Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sainsbury of Turville (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2006.

Energy: Dounreay Fast Breeder Reactor

Question: For how long the area occupied by the fast breeder reactor at Dounreay and its environs will be considered dangerously radioactive; and what measures are in place to prevent access to the area by the general public.

Answer: The radiological hazards from the fast reactor programme at Dounreay are identified in the site's lifetime plan, which is revised annually by UKAEA and published by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. The plan sets out how these hazards are being removed or reduced, so that by 2033 all remaining radioactive wastes and materials will be in a passive condition that is safe for long-term storage or disposal. UKAEA is consulting the public about the condition of the site in 2033, and the outcome of this will determine the degree of ground remediation that needs to be undertaken. So long as Dounreay remains a licensed nuclear site, access by the public will be restricted. National policy decisions on the long-term management of radioactive wastes and materials and the extent of ground remediation required will be factors that affect the length of time after 2033 that Dounreay remains a licensed nuclear site.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 685 c208-9WA; 7706
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Health hazards Radioactive waste Nuclear power stations Dounreay Fast reactors
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk