Radioactive storage proposal

By Matthew Legg

Last updated 11:46, Friday, 01 August 2008

RADIOACTIVE waste could be stored in a former opencast mine near Whitehaven.

Recycling and waste management firm Sita UK said it is in discussions with Copeland Council about buying the site at Keekle Head.

The company wants to re-use the derelict site for the “disposal of very low level radioactive construction and demolition wastes from Sellafield”.

Sita UK’s regional general manager Phil Holland said: “I can confirm that we have had discussions with a range of organisations and the mine’s two present owners and also that we are investigating the potential for disposing of very low level radioactive waste on the Keekle Head site.

“Waste classed as ‘very low level radioactive’ includes construction waste created as facilities, such as office buildings, are demolished as part of the decommissioning process at the Sellafield site.

“This waste is appropriate for landfilling at facilities such as Keekle Head.

“Mining on the site has created a substantial void which is ideal for the disposal of waste materials.”

He described the site, in its present state, as a “blot on the landscape” and said they wanted to create a state-of-the-art facility.

“We believe that we have the experience, technical ability and professional expertise to landfill and later restore Keekle Head to its original use as important heath land habitat,” Mr Holland added.

“If we choose to proceed with this project we will consult widely.”

Keekle Head, which covers around 50 hectares, is about one mile from Pica and five miles from Whitehaven.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is looking at fresh options for the disposal of very low level radioactive waste so that it does not take up valuable space at the Low Level Waste Repository, near Drigg.