Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) Near-Surface Disposal
West Cumbrian coast near Drigg, UK · Operational (ongoing development and optimization) · Part of Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) waste management budget; Graham EDCF framework, Mott MacDonald support services
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe LLWR is the only facility in the UK that can receive all categories of low-level waste, making it a critical national asset for nuclear decommissioning. - Ongoing optimization and closure works, including the construction of new storage enclosures, demonstrate continuous improvement in waste management practices. - The project highlights the long-term commitment required for managing radioactive waste and the need for adaptive strategies to ensure safety and compliance.
Key engineering challenges
Ensuring long-term containment and safety of diverse low-level radioactive waste streams. - Optimizing disposal capacity and practices to meet evolving waste management needs. - Meeting stringent regulatory requirements for environmental protection and public safety over extended periods. - Developing and implementing robust monitoring and surveillance programs for the repository.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), Low Level Waste Repository Ltd (LLWR Ltd), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)
- Lead contractor
- Amentum (Management & Operations), Graham (Engineering, Design & Construction Framework)
- Lead designers
- Various firms for specific projects (e.g., Mott MacDonald for support services)
- Project type
- waste management | disposal | upgrade
- Scale
- UK's central long-term store for low-level radioactive waste; construction of three re-locatable storage enclosures
- Disciplines
- nuclear; waste management; civil; structural; geology; environmental engineering; regulatory compliance
- Standards & frameworks
- ONR, IAEA
Sources: Nuclear Waste Services: Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) (https://www.nuclearwasteservices.uk/what-we-do/low-level-waste-repository/) - Wikipedia: Low Level Waste Repository (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low_Level_Waste_Repository) - GOV.UK: Low Level Waste Repository Ltd (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/low-level-waste-repository-ltd) - Graham: Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) Engineering, Design & Construction Framework (EDCF) (https://www.graham.co.uk/projects/low-level-waste-repository-llwr-engineering-design-and-construction-framework-edcf/) - Mott MacDonald: Mott MacDonald to support Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) (https://www.mottmac.com/en-us/news/mott-macdonald-to-support-low-level-waste-repository-llwr/)