Recent UK experience of involving the public in decisions on radioactive discharges

When considering applications for authorization of radioactive discharges from nuclear sites, it is normal practice for UK regulators to consult widely and seek comments from the public, local and national interest groups, other regulators and stake-holders. At present, the Environment Agency is revising and further extending its public consultation arrangements. The Agency is currently considering applications from BNFL for authorizations for radioactive waste disposals, including discharges, from eight Magnox power stations in England and Wales. The process for considering these applications has included the most resource-intensive nuclear consultation exercise undertaken by the Agency to date. It has used elements form the Agency's new consultation arrangements, including an extended consultation period, a wider range of ways for people to access consultation documents and make responses, and a programme of public meetings and surgeries during the consultation period. The Agency has also taken the opportunity of consulting on its new multi-media certificate of authorization. While the Agency's decision making process is not yet complete, its experience so far of introducing these new features into its process is described. (authors)