MANAGING RADIOACTIVE WASTE SAFELY: SUMMARY OF RESPONSES TO THE CONSULTATION
BACKGROUND
3. The consultation paper asked for views on possible approaches to deciding future policy for the long-term management of the UK's solid radioactive waste. This was with the aim of developing and implementing a UK radioactive waste management programme, which inspired support and confidence through a process of wide public and stakeholder debate.
4. It also asked for views on a number of more specific questions relating to the management of radioactive waste. These included:
- policy to be adopted for the long-term management of separated plutonium and uranium, including whether some proportion of the UK's stockpiles should be considered a waste;
- storage of radioactive waste on nuclear sites, and its regulation;
- the general approach to decommissioning of nuclear sites;
- policy for waste substitution in respect of overseas spent nuclear fuel reprocessed in the UK;
- proposals made by the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee (RWMAC) for dealing with redundant, or spent, radioactive sources; and
- the principle of segregating radioactive waste types by half-life to assist with its long-term management.
5. The consultation ended on 12 March 2002. 330 responses were received: within those, the number of individual comments or suggestions ran to several thousand. We would like to thank all those who responded, including some who held various forms of meetings and enquiries to encourage public debate.
6. A list of respondents is at Annex 2. Around 40% came from individuals, while the nuclear industry, campaign groups, and local authorities each contributed around 10%. Academic and research bodies, businesses, statutory and advisory bodies, and professional bodies each provided 4-5% of replies. Groups representing wider society (women's institutes, pensioners, trade unions and farmers) made up around 3% and other sources 8%. The responses were varied and not dominated by any one group.
7. This is a summary of the responses received. Further details of each response are on a computer database. Copies of all the individual responses, and the database, can be read at:
- the DEFRA Library, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1
- Scottish Executive Library and Information Services, Spur H(A), Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD
- the National Assembly for Wales, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ
- the Environment Heritage Service, Department of Environment, Calvert House, 23 Castle Place, Belfast BT1 1FY