FOI 02331 – Interested parties in discussion about the siting of a GDF
Response issued: 28/09/21
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How many interested parties are currently in discussion with RWM about the siting of a GDF?
I have treated your request under Environmental Information Regulations. I confirm that RWM holds the information you have requested and this is provided below.
The government policy Implementing geological disposal – working with communities: long term management of higher activity radioactive waste sets out the siting process for a geological disposal facility (GDF) and defines ‘interested party’ in Chapter 6, paragraphs 6.4 and 6.11 detailed as follows:
6.4 Discussions about a proposed location for a GDF can be initiated by anyone or any group of people with an interest in the siting process, and who wish to propose an area for consideration. The interested party may suggest an area of any size; it could be as large as a county, or it could be a small area of a few fields.
6.11 Initially, RWM will raise awareness of geological disposal. Discussions with RWM can be initiated by anyone with a proposal for an area to be considered for a GDF. It is expected that local authorities, landowners, businesses, community groups or interested individuals may come forward to request further information. RWM may also proactively encourage interested parties and local communities to come forward and engage.
Interested Parties continue to be engaged in the Working Group phase of the siting process
6.17 In order to begin a conversation with the people in the area, the interested party, RWM, an independent chair and an independent facilitator will form a Working Group. All relevant principal local authorities that represent the people in all or part of the area under consideration must be invited to join the Working Group.
We can confirm that RWM is currently in discussion with 10 interested parties. This number will continuously change as people engage to find out more about the programme and either step back or move forward. As provided in paragraph 6.15 of the policy, under all scenarios RWM will undertake initial work to understand whether the land identified has any potential to host a GDF. At this point discussions may remain confidential although they should be made public at the earliest opportunity if the interested party and RWM decide to move forward to form a Working Group.
The policy is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/implementing-geological-disposal-working-with-communities-long-term-management-of-higher-activity-radioactive-waste.
If you are unhappy with the way in which RWM has dealt with your request, you have the right to require us to review our actions and decisions. If you wish to request a review, please reply to this email or write to me at rwmfeedback@nda.gov.uk within 40 working days of receipt of this response. You will receive a full response to your request for review within 20 working days of its receipt.
Please remember to quote ref FOI 02331 in any correspondence about this request.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly to the Information Commissioner for a decision. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:
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