Case Study 12. Repository Development Programme
Updated 3 June 2021
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Planning consent in 2016 marked the go ahead for the launch of a programme of works that will completely transform the Repository site.
LLWR had undertaken years of engagement with the Waste Planning Authority, regulatory bodies, district authorities and the local community before permission was granted to proceed with its immense Repository Development Programme (RDP).
Consent was given for:
- Disposal of low level radioactive waste in Vault 9 (rather than storage)
- The phased construction of new Vaults 10 and 11 and an extension to Vault 9 (Vault 9a)
- The phased disposal of low level waste in the vaults, 2016 – 2045
- Phased construction of a final engineered cap, 2016 – 2051, across each full vault and the adjacent area of the seven historic landfill-style trenches.
RDP is divided into 12 phases, referred to as tranches. In the first tranche, currently underway, enabling works will provide the infrastructure needed to deliver the later execution works.
Enabling activities include initial construction activities such as installation of haul roads, installation of temporary accommodation facilities, surface water management, installation of the cap shoulder/screening earth bunds to reduce impact to external stakeholders, and the preparation of material stockpile areas.
As detailed in earlier chapters of Journey to Success, LLWR’s local community is always at the forefront of its thinking, and RDP is no different. The community was regularly updated about LLWR’s plans for RDP before planning consent was granted, and the organisation has ensured at every turn that local disruption is minimised.
Acoustic barriers, 3.5m in height on their concrete bases, have been installed on site to mitigate the effects of construction noise and regular monitoring by LLWR’s Environmental Team will ensure noise limits stipulated within the planning consent are observed.
Tranche one’s major civils contract that is due to start in 2023 will involve placing a final, engineered cap over Vault 8 and the adjacent section of the trenches, where waste was disposed of prior to the opening of the vault in 1988. The closure of Vault 8 and the adjacent trenches will be a major milestone for LLWR and the community.
Once all of the containers are in their final positions, engineering materials will be placed above the containers to start building the final landform.
Following the completion of Tranche 1, Tranches 2 to 12 will be designed and constructed over a timeframe of 104 years. LLWR could not be accused of failing to plan ahead!