RWM welcomes community leaders at the LGA Conference 2019
Experts explain why the UK needs a GDF
RWM experts were at our stand to explain the geology behind a GDF
Held over three days in Bournemouth (2-4 July) the Local Government Association (LGA) Conference 2019 gave community representatives from across the country the opportunity to meet with experts from Radioactive Waste Management (RWM) to learn more about a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
RWM at the LGA conference 2019
A GDF is a highly-engineered network of underground vaults and tunnels that will provide safe and secure disposal of the country’s radioactive waste. It is internationally recognised as the best option for the long-term management of higher activity radioactive waste.
In the UK, a GDF is essential for the disposal of legacy wastes, and also for any wastes that will be generated by current and future nuclear activities. Constructing a GDF demonstrates a commitment to ensure our radioactive waste is safely and securely dealt with. It is a long term environmental endeavour that is the right thing to do for today’s society and for future generations.
At the conference, a suite of animations explained the GDF story, and how RWM will work with communities. Using virtual reality, delegates were able to take a future trip 1km underground to explore a state of the art GDF. RWM’s expert geologists were also on hand to explain National Geological Screening and the role geology plays in site selection for a GDF.
A conference delegate takes a trip 1km underground into a GDF, 100 years from now
Ann McCall, Siting & Engagement Director for RWM, said:
The process to find a site for a GDF is consent-based with communities at its heart. We were delighted to be at the LGA Conference to provide information about geological disposal as the sustainable and environmentally beneficial solution to manage the UK’s high level radioactive waste for the long-term.
Join the conversation: RWM has published detailed guidance for communities who would like more information about geological disposal.