Development of the 'interim safe storage' concept

The present paper provides a brief history of the nuclear industry of the United Kingdom, including a review of how radioactive waste is dealt with in the UK. Emphasis has been placed on demonstrating that there are treatment and storage or disposal routes available for most current and historic wastes. However. attention is drawn to a specific set of wastes, historic intermediate level waste (ILW), which requires specific attention. Detailed background is provided on categories of waste. the disposal criteria for ILW and historic ILW. An explanation of the facilities and the challenge faced with historic ILW is presented. Against this background, interim safe storage is introduced as an approach to address this issue. It is intended as a pragmatic approach that will significantly reduce the overall risk and hazard currently associated with historic ILW. while maintaining due consideration of time. cost and regulatory requirement.