Questions and answers
Q No-one has ever decommissioned a nuclear power station before, have they?
A Yes, they have. Around the world, more than 80 nuclear reactors have either been Decommissioned or are undergoing the process. Our company has a lot of experience worldwide in the decommissioning process. The job requires skill and care and will be maintaining our high levels of safety. But the principles of the process are well understood and the technology required is all available today.
Q Why don't you return the sites to greenfield straight away?
A We've already talked about the fact that once we've taken all the fuel off site, we've removed around 99% of all radioactivity. But the bit that remains is physically bulky and needs careful handling. We have a duty to ensure our staff and the public aren't put into a situation where they could be exposed to anything but the lowest levels of radioactivity. The radioactivity will, under the 'safestore' concept, have decayed away naturally to such an extent that dismantling the remaining part of the site will be simpler and safer. In any case, the UK has yet to develop a permanent store or repository for intermediate-level waste (ILW). Until this happens the only practicable option is to continue to store ILW on site.
Q Will those of us who live in the local area suffer a lot of inconvenience?
A No, there shouldn't be any inconvenience – but we want you to tell us if you have any concerns. Any additional lorry movements will be carefully controlled to make sure there aren't any unacceptable effects and overall traffic numbers will decrease. Our experiences at other sites presently undergoing decommissioning, are that neighbours have had very few nuisance problems. We are committed to keeping you informed and this will hopefully ensure events likely to effect you are flagged up in advance.
Q How much increased noise is expected?
A The routine operational noise levels have already fallen since we ceased generation. There will be periods when building and other engineering work is carried out on site. This will include demolition or modification of existing buildings. Any noise associated with these activities will be carefully controlled, in line with the best practices in the construction industry. Experience at other stations undergoing decommissioning has shown noise has not caused a problem for local residents.
Q What will it cost to decommission a nuclear site?
A A considerable amount of money has been set aside to meet the decommissioning costs unlike other industries which can leave future generations to pay for the environmental clean-up costs. The costs of decommissioning are the responsibility of the NDA. Lifetime Plans for all sites are available on this website.
Q How many jobs will go due to decommissioning?
A When a site stops generating, the workforce reduces with some employees relocating to other sites or taking voluntary severance packages. Based on our experiences at our other decommissioning sites, it is likely that 200 to 250 staff will be required for the defuelling and works phase. After that, the numbers will decrease. But we have a lot of experience in closing power stations and all the effects on people that go with it. We understand the concerns and we have been discussing personal issues and looking to the future of all our staff for sometime.
