Background
We regulate the safe management of radioactive materials and radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites. We do this primarily through seeking compliance against relevant licence conditions, including, but not limited to:
- LC32 Accumulation of radioactive waste
- LC33 Disposal of radioactive waste
- LC34 Leakage and escape of radioactive material and radioactive waste
- LC4 Restrictions on nuclear matter on the site
- LC25 Operational records
We have established specific safety assessment principles for the management of radioactive waste, which are relevant at all stages of the lifecycle of a nuclear facility. We expect that relevant good practice is implemented for the minimisation and control of radioactive waste during the planning, design and construction of new facilities, through operation and their decommissioning, and final site clearance to meet the identified site end state.
The safety assessment principles for radioactive waste management are concerned with minimisation of the generation and accumulation of radioactive waste, preparation of a strategy for management of radioactive waste, segregation and characterisation, safe storage and timescales for passive safety, and creation of appropriate records. Guidance to our inspectors on the interpretation and application of the radioactive waste management safety assessment principles is available in technical assessment guide NS-TAST-GD-024.
The management of radioactive material and radioactive waste is closely linked with the management of the decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and these activities require an integrated approach.
Disposal of radioactive waste on or from licensed nuclear sites is regulated by the environment regulators; the Environment Agency, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW). We work together to ensure that radioactive waste on licensed nuclear sites is managed in compliance with nuclear safety and environmental protection legislation.
We have established memoranda of understanding with the Environment Agency, SEPA, and NRW, on how we will work together on matters of mutual interest, of which radioactive waste management is a key area.
Basic principles of radioactive waste management
In producing guidance to nuclear licensees on the management of higher activity radioactive waste, we, the Environment Agency, SEPA and NRW (together referred to as the regulators) received comments from stakeholders that it would be useful to have an introductory document explaining the context of radioactive waste management, which led to the publication of our joint guidance on the Basic Principles of Radioactive Waste Management covering:
- what radioactive waste is
- what happens to radioactive waste
- who is involved in radioactive waste management
- what their roles are
- how radioactive waste management is regulated
Joint guidance on the management of higher activity radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites
The regulators work together to regulate the management of higher activity radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites and have published the Joint regulatory guidance on the management of higher activity radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites, aimed at improving arrangements for conditioning of Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) on licensed nuclear sites. We have affirmed our commitment to working together in a joint position statement on the Regulatory Arrangements for the Management of Higher Activity Radioactive Waste on Nuclear Licensed Sites.
We will continue to review our guidance on a periodic basis, however comments will be welcome at any time. Any comments should be addressed to contact@onr.gov.uk. Please reference "Joint Guidance" in the title of the message.
Research, development and innovation
Research, development and innovation is critical for the safe and secure management of radioactive waste on nuclear licensed sites, by enhancing understanding of a wide range of complex, often unique challenges. We maintain awareness of research activities undertaken by our licensees in relation to radioactive waste management through targeted engagement on specific matters, and as observers to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s Nuclear Waste and Decommissioning Research Forum.
We also undertake research to support our independent regulatory decision making in accordance with our research strategy. Further information can be found on our research page, including our recently published research.