Allerdale ruled out of consideration for a possible GDF repository

The area of the former Allerdale borough council has been ruled out of consideration as a potential host for an underground radioactive waste facility.

Nuclear Waste Services has announced that the area was not suitable geologically for the disposal facility, known as a GDF, following study of existing data and new assessments to understand pm the basis of six siting factors, which were safety and security, community, environment, engineering feasibility, transport, and value for money, whether it would make sense for a GDF was located in Allerdale.

A spokesman said: “Following a comprehensive and robust evaluation of information it was concluded only a limited volume of suitable rock was identifiable and the geology in the area was unlikely to support a post closure safety case.

“Nuclear Waste Services has therefore taken the decision not to take Allerdale further in the search for a suitable site to host a GDF.”

Nuclear Waste Services added that initial assessments of existing data and information for the other three communities – mid-Copeland, South Copeland and Theddlethorpe in Lincolnshire – in the siting process have indicated potentially suitable geology.

Corhyn Parr, CEO of Nuclear Waste Services, said: “We need enough suitable geology to accommodate a GDF and to support safety cases to build, operate, and close the facility. Our assessments show evidence of limited volume of suitable rock for a GDF in the Allerdale search area, including the adjacent inshore area.

“We wish to thank the Community Partnership and the Chair for their hard work, time, and commitment. They have been instrumental in active local engagement and working with community groups who we have been able to support through NWS community funds.”

“There is a positive legacy to the Allerdale community’s participation in the process, with around £2 million GDF Community Investment Funding supporting over 50 local projects which we will continue to support.

“We’re engaging with three other communities about hosting a GDF, with site evaluation work underway in these areas. The door also remains open for new communities to join the process.

“The GDF Programme is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. It will dispose of higher activity waste deep underground, safely and securely containing and isolating the waste making it safe for future generations.

“The GDF programme requires both a suitable site and a willing community and is still in the early stages. Construction will only start on a GDF when a suitable site is identified, a potential host community has confirmed its willingness to host the facility through a Test of Public Support, and all the necessary consents and permits have been obtained. These steps could take around 15 years.”