Radioactive waste from other nuclear power stations could be stored at Bradwell, it has been revealed. Magnox, the company running Bradwell power station, has asked Essex County Council whether it needs to draw up a full environmental impact assessment on plans to import nuclear waste from other power stations. In 2013, the Standard revealed how politicians had accused Magnox of breaking promises after admitting it was considering turning the Downhall Beach station, which is being decommissioned, into an alleged “nuclear dumping ground”. Magnox’s submission to County Hall reveals “intermediate level waste” would be stored, encased in cement, inside stainless steel drums or concrete boxes. It would be imported from Dungeness A and Sizewell A until around 2040, when a national geological disposal facility is due to be created. Magnox defended the proposals, saying it would save around £200million of taxpayers’ money and avoid the need to build £30million of additional storage space. Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (Banng) said: “As a result of what are claimed to be improved methods of reducing the volume of waste, the 170 packages of Bradwell waste will be matched by a similar number from Sizewell and Dungeness, i.e. it is proposed to use half of the Bradwell store for wastes from elsewhere. “The original planning permission for the store made it clear it should be large enough to contain only ILW from Bradwell.” Chairman Professor Andy Blowers added: “The nuclear industry tends to make up strategy as it goes along and there is no guarantee that waste from more sites won’t be brought to Bradwell. “This is a controversial issue and there is a need for proper public consultation and Banng will be pushing for this.”
Braintree & Witham Times 17th Jan 2016 read more »
Maldon Standard 17th Jan 2016 read more »