NWS to take forward studies and investigations in these areas
NWS has published Areas of Focus in the search to find a suitable site and a willing community to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). The areas are within the three communities currently involved in the process, in Mid Copeland and South Copeland in Cumbria, and in East Lincolnshire.
The Areas of Focus will enable NWS to focus more in-depth studies and investigations to help experts understand and consider the potential for an area to safely and securely host a GDF. They have been identified using a range of information, such as geological data, areas of environmental protection, and consideration of built-up areas.
Identification of Areas of Focus does not mean a GDF will be sited in these areas. Construction will only start when a suitable site is identified, a potential host community has confirmed its willingness to host the facility, and all the necessary consents and permits have been obtained.
Corhyn Parr, Chief Executive Officer, said:
“NWS is delivering a GDF as the safe, secure, and long-term solution for the most hazardous radioactive waste. We are making real progress and establishing these Areas of Focus will focus our investigations to help us determine the potential suitability of a specific area, with on-the ground surveys, further desk studies and engagement with landowners.
“A GDF requires a suitable site and willing community and will only be developed when both are in place. We will continue our engagement with local people and stakeholders and will be holding events in local communities to talk about what this means for each area.”
In the search for a suitable site for a GDF, three key elements are needed with the right sub-surface geological environment deep underground, a suitable surface location, and the ability to connect the two areas with accessways.
A Surface Area of Focus has been identified in East Lincolnshire, within the Theddlethorpe Search Area. This area is land to the north of the A157, south-west of Gayton wind farm, between the villages of Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton.
The sub-surface Area of Focus off the coast is under the seabed in the inshore area which extends 22km from the coast.
Identifying these areas enables NWS to focus site evaluation studies, such as transport and environmental surveys, and the site characterisation work needed to consider the potential for an area to safely host a GDF.
NWS is hosting a series of webinars and local drop-in events to explain Areas of Focus:
Events
- Monday 3 February: Gayton le Marsh Village Hall 3pm – 7pm
- Tuesday 4 February: Strubby, Beesby & Maltby Village Hall 3pm – 7pm
- Wednesday 5 February: Great Carlton Village Hall 3pm – 7pm
- Friday 14 February: Withern Village Hall 3pm – 7pm
- Saturday 15 February: Theddlethorpe Village Hall 12pm – 3.30pm
- Sunday 16 February: Legbourne Village Hall 12pm – 3.30pm
- Thursday 20 February: Grimoldby & Manby Village Hall 3pm – 7pm
- Friday 21 February: Louth Town Football Club, Saltfleetby 3pm – 7pm
Webinars
Register a place on an online webinar here: GDF Area of Focus Webinars
- Tuesday 11 February: Online webinar, 6.30pm – 8pm
- Monday 24 February: Online webinar, 12 – 1.30pm
A GDF is the safe and secure solution for the disposal of the UK’s most radioactive waste. It is one of the largest environmental protection programmes the UK has ever seen and ensures the cost and burden or keeping the waste safe is removed from future generations.
There are more than 20 countries at different stages of GDF consideration and development around the globe, with Finland’s GDF expected to start operating before the end of the decade. Swedish and French facilities are on track for the 2030s and Switzerland’s set for the 2050s.
For more information, visit the Nuclear Waste Services website.
NWS has made the decision to undertake further studies in the Search Area, beyond the former Theddlethorpe gas terminal site, to understand if there are any areas that may be suitable to host a surface facility for a GDF.
East Lincolnshire
A Surface Area of Focus has been identified in the Search Area and this will be prioritised by NWS.
Land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton
- The surface area of focus is land to the north of the A157, south-west of Gayton wind farm, between the villages of Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton.
- The surface area of focus is approximately 3.8km2 we have sought to minimise the number of included residential properties.
- All Areas of Focus, (Sub-surface, Surface and Accessways) are larger than required to allow for flexibility as NWS progresses with the studies and into design.
- The current estimate of the size of the surface site during the operational phase is about 1km2 although this size could vary during construction.
- The surface area is located away from the coast with a lower risk of coastal flooding compared with other parts of the Search Area.
- The Sub-surface Area of Focus off the coast is approximately 460km2. The full area would not be needed, but it currently provides flexibility in the design and location of the underground vaults and tunnels. It’s currently estimated 20km2 – 50 km2 would be required.
- Examination of existing seismic and geological data for the area indicates there is likely to be a volume of rock (the Ancholme Group) with suitable geological characteristics to host a GDF. Further studies will continue to develop understanding of this sub-surface area as a potential host geology.
- A potential Accessway has been identified joining the Subsurface Area of Focus to the Surface Area of Focus. Where possible this will avoid, tunnelling beneath settlements and urban areas such as Mablethorpe, Theddlethorpe All Saints and Theddlethorpe St Helen.
- Not all this accessway area of focus will be needed and it is currently estimated the final accessway will be between 250-500m wide.
- Three other areas within the Search Area were also considered but these won’t be prioritised at this time.
Further information available in Areas of Focus brochure Identifying Areas of Focus within the Theddlethorpe Search Area