On Friday 17th and Saturday 18th March we are holding a public information exhibition at Dunmail Park Shopping Centre in Workington.
Visitors to the exhibition will be able to explore a large-scale model of the above-surface section of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) and travel deep underground for a 360-degree experience of a disposal facility using Virtual Reality headsets.
Members from the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership will be sharing information about geological disposal and the role of the Partnership and updating the public on how the GDF programme is progressing in Allerdale.
Subject matter experts from the GDF developer, Nuclear Waste Services will also be on hand to answer questions around safety, geology and the GDF siting process, and explain how a GDF would be safely constructed, operated and closed.
Event dates and times:
“These events provide an opportunity for local people to gain a better understanding about geological disposal and express their opinions. The concept of a GDF can be hard to visualise, so by using the new scale model and virtual reality technology, we can really bring the GDF to life.
“The Partnership members will be available to discuss and listen to people’s views and we’re keen to get people involved in the next phase of the GDF programme by sharing their thoughts on the future of Allerdale and particularly how Community Investment Funding can make a difference locally.”
– Mary Bradley, Chair of the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership
Community Partnerships are long-term groups made up of local people, the GDF developer and local authorities to consider the possibilities of hosting a GDF within an identified Search Area.
The Search Area is the area on land within which Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) will look for potential sites for surface facilities to support the development of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) deep in suitable rock beyond the coast of Allerdale.
The new search area will comprise of the eight Cumberland wards of Dearham and Broughton; Maryport North, Maryport South, Harrington, Moorclose and Moss Bay, Seaton, St John’s and Great Clifton, St Michaels.
Construction of a GDF requires both a suitable site and willing community. If a suitable site is eventually found in Allerdale – which could take 10-15 years – a Test of Public Support (such as a poll or referendum that gives people a direct say) would be held with those living in the wards affected. Without public support the project would not go ahead.
More information can be found on the GDF Programme can be found across this website.
We hope to see you at Dunmail Park. Please contact us with any questions.