31/5/2006 - Cumbria urges nuclear body to keep options open on radioactive waste disposal

Cumbria County Council has issued a response to the draft recommendations laid out by CoRWM (Committee on Radioactive Waste Management) on how Britain's radioactive waste should be dealt with in the future.

The response expressed broad support for the recommendations, describing them as 'realistic and acceptable' and praising CoRWM for its extensive and meaningful engagement with the public and stakeholders throughout the entire CoRWM process.

However, Cumbriahas stressed that phased geological disposal is the best way forward. It argues that deep geological disposal without the option to retrieve the waste for a period of time, would deny future generations the opportunity to review a site’s performance or take advantage of other options arising from technological advances. CoRWM is urged to retain the phased geological disposal option.

"It is essential that we leave the flexibility there and don't make decisions now that could be irreversible in the future. That means keeping the waste chambers open for a long period and leaving the option open to retrieve the waste. We learn by experience, so why deny ourselves the benefits that future experience will bring?" said Councillor Timothy Heslop, cabinet member responsible for nuclear issues.

Whilst recognising the need for further secure long-term stores, the response raises concerns about the lack of discussion on the number and location of stores and stresses that storage should be as close to where the waste arises as possible and not all centralised at Sellafield.

The response says: "Is it fair that one community should carry the nation's burden or is it more equitable to share that burden and ask communities to take on the responsibility for 'their' wastes?"

The response also underlined the need for clarification on how it will be decided which areas of the UKare suitable for geological disposal; and whether the impact of coastal erosion and rising sea levels have been assessed.

CoRWM’s recommended site-finding approach is supported in principle, with community involvement in the UKbased on the principle of volunteerism, the right to withdraw from the process and the well-being of the community being enhanced. 

"The Government needs to agree that they shouldn’t impose these facilities on areas and that it should be communities, through the relevant local authorities, who decide whether they participate in any proposals for the siting of long-term radioactive waste facilities," said Councillor Heslop.

Notes for Editors

CoRWM's draft recommendations, which were issued in April, can be viewed on the website www.corwm.org.uk

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