Juggling the figures

There are three options as to how to cope with a nuclear reactor when it reaches the end of its operating life - simply withdraw the fuel rods and leave the structure standing, entombment or dismantling. The UKAEA have chosen to dismantle the WAGR reactor. This decision is criticised on the grounds that it will create large quantities of radioactive dust and liquids and disperse the radioactivity throughout the environment. The removal of the low and intermediate-level wastes will be expensive - it will be packaged in reinforced concrete boxes and as yet no disposal site has been found for intermediate-level wastes. Greenpeace support leaving disused reactors alone until a better option is available for waste disposal. Dismantling an AGR will not, it is argued, give the UKAEA the dismantling experience it needs as it will be the Magnox reactors that will end their service life first, and the techniques needed will be different. The UKAEA is accused of 'playing with robots'. (UK)