RSRL Integrated Waste Strategy - Issue 5- Oct 2012.pdf

NOT PROTECTIVELY MARKEDDevelopment RequirementTransfer SGHWR sludgesto LLWRNEWDevelop the use of RobustConcrete BoxesNEWWinfrith Optimised PlanDevelopedThe final strategy fordecommissioning of theSea Disposal SystemDevelopedWinfrithAction Plan and StatusFollowing a RSRL review of the isotopic content of this waste,discussions are underway to gain formal acceptance for themto be disposed of via LLWR.The use of Robust Concrete Boxes for the packaging,transport and disposal of ILW will need to comply with RWMDand ONR (Transport) requirements. Discussions areunderway.RSRL submitted a programme level business case outliningoptions for optimising the decommissioning programme atWinfrith. NDA have considered the options and changeshave been made to the LTP resulting in a RSRL OptimisedProgramme.As part of the Winfrith Optimised Plan the strategy fordecommissioning of the Sea Discharge Pipeline has beenreviewed and changed from grouting and excavation todecontamination and leaving the pipes in-situ.375. Opportunities for improving waste management for consideration by NDA include:OpportunityA national strategy fornuclear materials such asuranium.OngoingDevelop alternatives forthe treatment or disposalof LLWNEWRSRLJustificationWinfrith natural and depleted uranium will be stored in theTRS and Harwell natural and depleted uranium will be storedin the SWC whilst options for its re-use are explored. If it isdeclared as a waste it will be packaged in RCBs and sent tothe Harwell ILW store for long-term storage pending transferto the GDF. The current strategy for low enriched uranium isto transfer it to Sellafield as part of the NM project. Howeverthere is an opportunity to transfer the low enriched uranium,natural uranium and depleted uranium off-site for recovery atSpringfields or via a commercial contractor. The volumes ofuranium at Winfrith Harwell are small compared to the rest ofthe nuclear industry. There is an opportunity for NDA toformulate a nationwide strategy for uranic residues.In order to reduce the volume of LLW disposed of at LLWRRSRL is developing alternative routes in accordance with theactions listed in the Joint Waste Management Plan. Ofparticular interest are off-site treatment routes for segregatedmetals and combustible materials. A route is in place for thedisposal of VLLW and LA-LLW from Harwell and RSRL isworking to establish this route for Winfrith wastes as well.RSRL IWS (Issue 5 – October 2012)101