Allerdale GDF Community Partnership

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  1. Join us for our final event on Monday 27 November

    November 14, 2023 by Louise Durham

    In September, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) announced its decision not to take Allerdale further in the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) siting process due to limited suitable geology.

    If you would like to find out more about what this decision means or if you have any questions, please join us at the following event:

    Date: Monday 27 November
    Time: Presentations 3-4pm and 6-7pm
    Location: Main Conference Room, St Michael’s Church, Falcon Place, Workington CA14 2EZ

     

     

    Mary Bradley, Chair, Allerdale GDF Community Partnership said:

    “I’d like to thank Allerdale GDF Community Partnership and the local community for getting so involved as we worked with NWS in the search for a suitable site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

    “Over the past two years we’ve been actively engaging with you, however due to limited suitable geology, NWS will not be taking the area further forward.

    “£2million has been awarded to over 50 local projects and NWS will continue to support work we’ve already committed to across youth engagement, Community Investment Funding and development of a community vision.

    “I’m extremely proud of the work the Partnership members have collectively delivered over the past two years and want to thank them for the time they have given.

    “Come and join us for our final event if you’d like to know more and ask any questions.”

    Leaving a lasting legacy

    Community Investment Funding, available through the GDF programme, has seen £2million awarded to over 50 local organisations across Allerdale in the past two years including schools, theatres, residents’ groups, healthcare and sports clubs.

    This funding has enabled Hospice at Home, mental wellbeing, learning and intervention services to continue to deliver. The investment into schools and play areas will enhance the learning experience and encourage engagement with the wider community.

    The work with sports clubs has enabled women’s changing facilities and improvements for local Sea Cadets. The funding has also supported organisations to deliver solutions to the cost of living crisis through warm rooms, food hampers and heating costs.

    Get in touch

    If you have a question or query and would like to get in touch please contact us:

    Email: gdfinfo-allerdale@nuclearwasteservices.uk
    Telephone: 0300 369 0000


  2. NWS decides not to take Allerdale further in GDF siting process due to limited suitable geology

    September 28, 2023 by Louise Durham

    Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has been engaging with the Allerdale community about the potential for hosting a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) to dispose of the UK’s most radioactive waste.  

    As part of this process NWS obtained existing data and undertook assessments to understand if six siting factors, safety and security, community, environment, engineering feasibility, transport, and value for money, could be supported if a GDF were sited in Allerdale.   

    Following a comprehensive and robust evaluation of information it was concluded only a limited volume of suitable rock was identifiable and the geology in the area was unlikely to support a post closure safety case. NWS has therefore taken the decision not to take Allerdale further in the search for a suitable site to host a GDF. 

    Initial assessments of existing data and information for the other three communities in the siting process have indicated potentially suitable geology, which is why NWS is continuing in the siting process with those communities. 

    Corhyn Parr, CEO for NWS, said:  

    After careful consideration NWS has reached a decision not to take Allerdale further in our search for a suitable site to host a GDF. 

    “We need enough suitable geology to accommodate a GDF and to support safety cases to build, operate, and close the facility. Our assessments show evidence of limited volume of suitable rock for a GDF in the Allerdale search area, including the adjacent inshore area.  

    “We wish to thank the Community Partnership and the Chair for their hard work, time, and commitment. They have been instrumental in active local engagement and working with community groups who we have been able to support through NWS community funds. 

    There is a positive legacy to the Allerdale community’s participation in the process, with around £2 million GDF Community Investment Funding supporting over 50 local projects which we will continue to support. 

    “We’re engaging with three other communities about hosting a GDF, with site evaluation work underway in these areas. The door also remains open for new communities to join the process.” 

    The GDF Programme is one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. It will dispose of higher activity waste deep underground, safely and securely containing and isolating the waste making it safe for future generations. 

    The GDF programme requires both a suitable site and a willing community and is still in the early stages. Construction will only start on a GDF when a suitable site is identified, a Potential Host Community has confirmed its willingness to host the facility through a Test of Public Support, and all the necessary consents and permits have been obtained. These steps could take around 15 years.


  3. How will a decision be made about a GDF?

    July 10, 2023 by Laura Kay

    Unlike other big infrastructure projects, the process of choosing a site for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) requires the explicit consent of a willing community.

    Forming the GDF Community Partnership is not a commitment to agree to a GDF in this area. Neither is surveying potential sites or planning how the community could potentially benefit from the project. We can withdraw from the process at any time, for any reason.

    Before a decision is made to seek development consent from the Secretary of State, or regulatory approvals for a GDF from the Environment Agency and the Office for Nuclear Regulation, there must be a Test of Public Support by the potential host community to demonstrate it is willing to host a GDF.

    A community can withdraw from the siting process at any time up until it has taken a Test of Public Support.

    Any decision on whether to withdraw the community would be taken by the Local Authority on the Partnership.

    The developer (Nuclear Waste Services) can also withdraw at any time, for example, if they determine that the siting process is unlikely to be successful.

     

    More information in this video from the developer, Nuclear Waste Services:


  4. What are other countries doing about their legacy waste?

    by Laura Kay

    As the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership continues the conversation about a potential GDF and whether this is right for the area, a number of countries – including Sweden, Finland, France, Canada and Switzerland – have already implemented or are developing plans for their own geological disposal facilities.

    In Canada, developers Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO) began the process of selecting a site for their project back in 2010.

    A total of 22 communities initially expressed interest. Today, NWMO is engaging with two potential siting areas.

    Technical teams from NWMO have successfully completed a full-scale demonstration of the engineered barriers that will safely contain and isolate Canada’s used nuclear fuel.

    The map below shows the countries that are implementing or developing GDFs:

     

    A historic decision

    Meanwhile, the Swedish Government hasapproved the building of a GDF in Forsmark, Östhammar Municipality.

    This historic decision means that Sweden is proceeding with plans for a GDF being developed by the Swedish Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Company (SKB).

    In Switzerland, Nagra (the National Cooperative for the Disposal of Radioactive Waste) will be ready to announce its siting proposal by the autumn.

    In Finland, Posiva Oy is the first nuclear waste management organisation in the world to start final disposal of spent nuclear fuel by 2025, using the Onkalo® facility.

     

    The developer’s view: why we need to think long-term

    Neil Hyatt, the Chief Scientific Advisor to Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), said: “Technically, it is feasible to repackage the waste every few decades and build new stores.

    “However, this is effectively kicking the can down a never-ending road.

    “It would be leaving the cost, risk and responsibility of managing and safely disposing of waste to future generations who did not benefit from the energy generation.”

    A GDF will be nearly 1,000 metres below the ground – more than half a mile. Expert engineering and many barriers of stable rock will safely contain the waste for many thousands of years.

     

    Learn more in this video from the developer, Nuclear Waste Services:


  5. What makes a GDF safe?

    by Laura Kay

    Is geological disposal safe? We hear this question frequently so we put it to the developer, Nuclear Waste Services:

     

    Safety through stringent regulations

    There is international consensus that geological disposal is the safest permanent solution to dealing with radioactive waste.

    The UK has stringent, independent and effective regulation for all aspects of radioactive waste management.

    The Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency, the UK’s independent nuclear regulators, will review the designs for a GDF, the proposed site and the science informing the project, to make sure it protects people and the environment.

    A GDF will be built only if it can meet these criteria and if a community consents.

     

    Safety and the multi-barrier approach

    A GDF is made of a surface facility, about 1km2 – the size of a small business park – plus a series of specially designed and engineered vaults and tunnels, which would be constructed deep underground. Illustrative designs of underground facilities show a footprint of around 10-20 square kilometres but this could be smaller if waste was placed at several different depths.

    A GDF could potentially be three times deeper than the height of the Shard in London, which is Britain’s tallest building.

    Solid radioactive waste is packaged in secure engineered containers, typically made of metal or concrete, and then placed in a stable rock formation hundreds of metres below

    the surface, with the containers surrounded by clay or cement. This is the multi-barrier approach.

    Together, these barriers are designed to help to safely and securely work together to provide multiple levels of protection from the waste for many thousands of years, deep underground, far away from people and the environment.

    Filling a GDF with waste and then closing it, once full, will run into the next century.

     

    Safety and the Allerdale geology

    A National Geological Screening exercise has been carried out by the GDF developer, based on British Geological Survey data. Initial work by the developer shows that there may be a suitable geological setting for a GDF in most of this sub-region.

    More detailed investigations would be carried out over time by scientists to ensure a site would be suitable, keeping the local community involved every step of the way right up to a Test of Public Support.

    No areas which fall within the Lake District National Park or Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will be considered for a GDF.

     

    Learn more in this video from Nuclear Waste Services:


  6. Community Newspaper ‘News & Views’ Launched This Week

    July 6, 2023 by Laura Kay

    People living in the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership Search Area will receive a new Community Partnership publication through their doors this week.

    Allerdale GDF Community Partnership ‘News & Views’ is a printed newsletter that provides local people with information on the GDF Programme and latest news from the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership.

    You can read the first issue here: Allerdale News & Views July 2023

    Issue 1 includes feedback from our previous Dunmail Park event, an update on projects supported with Community Investment Funding, information from Nuclear Waste Services (the GDF developer) on what makes a GDF safe and what is happening with geological disposal around the world, and an invitation to our free screening of The Atom: A Love Affair, which is taking place at Parkway Cinema, Workington on Thursday 13th July.

    More details on that event and a link to register your place can be found here: The Atom: A Love Affair – Allerdale GDF Community Partnership (workinginpartnership.org.uk)


  7. Allerdale GDF Community Partnership Hosting FREE Screening of Atom Movie

    June 27, 2023 by Laura Kay

    The Allerdale GDF Community Partnership is hosting a free screening of a documentary film about nuclear power, following its public meeting on Thursday 13th July at Parkway Cinema, Dunmail Park.

    Written and directed by Vicki Lesley and narrated by Lily Cole, ‘The Atom: A Love Affair’ is a documentary shedding new light on the present and future of nuclear power by delving deep into the story of its past.

    The film reveals the West’s rollercoaster love-hate relationship with nuclear power since the end of World War 2 and hears first hand from the scientists, engineers, politicians and campaigners who have navigated the complex passions and political imperatives of the Twentieth Century’s most controversial energy source.

    The agenda for the public meeting will involve a short presentation to update attendees on Community Partnership business and an opportunity for questions from the public before the film begins.

    Community Partnership Chair, Mary Bradley said:

    “This is an extremely entertaining and thought-provoking documentary which provides a brief history of our relationship with nuclear power. It contains lessons from the past which are worth reflecting on today, as we consider whether a GDF would be right for Allerdale and whether Allerdale is right for a GDF.

    “We hope that the film, in conjunction with our public meeting, will help to inform local people on the subject of nuclear waste and help them engage in the GDF process. Places for the screening are limited so we encourage everyone to reserve their place by registering for a ticket.”

    Gordon Grant, who represents Nuclear Waste Services on the Community Partnership, said:

    “The UK has supported nuclear activities on an industrial scale for more than 60 years.  The higher activity radioactive waste generated from all of that activity is currently safely stored in temporary surface facilities, but it all needs a permanent disposal solution.

    “There is international consensus that geological disposal is that solution and the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership exists to facilitate a discussion with the local community to explore whether this area is the right place to build a GDF.

    “Whatever our relationship with nuclear technology going forward, we have to deal with the higher activity radioactive waste that already exists today and so I would encourage all members of the local community to engage with the Community Partnership on this important discussion.”

    The event starts at 6pm with a public meeting of the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership at Parkway Cinema, followed by a screening of ‘The Atom: A Love Affair’. A buffet will be provided, and you can register your free place here: https://theatomscreening.gdfevents.co.uk/home


  8. VICTORIA SCHOOL ‘BRIGHT STARS’ LAUNCH ‘BUG HOTEL’ WITH ALLERDALE GDF COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP

    June 6, 2023 by Laura Kay

    The Allerdale GDF Community Partnership has been working with budding entrepreneurs at Victoria Infant School in Workington to design, create and sell ‘Bug Hotels’.

    The Year 2 ‘Habitat Heroes’ have been learning about what would make a business successful, such as the right product, people, price, place, and promotion.

    The sessions were supported by Allerdale GDF Community Partnership member and Head of Research, Development and Innovation at NUVIA, Adrian Davis-Johnston and Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) Community Coordinator, Katy Arnott, who were on hand to offer help and advice.

    Bright Stars is an exciting collaboration between Centre for Leadership Performance, primary schools and local organisations across Cumbria that encourages leadership and responsible entrepreneurship from a young age and builds relationships between local organisations and primary schools that benefit communities.

    Pupils are challenged to create a business with an initial investment of £50, and prizes are given for achievements such as best teamwork, best business idea and most profit.

    Adrian Davis-Johnston said: “Working with the wonderful children and staff at Victoria Infant School has been a truly remarkable experience. The enthusiasm and passion of these young people to learn and create has been breath-taking, and the Habitat Heroes have managed to make a successful business without using any of their upfront funding, gathering materials from the natural environment to make amazing habitats for insects and pollinators – which has been a key focus of the pupils in their regular lessons.”

    The Bug Hotels went on sale on a stall outside the school at home time on Friday 19th May and ranged in price from £2-£10.

    Early Years Teacher Christine Humble said: “The school is really grateful to the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership for taking part in the Bright Stars Programme at Victoria Infant School. The work the children have been doing under Adrian and Katy’s guidance has given them a real sense of pride and ownership and an early understanding of the importance of teamwork and managing money and finances. They have also learnt about growing their own food and have a new awareness of where their food comes from. The Bug Hotels sold out quickly and I expect our Habitat Heroes will be looking to produce more in the future.”

    “Myself and my colleague, Chloe, have enjoyed the project as much as the children and the sense of teamwork and achievement amongst the children has been fantastic.”

    The Centre for Leadership Performance was recently awarded £30,000 in Community Investment Funding by the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership for the continuation of the Bright Stars Programme in 2023 which will see up to 50 schools across Cumbria take part in the challenge to run their own mini social enterprise.

    Centre for Leadership Performance Executive Director, Sarah Glass said: “The Allerdale GDF Community Partnership funding enables more local businesses to forge stronger links to their local schools through this inclusive and exciting programme that broadens the horizons of young people and introduces them to new possibilities and people.”

    “The scheme was co-created in partnership with businesses to nurture a culture of aspiration and enterprise. It also removes barriers to engagement between local business and local primary schools and helps to develop the talent pipeline for the future. We want to connect more businesses to work with pupils and develop their business skills, social enterprise ideas and open their minds to the excitement of business from an early age.”

    Asked why other organisations and businesses should take part in the Bright Stars programme Adrian said: “Volunteering with Bright Stars not only allowed me to pass on some business skills and knowledge to the next generation but has also provided me with a learning opportunity too. The ideas and creativity that has been sparked by these little legends has been a joy to be part of, and there’s nothing quite like getting honest feedback from a 7-year-old when you’re working together – I definitely need to stop walking around so much when I’m speaking! It’s a grounding experience in more ways than one!”


  9. MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

    May 24, 2023 by Laura Kay

    20-year-old Lucas Wirga is Allerdale GDF Community Partnership’s newest member. Lucas is from the Workington area and is currently studying Natural Sciences at Durham University.

     

    What made you want to join the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership?

    “I recognised the importance of the issue of GDF when I received a leaflet in the post about the GDF Programme earlier this year. I wanted to join the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership to bring together experts and the community to ensure the correct knowledge is being communicated, and to create a level of transparency in the Allerdale community.”

    What do you hope to bring to the Partnership?

    “I hope to bring innovative new approaches on how we can connect the public and experts in regard to transfer of information about a potential GDF. The community and I recognise the significance and sensitivity of this issue; therefore, we want to ensure the correct decision is made, and that can only be done through communicating with the public.”

    What’s your own vision for the future of your community in Allerdale?

    “I would love Allerdale to become an area of economic potential, an area which people aspire to move to for work; a community which embraces innovation and sustainable practises, ensuring a bright and prosperous future.”

     

     

    “I would love Allerdale to become an area of economic potential, an area which people aspire to move to for work; a community which embraces innovation”

    – Lucas Wirga


  10. CELEBRATIONS FOR EXCITING NEW SPORTS FACILITY IN GREAT BROUGHTON

    by Laura Kay

    Pupils and staff at Broughton Primary School gather with special guests to celebrate the official opening of school’s new multi-use sports facility.

    Broughton Primary School, part of the Learning for Life Trust, were awarded £68,000 in Community Investment Funding from the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership to install a Multi-use Games Area (MUGA) in the school yard.

    The previous tarmacked area was no longer fit for delivering high-quality Physical Education lessons, especially during the winter months. Now, as well as providing an outstanding facility for school activities, the MUGA will also be available for use by the wider local community.

    At the start of the ceremony, Headteacher, Mrs. Anna Bewsher, welcomed guests and talked about the importance of sport and physical activity for all-round well-being, confidence building and teamwork skills.

    After addressing the children, Chair of the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership, Mary Bradley, said: “We are so glad to be able to award funding to this incredibly important project that will benefit not only pupils at this school, but the wider community in Great Broughton and beyond. It’s a fabulous facility and we look forward to seeing young people and adults enjoying the benefits for many years to come.”

    Laura Ivison and Chloe Henderson from Workington Reds Ladies Football Club and Cockermouth Cricket Club Youth Coach, John Gibson, spoke about the impact of sport for them and their communities, before cutting the ribbon to formerly declare the MUGA open.

    Headteacher Anna Bewsher said: “The playground has been absolutely transformed and we’re delighted that the MUGA will make many outdoor activities so much more accessible, not only for our pupils, but also the wider community who will have access outside school hours for whatever sport or activity they wish to pursue.”

    “As a village, Broughton has a proud sporting heritage stretching back to the 19th Century, which includes County champions at rugby, football, netball, and crown green bowling. Local individuals and former school pupils have earned representation at district, county, England and GB level and as a school we are proud of the solid foundations we set for our young people.”

    “The MUGA, however, is not just about helping sporting endeavour. It’s about promoting a positive and healthy well-being for everyone, and we are incredibly grateful to the Allerdale GDF Community Partnership for helping us to provide more people with the opportunity to exercise in whichever way they wish.”