
"active engagement" with local communities willing to host a repository
is crucial.
In its response to the government consultation on managing radioactive waste safely, which ended on 2 November 2007, the NIA said a deep geological repository is "in accord with established international practice".
It said it supports Committee on Radioactive Waste Management's July 2006 recommendations that geological disposal is the best available option for long-term waste management, supported by a robust programme of interim storage, and a process of willing participation and voluntarism with local communities supported by a package of community measures. "This conclusion is in accord with the overwhelming views of the scientific community and with international practice," the NIA said.
The association said it agrees with the government's position that the design of a repository should not preclude the possibility of "retrievability".
It said new nuclear build in the UK should not be dependent on a solution to the waste issue being found. "If new build does occur, a repository dealing with legacy wastes could readily accommodate the smaller volumes of easier-to-handle wastes from that new generation of nuclear plants."
Keith Parker, NIA chief executive, said legacy waste from civil and military programmes needs to be dealt with regardless of whether the UK goes ahead with new nuclear plants.
Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers) UK Waste Committee Recommends Deep Geological Disposal (News No. 86, 28 April 2006)
UK Announces Plans For Deep Geological Disposal (News No. 232, 25 October 2006)
