The radiological environment of nuclear power stations in the UK

This paper describes the experience gained during over 20 years of planning and operation of commercial nuclear power stations in UK from the viewpoint of siting, of liquid and gaseous waste discharges to the environment and of planning for any emergencies. In the initial stages of the nuclear power programme reactors were constructed at remote sites, but with experience and the introduction of improved safety features it has proved acceptable to site later stations in near-urban locations. The associated development of siting methods is described, including the determination of appropriate environmental discharge limits for each site and the effects of constraints imposed by external hazards in the neighbourhood of a nuclear power station. Increasingly these require consideration of the effects of the environment on the station, as well as of the station on the environment. The liquid and gaseous discharges arising in the routine operation of gas-cooled reactors are outlined, together with the measurements undertaken to determine their effects on the environment. Both in terms of individual and collective doses the radiological impact of UK to nuclear power stations is shown to be very small in relation to ICRP dose limits and natural background radioactivity. In the unlikely event of a reactor accident, prompt action would be required in order to protect both operators and members of the public. The development and current status of emergency arrangements at power station sites are reviewed and the measures taken to ensure their effectiveness discussed. (orig.)