Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
September 2025
Aim of inspection
I led a planned inspection of compliance with Licence Condition (LC) 25 (Operational Records), and Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19) Regulation 6 (Accountancy and Control of Qualifying Nuclear Material) and Regulation 10 (Operating Records) in First Generation Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP). The inspection team consisted of the Legacy Ponds site inspector, the outgoing Legacy Ponds site inspector, a Nuclear Liabilities Regulation specialist inspector and a Safeguards inspector.
The inspection targeted the records generated during the consolidation, preparation and export of zeolite skips and skips containing fuel-bearing materials from FGMSP, as well as records of the amount and location of radioactive material. The inspection involved a planning phase and a site visit, including discussions with relevant Sellafield Limited personnel and sampling of relevant arrangements and records. The inspection was performed in line with relevant ONR guidance.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC25 - Operational records - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg06 - Accountancy and control of qualifying nuclear material - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg10 - Operating records - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
Sellafield Limited provided an adequate level of assurance and evidence during my inspection to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of LC25 and NSR19.
Based on the evidence sampled, I judge that Sellafield Limited has adequate arrangements for generation, storage and maintenance of operational records in FGMSP, that these arrangements are implemented in a proportionate and appropriate manner, and that they meet relevant ONR expectations for LC25 and NSR19 Regulations 6 and 10.
I did not identify any significant shortfalls against the requirements of LC25, NSR19 or the fundamental safeguards expectations set out in ONR Nuclear Material Accountancy, Control, and Safeguards Assessment Principles (ONMACS) guidance.
Conclusion
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, I judge that a rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate.
I provided feedback to Sellafield Limited on the inspection findings at the close-out meeting on site.