Hydrogeological investigation programmes: best practice. Supplementary proof of evidence

Supplementary Proof of Evidence by an expert witness is presented in support of the case by Friends of the Earth (FOE) against the proposed construction by UK Nirex Ltd of an underground Rock Characterisation Facility (RCF) at a site in the Sellafield area. The RCF is part of an investigation by Nirex into a suitable site for an underground repository for the disposal of radioactive waste. The objections were raised at a Planning Inquiry in 1995. Various points raised by a Nirex witness in connection with earlier evidence to the Inquiry by FOE are addressed. There are two major areas of concern relating to the geological and hydrogeological data. The first is the suggestion by FOE that other sites in the UK be investigated and that should the results of a detailed hydrogeological investigation at Sellafield prove unfavourable the RCF proposal should be withdrawn or an alternative site adopted. The second concern is the adequacy of the groundwater monitoring at the Sellafield site. (10 references). (UK)