Low Level Waste Repository
Documents relating to the Environment Agency’s regulation of the Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR).
LLW Repository Ltd operate the LLWR in Cumbria. This site is used for the disposal of radioactive waste, mainly low level solid radioactive waste (LLW).
In 2006 the Environment Agency issued the last major revision to the operator’s permit to dispose of radioactive waste at the site. This permit allowed LLW Repository Ltd to dispose of radioactive waste in only one part of the facility, called Vault 8. The permit also required LLW Repository Ltd to submit an updated environmental safety case (ESC) to the Environment Agency in May 2011 which assessed the safety of current and future disposals beyond Vault 8. Between May 2011 and May 2015 the Environment Agency completed and published a detailed review of the ESC.
In October 2013 LLW Repository Ltd applied to the Environment Agency to vary its permit to allow continued disposal beyond Vault 8, into the more recently constructed Vault 9 and further vaults. The Environment Agency reviewed and consulted on the application before reaching a draft decision, which was then consulted on along with a draft permit, between May and July 2015.
In October 2015 the Environment Agency published its final decision and issued a varied permit to LLW Repository Ltd allowing the disposal of further radioactive waste at the LLWR, in accordance with limits and conditions of the permit.
Decision document and permit
Environmental safety case
Updates to this page
Last updated 29 October 2015 + show all updates
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New publication added - LLW Repository Ltd: decision on a permit variation application for further radioactive waste disposal.
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Link to technical review documents for environmental safety case and consultation on draft proposed decision and draft permit.
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Progress update.
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First published.