Consultation on Near-surface Disposal Facilities on Land for Solid Radioactive Wastes: Guidance on Requirements for Authorisation

In the UK we use radioactive substances in many different products and processes that benefit society, the environment and our economy, for example, to produce energy or in hospitals. Some uses of radioactive substances pose little risk to human health or the environment while other uses can pose a greater risk. These risks are limited and controlled through rigorous management practices and strict regulation.

The beneficial use of radioactive materials inevitably creates some radioactive waste that must be managed. Where radioactive materials or waste can’t be reused, recovered or treated to allow recycling, it may need to be disposed of.

SEPA regulates the disposal of radioactive waste from:

• nuclear licensed sites – for example, those carrying out activities such as nuclear power generation, nuclear fuel manufacturing and reprocessing or radioactive waste processing and disposal

• other premises that use radioactive substances – for example, certain industries, hospitals and universities

Radioactive waste disposal includes:

• discharges into the air, surface water and groundwater

• disposal to land – this is what this consultation relates to

This consultation document covers how we regulate near-surface disposal facilities for solid radioactive waste disposal to land.

A near-surface disposal facility is any facility for the disposal of solid radioactive waste which does not provide sufficient isolation of the waste to enable it to be categorised as a geological disposal facility.

This document is being published by SEPA for the purpose of public consultation. After addressing any points raised by the consultation process a finalised version of the guidance will