Policy for the long-term management of solid low level radioactive waste in the United Kingdom
Following a review of the long-term management of the UK’s solid low level radioactive waste (LLW), a revised policy statement was published on 26 March 2007:
The purpose of the policy statement is to set out principles for the long-term management of LLW.
Nuclear industry radioactive waste strategy
The policy statement required the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to develop a UK-wide strategy for the management of solid low level radioactive wastes arriving from the nuclear industry. The NDA consulted on a draft strategy 5 June – 30 November 2009 (see UK Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste from the Nuclear Industry - Draft Strategy and Strategic Environmental Assessment).
Non-nuclear Industry Radioactive Waste Strategy
The policy statement, also acknowledged that a UK-wide strategy was needed for solid radioactive waste arising from the non-nuclear industry. Work to develop the strategy began in 2007.
It was determined that a sustainability appraisal (SA) for this work was not a statutory requirement, but that some aspects of the SA process would be beneficial in developing the strategy.
A scoping report for the sustainability appraisal of the strategy was produced, and an informal consultation on this report took place from 9 January to 13 February 2009.