Summary
Published as part of the managing radioactive waste safely (MRWS) programme, this White Paper from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, 'Managing Radioactive Waste Safely: A Framework for Implementing Geological Disposal' (Cm. 7386), sets out the Government's framework for managing higher activity radioactive waste in the long-term through geological disposal, coupled with safe and secure interim storage and ongoing research and development to support its optimised implementation.
This White Paper also invites communities to express an interest in opening up, without commitment, discussions with Government on the possibility of hosting a geological disposal facility at some point in the future.
In June 2007 the Government published a MRWS consultation document in conjunction with the devolved administrations for Wales and Northern Ireland. Responses to this consultation have been taken into consideration in the development of this white paper.
The paper sets out the framework for the future implementation of geological disposal that includes:
- The approach to compiling and updating the UK Radioactive Waste Inventory (UKRWI) and using it as a basis for discussion with potential host communities.
- The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's technical approach for developing a geological disposal facility, including the use of a staged implementation approach and ongoing research and development to support delivery.
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Law-Making Explained
This is a Command Paper (Cm. 7386, 2007-08). It is a White Paper from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Find out more about Command Papers.