This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Dounreay waste to remain on site
10/05/2005
Environment Minister Ross Finnie today announced a
decision which will stop current plans to move low level
radioactive waste from Dounreay to Cumbria.
Ministers have directed the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency (SEPA) to refuse an application for
authorisation to dispose of solid waste to the National Low
Level Waste Facility at Drigg.
The application was made by Dounreay's operators United
Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA). The decision will
mean that the waste will continue to be stored on site.
Mr Finnie said:
"This decision reflects a widespread view that the best
practicable environmental option for this low level waste
is that it should be dealt with at Dounreay, where it is
produced.
"We are currently reviewing low level waste policy and
Dounreay's own low level waste strategy document sets out
the intention to develop a low level waste facility on
site.
"Ministers support this aim and believe that it is
essential that all involved now proceed to develop this
proposal.
"It is important to recognise that low level waste has
been stored at Dounreay in compliance with safety and
environmental requirements. Arrangements will need to be
made to ensure that this can continue and that Dounreay's
strategy is implemented. We will be keeping these matters
under review."