Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
- January 2023
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection was to conduct a one-day waste themed inspection relating to the effective management of radioactive waste including a compliance inspection of Licence Conditions (LC) 32 and 34 at the Magnox Ltd Winfrith site.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC 32 - Accumulation of radioactive waste - rating: Green
- LC 34 - Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste - rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
In accordance with the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s (ONR’s) Magnox Ltd Winfrith intervention plan, ONR performs a series of planned compliance inspections of identified licence conditions (LCs) and other applicable legislation, to ensure that the site is meeting its legal requirements. This was an active waste themed inspection taking account of the Licence Condition (LCs) 32 and LC34.
LC32 requires that the licensee to make and implement adequate arrangements for minimising so far as is reasonably practicable the rate of production and total quantity of radioactive waste accumulated on the site at any time and for recording the waste so accumulated.
LC34 requires that the licensee ensures, so far as is reasonably practicable, that radioactive material and radioactive waste on the site is at all times adequately controlled or contained so that it cannot leak or otherwise escape from such control or containment. Notwithstanding this, the licensee shall also ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that no such leak or escape of radioactive material or radioactive waste can occur without being detected, and that any such leak or escape is then notified, recorded, investigated and reported.
I reviewed the Licensee's arrangements for compliance with LC32 and LC34 and in my opinion are adequate. I conducted a site walkdown to inspect waste holdings and storage areas for accumulation and compliance against LC32 It is my opinion that the arrangements have been implemented on the site. The site was able to demonstrate that legacy wastes were being actively managed, and holdings continue to be reduced. I confirmed that containment systems were subject to routine inspections with one identified exception which has subsequently been rectified. I therefore concluded that this inspection identified no matters that may impact significantly on nuclear safety.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Licensee's arrangements for compliance with LC32 and LC34 are adequate. I inspected waste records and conducted a site walkdown to inspect accumulations for compliance against LC32 and it was my opinion that adequate arrangements had been made and implemented on the site. The site was able to demonstrate that legacy wastes were being actively managed, and holdings continue to be reduced. I confirmed that containment systems were subject to routine inspections with one identified exception which has subsequently been rectified. I therefore concluded that this inspection identified no matters that may impact significantly on nuclear safety and an inspection rating of “Green” for LC32 and LC34 – no formal action - is appropriate.