New proposals on the way forward for disposing of intermediate and high level radioactive waste deep underground have been broadly welcomed by Cumbria County Council's cabinet member responsible for nuclear issues.
The Government published its framework consultation on implementing geological disposal of radioactive waste yesterday (25th June). The county council will submit a full response to that consultation within the deadline of 2nd November once the issue has gone to Full Council. In an initial assessment, Councillor Timothy Heslop, Cabinet member responsible for nuclear issues, welcomed the thrust of the Government's approach:
"It is made clear that the Government is looking to encourage communities to volunteer rather than imposing facilities on people who may not want them. That is something we have been lobbying strongly for through the Local Government Association's Nuclear Legacy Advisory Forum. However, it is still unclear what exactly the potential benefits package for communities will be. It needs to be clear from the outset how communities will be rewarded for agreeing to host a disposal facility and I believe those rewards need to be considerable.
"It will be a staged process over a considerable period of time which is essential to build trust and confidence in the proposed long-term management of these facilities. Likewise, they also need to have the flexibility to withdraw from the process at the right time if concerns are not satisfactorily addressed," said Cllr Heslop.
The purpose of the Government's consultation document is to seek views on how Government should call for expressions of interest, and how a geological disposal facility should be developed. Calls for communities to express an interest will come later, once the responses to the consultation have been assessed. The Government makes it clear that it is not yet calling for communities to express an interest in hosting a geological disposal facility.
"It's not yet time for communities to put their hands up and say 'we'll have this'. But when that time comes, the county council will be listening closely to those communities and also helping them to consider the issue. We will help open the door to a proper debate and public consultation on this issue," said Cllr Heslop.
The Government has already decided that the NDA will implement the national strategy of deep geological disposal for higher level radioactive wastes. The waste could be buried between 200 and 1,000 metres underground and the cost of the facility is estimated at £10bn at 2003 prices.
ENDS
Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 606332