Consultation on an update of the UK Strategy for the Management of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste from the Nuclear Industry

In 2014 the NDA conducted a review of the 2010 UK nuclear Low Level Waste (LLW) strategy. Following the review DECC (on behalf of UK and Devolved Governments) are consulting on proposed changes to the strategy, with the aim of publishing an agreed final strategy in Autumn 2015.

The review revealed widespread recognition that the policy had delivered a step change in LLW management and concluded that the nuclear strategy and implementation arrangements were generally considered to be working well and there was a clear appetite for stability and continuity.

While the scope and direction of the original strategy remain unchanged, the consultation document reflects the progress that has been made since 2010. It also reflects the expected direction for Low Level Waste (LLW) management in the future. Central to the strategy is the implementation of the waste hierarchy, which supports the provision of continued capability and capacity for the safe, secure and environmentally responsible management and disposal of LLW in the UK managing LLW in the UK.

SEAs are a systematic process to ensure that environmental and sustainability considerations are taken into account by public authorities in the development of strategies, plans and programmes. As such an SEA was produced to accompany the 2010 UK nuclear LLW strategy. The SEA was included in the 2014 NDA review of the LLW Strategy, and has been updated as an integral part of that process by the NDA. The SEA is also published alongside the consultation as supporting material.