Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
November 2024
Aim of inspection
This is a readiness inspection in support of PR-01661, permissioning of zeolite skip retrieval from the Chapelcross Ponds Building and subsequent encapsulation in the Modular Intermediate Waste Encapsulation Plant (MILWEP).
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC10 - Training - Rating: GREEN
- LC23 - Operating rules - Rating: GREEN
- LC24 - Operating instructions - Rating: GREEN
- LC27 - Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits - Rating: GREEN
- LC28 - Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing - Rating: GREEN
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I led a planned readiness inspection in support of the permissioning of Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS)’s commencement of active commissioning of the retrieval of Zeolite skips from the Chapelcross ponds and their encapsulation in the Modular Intermediate Waste Encapsulation Plant (MILWEP) for storage in the Interim Storage Facility (ISF). However, it is noted that NRS has not yet formally requested permission from ONR. The inspection team comprised the Nominated Site Inspector, a Chemical Engineering Equivalent Inspector and a Nuclear Liabilities Regulations Specialist Inspector.
I used the following licence conditions to form a judgement of adequacy of the licensee’s arrangements:
- LC10 Training
- LC23 Operating rules
- LC24 Operating instructions
- LC27 Safety mechanisms, devices and circuits
- LC28 Examination, inspection, maintenance and testing
NRS presented an overview of the retrievals and encapsulation processes as well as the transport arrangements between the facilities. I conducted a plant walkdown of the Ponds Building and MILWEP facility, during which time I spoke with plant personnel including Team Leaders and Duly Authorised Persons. I sampled evidence including operating instructions, training records, fault observations, plant maintenance instructions and inactive commissioning reports.
During the inspection, I made observations which were relayed to NRS. I also provided advice, particularly around the final Letter of Compliance requirement for the waste package produced in MILWEP.
Based on my sample, I judge that the licensee has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate they have adequate arrangements in place to control risks during the retrievals and encapsulation processes so far as is reasonably practicable. I therefore assign a GREEN rating to this inspection.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence sampled during the readiness inspection I judge that the licensee has provided sufficient evidence to demonstrate they have adequate arrangements in place to control risks during the retrievals and encapsulation processes so far as is reasonably practicable. Therefore, I judge an overall rating of GREEN to be appropriate.
Based on this readiness inspection, the Site Inspector has stated that they are content to grant permission given that an fLoC has been issued, or suitable and sufficient alternative arrangements are in place.