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Posted: 17th December 2021

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has published a revised position statement PDF on the interpretation of ‘bulk quantities’ for the storage and disposal of radioactive waste. This action was taken to facilitate the legal changes that will be needed to ensure a future Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) can be licensed by ONR. The UK government policy (in England and Wales) is to dispose of higher activity radioactive waste through emplacement in a GDF. This involves placing wastedeep underground, typically 200m-1000m, where the geology and other engineered features act as a long-term barrier against escape of radioactivity, isolating the waste from the biosphere and the effects of climate change. ONR has no role in identifying a site for a GDF as Radioactive Waste Management Ltd (RWM), the GDF developer, is responsible for finding a host community for a GDF through in-depth consultation and discussions with local people in those communities that have expressed an interest in hosting the facility. However, as the independent nuclear regulator, when a site for a GDF is finally selected, we will assess the safety case and the organisational capability of RWM when considering its licence application, and then regulate its construction and operation, to ensure it meets the high standards of safety and security required by UK law. ONR 16th Dec 2021  https://news.onr.org.uk/2021/12/bulk-quantities-interpretation-confirmed-for-geological-disposal-facilities/