Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection:
Aim of inspection
The aim of the inspection is to determine whether the arrangements for waste accumulation and waste disposal are in accordance with that being implemented on the site.
Subject(s) of inspection
- LC32 - Accumulation of radioactive waste - Rating: Green
- LC33 - Disposal of radioactive waste - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
I led a planned compliance inspection of Magnox Limited’s LC 32 (Accumulation of Radioactive Waste) and 33 (Disposal of Radioactive Waste) arrangements focussing on the Low Level Waste (LLW) disposal operations. The inspection team comprised the nominated site inspector and a principal site inspector.
I decided to concentrate the inspection on the generation and disposal of LLW as there has been previous enforcement from SEPA and Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) has previously been subject to inspection and permissioning. LLW at Chapelcross comprises of two waste streams operational waste and legacy waste. The licensee explained that they had a target to dispose of 98% of legacy waste prior to 31 March 2025.
For LC32, the licensee provided suitable evidence to demonstrate that they had adequate arrangements for managing the accumulation of radioactive waste at the site. Furthermore, the licensee provided evidence to demonstrate that these arrangements were adequately implemented via waste plans. However one of the waste plans was inadequately completed, I viewed this as a minor anomaly as the licensee was able to demonstrate appropriate control. Consequently, I judge that the LC32 arrangements for accumulation of radioactive waste are adequately implemented and judged a rating of Green should be applied.
For LC33, the licensee provided suitable evidence to demonstrate that they had adequate arrangements for disposing of LLW from the site. The licensee was able to present the progress in disposing of the legacy waste via a number of routes. It should be noted that these routes did not include (and are not anticipated to be) the LLW repository. The licensee presented evidence showing that they were progressing appropriately against the legacy waste target. However I noted that LLW items within the reactor building are not classed as legacy waste and a route for these is still to be defined. The licensee stated that they are concentrating on ILW retrieval and then will develop plans for this waste as required. I viewed this as an appropriate approach. Consequently, I judge that the LC33 arrangements for accumulation of radioactive waste are adequately implemented and judge a rating of Green should be applied.
Conclusion
In consideration of the quality of the procedures, the storage of waste on-site and the programmes of work being undertaken to remediate the site I considered the arrangements and the implementation of arrangements for LC32 and 33 to be adequate (Green).