31/7/2006 - Thumbs up for nuclear waste report

Thumbs up for nuclear waste report

A report to government which sets out an agenda for nuclear waste management in the UK has been broadly welcomed by Cumbria County Council. 

'Managing our Radioactive Waste Safely', a report by CoRWM (Committee on Radioactive Waste Management) recommends deep geological disposal of radioactive waste, and says potential host communities should be given the opportunity to contribute to the debate on the pros and cons of different forms of disposal.

During CoRWM's consultation process, Cumbria County Council recommended on May 31 2006 that phased geological disposal is the best way forward, and deep geological disposal without the option to retrieve the waste would deny future generations the opportunity to review a site’s performance or take advantage of other options arising from technological advances.

The new CoRWM report says early closure is a preferable course of action, but leaves the option of phased geological disposal open, saying "potential host communities should have a considerable influence on final decisions about whether to design a repository for early or delayed closure". The report says the question of phased geological disposal will continue to be a matter of public debate.

Cumbria County Council also welcomes CoRWM's recommendation that key decisions should be ratified by the appropriate democratically elected bodies that CoRWM says is essential to ensure the legitimacy of the process. The county council is determined to ensure that Cumbrian voices are heard and heeded.

The CoRWM report also recommends partnership with potential host communities based on a willingness to participate. Cumbria County Council supports this view as it will be essential to build trust and confidence in the proposed long-term management approach, including siting of facilities, and have a say on an equal footing.

"This report clearly states that communities that are willing to participate should expect their well-being to be enhanced. The nuclear industry has a massive influence in Cumbria, so if communities do decide in the future that they want to be considered as a site for geological disposal or storage of radioactive waste, then those benefits should have a beneficial impact for the area," said Councillor Timothy Heslop, cabinet member responsible for nuclear issues.

"The report also calls for an intensified programme of research and development into the long-term safety of geological disposal. We whole-heartedly support this, and also agree that there needs to be geological studies of potential areas before asking any communities to get involved," said Councillor Heslop.