Work has begun to place a new protective layer over historic trenches at the Low Level Waste Repository site in West Cumbria.
Nuclear Waste Services, which manages the disposal of the UK’s low level radioactive waste, is carrying out important work on the final capping of legacy disposal trenches and vaults to permanently dispose of radioactive waste.
Known as the southern trench interim membrane project, this phase of the capping work involves placing a new membrane, or protective layer, over legacy disposal trenches which will remain in place for up to 100 years.
Working collaboratively with civil engineering firm GRAHAM and specialist transport and logistics provider Nuclear Transport Solutions, the first rail deliveries of 280,000 tonnes of aggregate arrived on site earlier this month and will be delivered over three years.
NWS said: “This is a significant achievement in capping operations and will lead to the final closure of the repository which is currently expected in 2135.”
STIM will replace a current interim membrane over part of the legacy disposal trenches. This layer will permenantly protecting people and the environment while the radioactivity decays.
The first deliveries will arrive between February and March 2025, with eight deliveries expected each week.
Mike Pigott, repository site director, NWS, said: “This is a first of a kind activity in the UK, and it’s fantastic to see the first train load of aggregate arrive by train onto our site.
“This work enables NWS to deliver a safe and secure long-term approach to protecting the environment and people for generations to come.
“Collaboration with Nuclear Transport Solutions’ rail division, Direct Rail Services (DRS), has played a pivotal role for us, with their launch of a new rail service for this project yielding significant environmental benefits.”
It’s first time DRS has used its JNA-Z box wagons, with each train making the journey from Shap quarry to the Repository to deliver over 750 tonnes of material – the equivalent of 36 HGVs.
Gottfried Eymer, NTS Rail managing director, said: “Rail is the obvious choice for bulk movements like these, taking many thousands of lorries off the road, reducing congestion, and improving the environment. This phase of the project will see 46,000 tonnes of aggregate delivered by 64 trains, saving an estimated 2,320 lorry journeys, that’s over 150,000 miles.”
Last year Civil Engineering firm GRAHAM was awarded a four-year contract for the works, which started in September.
Alastair Lewis, GRAHAM contracts director said: “It’s fantastic to see the start of rail deliveries to site, marking the beginning of an extensive programme of work.
“We have been managing and carrying out aggregate train deliveries since 2018, and this experience has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition to this new phase of the project.”
NWS has been engaging with the local community with drop-in sessions and site tours to share more details about the work. Plans are in place to mitigate and minimise any associated noise, dust, traffic, ecological and visual impacts through the installation of noise barriers, visual screening bunds and regular noise monitoring of activities.
NWS and NTS are both part of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority group.
