Executive summary
Date(s) of inspection: April 2024
Aim of inspection
The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) Safeguards subdivision inspection and assessment activities seek assurance of operator’s compliance with relevant domestic legislation and where necessary, adherence to international obligations as described in the ONR Safeguards strategy and guidance.
This record captures the outcome of a planned safeguards compliance inspection on the Sellafield nuclear licensed site in Cumbria, operated by Sellafield Ltd. The purpose of this inspection was to seek evidence in support of Sellafield Ltd’s compliance with The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19).
This record captures the outcome of a planned safeguards compliance inspection on the Sellafield nuclear licensed site in Cumbria, operated by Sellafield Ltd. The purpose of this inspection was to seek evidence in support of Sellafield Ltd’s compliance with The Nuclear Safeguards (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (NSR19).
I selected the material balance area (MBA) QS09 (redundant pond storage plants and associated clean‑up facilities) to determine if the material flows are still relevant and qualifying nuclear material (QNM) is being accounted for in an appropriate manner.
Subject(s) of inspection
- FSE 3 Competence Management - Rating: Green
- FSE 6 Measurement Programme and Control - Rating: Green
- FSE 7 Nuclear Material Tracking - Rating: Green
- FSE 8 Data Processing and Control - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg03 - Declaration of basic technical characteristics - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg06 - Accountancy and control of qualifying nuclear material - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg09 - Operation of an accountancy and control plan - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg10 - Operating records - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg11 - Accounting records - Rating: Green
- NSR19 Reg12 - Accounting reports - Rating: Green
Key findings, inspector's opinions and reasons for judgement made
The planned compliance inspection was conducted on 24 April 2024. I have sampled the following qualifying nuclear facilities (QNF) in the MBA QS09:
- Pile Fuel Storage Pond
- First Generation Magnox Storage Pond
The inspection was performed in line with relevant ONR guidance, which can be found on ONR’s website (onr.org.uk).
The inspection involved the planning phase and a site visit including discussions with relevant Sellafield Ltd personnel, review of records, and sampling of source documentation and other documentation. Further information was also requested during the inspection and reviewed subsequently.
I judge that for the sampled facilities within QS09, NMACS are being implemented by Sellafield Ltd in a proportionate and appropriate manner, and in line with their own arrangements. I did not identify any significant shortfalls against NSR19 or fundamental safeguards expectations 3, 6, 7 and 8 during the inspection.
I observed minor inconsistencies regarding document production quality assurance checks and reflected this in regulatory advice provided to Sellafield Ltd. I have also noted that I will continue to keep focus on QS09 as further consolidation and retrieval activities are carried out on materials within the legacy ponds to ensure requirements of NSR19 and ONMACS are being met.
Overall, based on my inspection sample, I was satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has provided adequate level of assurance and evidence to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of NSR19 and fundamental safeguards expectations.
The inspection involved the planning phase and a site visit including discussions with relevant Sellafield Ltd personnel, review of records, and sampling of source documentation and other documentation. Further information was also requested during the inspection and reviewed subsequently.
I judge that for the sampled facilities within QS09, NMACS are being implemented by Sellafield Ltd in a proportionate and appropriate manner, and in line with their own arrangements. I did not identify any significant shortfalls against NSR19 or fundamental safeguards expectations 3, 6, 7 and 8 during the inspection.
I observed minor inconsistencies regarding document production quality assurance checks and reflected this in regulatory advice provided to Sellafield Ltd. I have also noted that I will continue to keep focus on QS09 as further consolidation and retrieval activities are carried out on materials within the legacy ponds to ensure requirements of NSR19 and ONMACS are being met.
Overall, based on my inspection sample, I was satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has provided adequate level of assurance and evidence to demonstrate compliance with the requirements of NSR19 and fundamental safeguards expectations.
Conclusion
Upon consideration of the ONR guidance on inspection ratings, I judge that a rating of GREEN (no formal action) is appropriate.
I provided feedback to Sellafield Ltd on the inspection findings at the close-out meeting onsite.
I provided feedback to Sellafield Ltd on the inspection findings at the close-out meeting onsite.