Nuclear waste: the issue which won't go away

The advice of NIREX and the subsequent Government decision not to develop any of the sites at Elstow, Bradwell, South Killingholme or Fubeck, for disposal of low-level radioactive wastes means that the only disposal site for such wastes is at Drigg. At present the Drigg site takes waste not only from the close-by Sellafield site, but also from outside sources, although it is felt that it should take only the Sellafield wastes. Concerns over the Drigg site include road transport of radioactive wastes, radioactivity levels in the Drigg stream and fires on the landfill site. However, the current open trench disposal method at Drigg will be replaced by a concrete vault into which compacted waste will be put into containers and stored in the vault. This will eliminate leachate and fire problems. When filled it will be capped and domed. The problems at Drigg are discussed. (U.K.)