‘Landmark day for
major projects’
React was a key contributor to the success of the Treated Radwaste Store (TRS) drums project that developed, tested, and implemented a first-of-its-kind solution for transporting and emplacing the drums within an existing Low Level Waste Repository (LLWR) vault, utilising previously unusable space which would otherwise need to be in-filled on closure.
Key Benefits
- Effective problem definition resulted in a right-first-time solution.
- Cost and environmental benefits.
Client and Location
Nuclear Waste Services
Low Level Waste Repository, Cumbria, UK
Winfrith Magnox, Dorset, UK
Duration
2016 – 2022
Supply Chain Partners
EDF-Cyclife
NRS
PDL
Stobbarts
Penny Nuclear
Assystem
AECOM
Westlakes engineering
Lawsons
Key Skills & Competencies
Problem Definition
Methodology Development
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Safety and Environmental
Waste Management
Technical Author
Trial Planning & Management
Radiological Dose Assessment
Stakeholder Management
Project Management
Project Overview
Winfrith Magnox nuclear reactor ceased operation in 1990. More than 1,000 drums of Intermediate Level Waste (ILW) waste (originating from the Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor) were placed in the TRS. Due to a period of sufficient radioactive decay, the waste’s radiation levels were reclassified to Low Level Waste (LLW), allowing early disposal at the LLWR site to be considered.
React was a key contributor to the success of the project and were one of the only supply chain partners to be involved throughout; from the outset, up until final preparations for emplacement works on site. React initially provided technical leadership during the concept design stage by leading the Best Available Technique option assessment and by developing the initial project scope. React continued to support the project by defining the functional requirements, assessing and planning the tests of equipment, facilitating workshops (including design readiness reviews), writing enabling documentation (strategies, capturing justifications for key decisions, reviewing risks, writing operating instructions) and considering and implementing solutions to ensure the final design reduced risks to As Low As Reasonably Practicable.
The project provided significant financial savings to the UK taxpayer by eliminating costs associated with in-fill material for the gaps in the LLWR vault and new long-term waste storage for ILW whilst waiting for the Geological Disposal Facility. The project enabled Winfrith to progress decommissioning by demolishing the TRS, getting it one step closer to returning the site to heathland with public access.
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