Next stage of nuclear waste storage studies to begin in Theddlethorpe

Former Theddlethorpe Terminal where there are proposed plans to dump nuclear waste.
-Credit:Lincolnshire Echo/James Turner


Plans to bury nuclear waste deep underground in Lincolnshire have moved a step closer after an area in the county was selected for further studies.

Theddlethorpe in East Lindsey is one of three areas being considered by Nuclear Waste Services. The company has narrowed down the area it is considering to around four square kilometres between the villages of Great Carlton and Gayton le Marsh.

Construction would only happen if the geology is suitable, the necessary permits are obtained and the community says it’s willing to host it.

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The Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) would lead to huge vaults being built under the sea where decaying nuclear waste can be stored for millennia until it’s no longer harmful. The offshore area being considered stretches up to 22km off the coast.

GDFs are being proposed as a long-term solution for radioactive waste which is difficult and risky to store elsewhere.

The proposal has proved unpopular in the area to date, with campaigners against it sweeping into power on Theddlethorpe Parish Council. They fear it would harm tourism along Lincolnshire’s east coast.

GCI of the proposed Geological Disposal Facility facility from the terminal at Theddlethorpe to the waste dump under the sea bed
GCI of the proposed Geological Disposal Facility facility from the terminal at Theddlethorpe to the waste dump under the sea bed -Credit:Nuclear Waste Services

Corhyn Parr, Chief Executive Officer at NWS, said: “NWS is delivering a GDF as the safe, secure, and long-term solution for the most hazardous radioactive waste.

“We are making real progress and establishing these areas of focus will help direct our investigations to help us determine the potential suitability of a specific area, with on-the ground surveys, further desk studies and engagement with landowners.

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“A GDF requires a suitable site and willing community and will only be developed when both are in place. We will continue our engagement with local people and stakeholders, and will be holding events in local communities to talk about what this means for each area.”

The two other sites still in contention are Mid Copeland and South Copeland in Cumbria.

Other countries are also looking at GDF to store nuclear waste, with Finland leading the way and expecting its first facility to be operational by the end of the decade.