The Government has recently consulted on the process for evaluating suitability of sites for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for high level radioactive waste.  We responded to the consultation raising our concerns that intergenerational equity (the more stable the geology is for very long term containment, the better the outcome for the safety of future generations) needs to be taken into account when choosing a site because of the many thousands of years it will be necessary to keep the nuclear waste contained.  In our view this means that the geological safety of the disposal site is the highest priority.

We also raised concerns that National Park Authorities are excluded from the decision-making process which means they cannot stop part or all of a national park being put forward for selection by a different local planning authority.  We consider that this is a huge mistake in the site selection process and needs to be addressed urgently by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Read our response:

Friends of the Lake District response to Radioactive Waste Management consultation on GDF Site Evaluation March 19 (pdf)

Read more here