The Planned Integrated Transport System for the Deep Repository in the UK

Abstract

UK Nirex Ltd is responsible for developing a deep repository for the safe disposal of intermediate and low level radioactive wastes (ILW and LLW), and is concentrating its investigations on Sellafield as a potential location. A key part of the repository development programme is a transport system to deliver packaged wastes from sites elsewhere in the UK. The transport system must be able to handle a range of standard waste packages, and all transport through the public domain must comply with the IAEA Transport Regulations. Two design concepts have been developed for re-usable shielded transport containers for ILW, which are predicted to withstand accidents at least as severe as the IAEA Type B test conditions. Assessment, testing and further development of both concepts continues, with a view to selecting one for quantity production. Nirex is working closely with various organisations to establish the optimum transport routes for a potential repository at Sellafield. The current policy is that rail transport shall be used wherever practical for the transport of waste to the repository, although some road transport may also be required; the company has assessed a range of options. A Probabilistic Safety Assessment of the proposed transport operations has predicted that the radiological risks are expected to be extremely low, reflecting the adequacy of the packaging concepts. In addition, Nirex has identified a suitable transport emergency plan to deal with any unforeseen events.