Nuclear Waste Services to host event on disposal facility

The NWS team will be present at The Beacon Portal, Whitehaven, on Saturday, June 1 from 10am to 3pm.

This event serves as part of NWS’ ongoing engagement with the Copeland communities about the possibility of hosting a GDF.

A GDF is a structure conceived to dispose of highly radioactive waste deep underground. The underground parts of GDF in Copeland are being considered for location based on the coast's deep geology.

This would imply that a surface facility would be built on, or near, the coast which will serve as an entrance to the disposal area embedded in the rock beyond the coast.

NWS is a component of the Mid and South Copeland Community Partnerships which comprise representatives from the local municipality, local entities, and community members.

These Partnerships inform the community about the impact and advantages of accommodating one of the country's most significant environmental protection programmes.

Simon Hughes, siting and communities director for NWS, said:  "We want to know what people think about potentially having a GDF in the area. We are looking forward to listening to people’s thoughts about a GDF and answering their questions.

"A GDF is a major, critically important multi-billion-pound national infrastructure project to safely and securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste deep underground. It would bring very significant economic opportunities and thousands of jobs to the area which eventually hosts it.

"At some stage the community could be asked to decide whether they would like a GDF in their area, so it’s important that everyone with an interest has the opportunity to learn about the project and make an informed decision."

GDF construction will begin only with a feasible site identified, a Potential Host Community affirming its readiness via a Test of Public Support, and after securing all required consents and permits.

This could span between 10 to 15 years.