RADIOACTIVE waste from the Winfrith site will be encased in concrete before being moved to Harwell. The operation, which will involve a two new buildings alongside the heavy water reactor, could last up to two years. Radioactive material from the steam generating heavy water reactor and nearby Dragon reactor will be encased in concrete within special containers inside the building, allowed to ‘cure’ on site for around 28 days before being moved by road to Harwell. Around 100-120 boxes are expected to be filled and taken off the site in total. Each of the special reinforced 50 ton containers to be used will measure 2.5 by 2.2 metres. The operation is part of the final phase of decommissioning the Dorset nuclear site. The proposal was granted temporary planning permission at the county council’s regulatory committee meeting in Dorchester on Thursday. The former Magnox site, established in the 1950s, is expected to be restored to heathland by 2023. The last reactor on the site ceased operation in 1995.
Dorset Echo 27th Jan 2019 read more »