Public consultation on National Geological Screening

We consulted on proposals for assembling, and presenting to the public, information on the geology of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. These proposals form the draft National Geological Screening (NGS) Guidance.

The 12 week consultation was your opportunity to play a central role in the government and RWM programme of work to plan for, build, and operate a geological disposal facility (GDF) deep underground, providing a permanent solution for the country’s most radioactive waste. The approach for this will be based on working with communities that are willing to participate in the siting process.

As part of our stringent planning for a GDF, there are a number of factors that will be taken into consideration. Geology plays an important role. By providing existing and relevant geological information across regions of the UK, we will have a platform to inform early discussions with communities about the potential suitability to host a GDF in their area.

During 2015 we worked with geoscience specialists to develop the proposed guidance. This was reviewed by an independent review panel (IRP) established by the Geological Society and presented it for public consultation.

We held regional workshops during the consultation. For more information: See Update on the National Geological Screening Consultation.