Corporate report

National Waste Programme Quarterly Report: Q1 FY 2021 to 2022

Published 22 November 2021

This report provides a “snapshot in time” of the progress being made within the National Waste Programme community to achieve the strategic objectives of the programme. The report provides updates from NDA-estate waste producers, including a look-back, focus areas for the next quarter; a status update table on projects, events and significant deadlines for the coming quarter ; and updates / changes to the threats / opportunities register. For more information, please contact [email protected]

1. Overview – National Programme

1.1 Quarterly Update

• Procurement was completed for the Integrated Waste Management Programme Waste Culture Metrics, key performance indicators and Incentivisation project via the National Waste Programme project support call-off contract and Incentivisation project via the NWP project support call-off contract and a kick-off meeting was held with the contractor.
• Case studies on Waste Culture, and Non-Radioactive Waste Management were submitted to the Integrated Waste Management Programme Programme Management Office to support the end of financial year report.
• The updated Container Signposting Resource and Training Database were shared with stakeholders via the Hub.
• A kick-off meeting was held with the contractor for the Integrated Waste Management Programme Waste Culture Metrics, KPIs and Incentivisation project.
• The second Industry Waste Mis-Consignment Lexicon project stakeholder workshop was held, and progress was made on developing a scaled and nuanced definition.
• A positive and constructive regulatory engagement session was held with Environment Agency and the Office for Nuclear Regulation to share work-in-progress on the industry definition of mis-consignment project.
• A project scoping session was held with NDA Integrated Waste Management Strategy and NDA Environmental teams to develop an approach for the Integrated Waste Management Programme Conventional Waste Management project.
• The programme of work for FY2021/22 for the Problematic Waste Integrated Project Team was approved by the Integrated Project Team Board.
• The first Environmental Safety Case Programme Customer Working Group – hosted by the National Waste Programme Office – was held; this will be a useful working arrangement for engaging with customers on the Environmental Safety Case Programme moving forwards.

1.2 Peer Reviews & Assists

• A meeting was held with Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to discuss the scope of a Peer Learning Event to support future use of the combustible waste route at the Dounreay site.

1.3 Key Meetings

• The National Waste Programme Delivery Overview Group meeting was held with over 30 attendees from 15 organisations: including a celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the formation of the National Waste Programme Office.
• The National Waste Programme Office represented LLW Repository Ltd at a workshop on the NDA Container Strategy Strand B (Management Body) workstream.
• The National Waste Programme, alongside colleagues from Waste Management Services, represented LLW Repository Ltd at a workshop on the NDA Packages Strategy Strand A (Catalogue) workstream.
• The National Waste Programme Office represented LLW Repository Ltd at a workshop on the NDA Container Strategy Strand B (Management Body) workstream.
• The Head of National Waste Programme represented the UK at an International Atomic Energy Agency Working Group meeting on cost estimating for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials management, sharing the UK experiences of radioactive waste management cost estimating.

1.4 Focus areas for next Quarter

• Initiate stakeholder engagement across a range of National Waste Programme projects such as the Integrated Waste Management Programme Characterisation project and the National Strategic Best Available Technique Reviews.
• Conclude procurement for the Integrated Waste Management Programme Cost Norms project and hold kick-off.

2. Waste Management Services

2.1 Quarterly Update

• A Supplier Engagement Session was held to support the re-competition of the Thermal and Conditioning framework, attended by over 40 personnel from 20 organisations.
• A meeting was held with LLW Repository Ltd’s Waste Delivery team to develop the scope required to access a supercompaction and disposal service for drums recharacterised as Low Level Waste through the Plutonium Contaminated Material re-characterisation project. The service will incorporate the provision of packaging and technical support.
• A meeting was held with Sellafield regarding the Calder Heat Exchangers project. Updates were provided on the current phases of work ongoing, specifically Study 2 which includes waste processing and disposal of heat exchangers.
• A contract for the treatment and disposal of up to 120 Multi Element Bottles (MEBs) from Sellafield over the next 3 years has been awarded to Cyclife, start-up meetings were held to discuss the project in further detail.
• Progress is being made on the Harwell Offsite Discharge Pipework (ODP) project; this will be a high priority review for both organisations.
• A meeting was held with Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd to discuss the Stores Decant project and the repacking of containers with high voidage issues.
• An engagement meeting with LLW Repository Ltd and Magnox was held to discuss the Dungeness Boiler project and detail the plans for characterisation of the boilers. Engagement milestones were established with further discussions taking place in July.
• A meeting was held with Her Majesty’s Naval Base Clyde to discuss their legacy tanks project. MOD have now indicated that the project can proceed. LLW Repository Ltd will establish a revised service schedule based on the new start date.
• The tender evaluation process is underway to select a Contractor from LLW Repository Ltd’s metals framework for Mixed Metallic Waste from Sellafield. Between 700 and 900 tonnes of containerised metallic waste generated will be consigned through this service.
• Following several weeks of planning and management between LLW Repository Ltd, Cyclife UK and Sellafield, the first pair of pond skips, in over 12 months, was consigned from Sellafield to Cyclife. The opening of this route allows Sellafield to continue high hazard risk reduction on the site.
• A workshop was held with Sellafield and the supply chain for the Metallic Waste Treatment Services Framework to discuss supply chain capability and services in relation to higher activity items originating from the legacy ponds and silos.

2.2 Focus areas for next Quarter

• Prepare and execute the Characterisation Customer-Supplier Forum.
• Execute the first consignments of the Harwell Offsite Discharge Pipeline.

3. Overview – Sellafield Ltd

3.1 Quarterly Update

Q1 performance has been strong with a focus on meeting the site demand for operational wastes as well as bringing online the Skip Size Reduction Facility and streamlining the Chemical disposal process.

Good progress has been made on a range of transformation activities, including;

• Issue 2 of the Calder Landfill Extension Segregated Area Environmental Safety Case has been signed off and approved.
• A review has been undertaken as part of the waste profession plan of the coverage of key waste roles within Sellafield. These include Plant Solid Waste Coordinator, Waste Advisor, Site Clearance Coordinator and Skip Controller.
• Alternative treatment for the stripping and recycling of electrical cable has been agreed with Sellafield service provider.
• Multi Element Bottle contract has been placed with Cyclife and the first bottles will be consigned at the end of May.
• Re-tendering of Very Low Level Waste (hazardous and non-hazardous) contracts successfully completed.
• Initial engagement with LLW Repository Ltd on provision of inventory data to support work they are undertaking on optimised use of the LLW Repository site at the request of NDA.
• Pile Fuel Storage Pond skips disposal route restarted.
• Streamlining of packaging process for chemicals for disposal from 30 days to 1 day.

3.2 Focus areas for next Quarter

• Supporting National Waste Programme project on the Mis-Consignment Lexicon.
• Bring the Skip Size Reduction facility into active commissioning and operations.
• Continued progress on Decommissioning Waste Services Partnership to support High Hazard and Risk Reduction.
• Continued reduction of redundant chemical numbers on the Sellafield site through off site treatment.
• Resolution of a treatment method for the C-Type flasks and higher activity metallic waste route information gathering.
• Approval for the revised Waste Programme Mandate, Benefits Map and planning.
• Continued progress of the waste people plan, focusing on workload planning.

4. Overview – Magnox Ltd

4.1 Quarterly Update

At the end of Q1 Magnox has shipped 3te metallic waste, 21m3 of combustible waste, 1528m3 of Very Low Level Waste and has consigned one container for disposal at Low Level Waste Repository.

Progress has been made across a number of projects:

• Actively involved in a number of Integrated Waste Management Programme projects that have begun including Waste (Culture) Comms project; waste metrics project as well as preparing to launch the projects Magnox is leading on across the programme including Career Pathways and Virtual Mobile Waste teams.
• Review of synergies between Integrated Waste Management Programme and the Magnox Waste Management Improvement Programme via a comparison of programme blueprints; consolidation of these work areas is progressing within Magnox.
• Participation with LLW Repository Ltd’s customer working group.
• Harwell Offsite Discharge Pipework project – Best Available Technique approved and preparations almost complete for first consignment.
• Collaboration with LLW Repository Ltd regarding trial of the new enquiry process for characterisation ahead of the transition to Waste Characterisation Assurance Support Services III.
• New problematic waste register produced which includes legacy waste.
• Best Available Technique workshops held for Active Effluent Treatment Plant sludge and sand/gravel streams – part of the phase 2 waste streams for the Dungeness borderline wet waste project.

4.2 Focus areas for next Quarter

• Begin shipments of Offsite Discharge Pipework pipeline from Harwell for Ultra High Pressure cleaning.
• Complete Best Available Technique assessments for Dungeness borderline wet waste project – phase 2 waste streams.
• Hold first characterisation for non-practitioners training session and first cohort to begin Low Level Waste fingerprint management workbook training.
• Confirmation of scope of work to be undertaken in collaboration with LLW Repository on Low Activity Waste management for Rolling Programme of Decommissioning (RPD) and get work underway.
• Successfully launch the Magnox-led Integrated Waste Management Programme projects.
• Transition to Waste Characterisation Assurance Support Services III and new operating model.

5. Overview – Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd

5.1 Quarterly Update

Operations:

• Decommissioning activities were mostly limited to clean wastes and compliance related Low Level Waste / Out of Scope of Regulation justified under Customer Service Agreements as the Fingerprint validation and underpinning exercise continues.
• Some Low Level Waste drums have been consigned to Waste Receipt Assay Characterisation and Supercompaction under new approved Fingerprints, but no assay or compaction has been carried out as assay systems were awaiting calibration.
• Non-Containerised waste diversion work resumed early May and completed on three large bulk items which now await completion of characterisation before moving to disposal phase work.
• Oils and Solvents Waste Consignment Information forms being prepared for submission to Low Level Waste Repository. #### Compliance:
• The number of Fingerprints implemented for use by plants / projects has increased to 13 at end of Q1 – additional resource has been sourced to accelerate delivery of the programme.
• Customer Service Level Agreements continue to permit controlled Low Level Waste generation of compliance related Low Level Waste and Out of Scope of Regulation wastes for facilities awaiting updated Fingerprints.

5.2 Focus areas for next Quarter

• Resume consignment of compliant Low Level Waste for waste processing to include a campaign of Encapsulation Plant / D3100 disposal operations.
• Finalise characterisation of Non-Containerised Waste for off-site diversion via Low Level Waste Repository Framework.
• Complete stored Low Level Waste Half-Height Isofreight container voidage Best Practicable Means Statements.
• Implement Scope of Work to assess impact of Fingerprint validation and underpinning project on stored legacy wastes.
• Consignment of Oils and Solvents for off-site disposal through Low Level Waste Repository Waste Services Contract.
• Continue review, revision and approval of Dounreay Fingerprints.

6. Overview – Low Level Waste Repository Site

6.1 Quarterly Update

• Waste Services Quotation received for new Metallic Service Provider.
• Consignment of batch 43 combustibles to Tradebe.
• Waste Services Quotation approved for hazardous & non-hazardous Very Low Level Waste.
• 5 x interim storage Full-Height Isofreight containers consigned to Suez.
• NSG team mobilised to support Plutonium Contaminated Material Drum re-characterisation and commencement of Drum Assay for the Plutonium Contaminated Material re-characterisation project.
• Consignment of Batch 44 Combustibles to Tradebe.
• Consignment of Batch 20 Metals to Augean.
• Waste Enquiry Form submitted for Combustible Waste Treatment Service.
• Soil samples dispatched to analytical laboratory (suspected to contain mononitrotoluene).
• Consignment of metals batch 19 to Augean.
• Loading of Very Low Level Waste batch 002 (material from the Magazines) complete - to be consigned to Suez.
• Preparation of Large Items from Demolition continues.
• Loading of metals batch 21 for consignment to Augean complete - to be consigned to Augean.
• Loading of metals batch 22 for consignment to Augean complete - to be consigned to Augean.
• Loading of combustibles batch 11 for consignment to Tradebe complete - to be consigned to Tradebe.
• Low Level Waste delivery strategy documents are being progressed (compliance documentation for the Plutonium Contaminated Material drum re-characterisation programme of work).

6.2 Focus areas for next Quarter

• Finish loading Very Low Level Waste generated from Drigg Grouting Facility and various projects around the site.
• Preparation and loading of batteries, cadmium and Ion Exchange Units into drums for consignment.
• Continue providing support to the Business-as-Usual projects as they arise.
• Provide support to the Drum re-characterisation Project – transition to Business-as-Usual and readiness for consigning re-characterised drums off the LLW Repository Site for supercompaction.
• Consignment of combustibles batch 11 to Tradebe.
• Consignment of Mag 4 DEMO HHISO 1.
• Consignment of Metals batch 21 to Augean.
• Consignment of metals batch 22 to Augean.
• Consignment of 3 x filter housing units to Augean.
• Load further Plutonium Contaminated Material magazines waste (metal / combustible / Very Low Level Waste) consignments as they arise.
• Consignment of metallic waste generated as part of the Plutonium Contaminated Material demolition programme.
• Setting up task team for the management of TNT/ unexploded ordinance. 

7. Forward Calendar

• 12/05/2021 – Mis-Consignment of Waste Workshop
• 17/05/2021 – Low Level Waste National Waste Programme Monthly Managers Telecon (Teleconference)
• 19/05/2021 – Low Level Waste Practitioners Forum (1 of 2) (Teleconference)
• 26/05/2021 - National Waste Programme Monthly Report Waste Producer Submission Deadline [May 21]
• 26/05/2021 – Low Level Waste Practitioners Forum (2 of 2) (Teleconference)
• 02/06/2021 – Low Level Waste National Waste Programme Regulatory Meeting (Teleconference)
• 21/06/2021 – Low Level Waste National Waste Programme Monthly Managers Telecon (Teleconference)
• 30/06/2021 – National Waste Programme Monthly Report Waste Producer Submission Deadline [June 21]
• 20/07/2021 – Low Level Waste National Waste Programme Monthly Managers Quarterly Face to Face (To Be Determined)
• 22/07/2021 – Characterisation Customer Supplier Forum (To Be Determined)
• 28/07/2021 – National Waste Programme Monthly Report Waste Producer Submission Deadline [July 21]

8. Performance Against Priority Business Changes

• Waste-Informed Culture is prevalent across the industry and full Low Level Waste management value chain; Status – green – project commenced and is on target to deliver on or ahead of schedule.
• There is a detailed understanding of he sustainability of Low Level Waste management practice and arrangements, and action is being taken to improve this; Status – green – project commenced and is on target to deliver on or ahead of schedule.
• Waste management practice enables agile, efficient and effective waste flow management to support facility operations, decommissioning and site restoration. Waste management is fully risk-informed, enabling effective management of waste a the Low Level Waste / Intermediate Level Waste boundary; Status – green – project commenced and is on target to deliver on or ahead of schedule.
• Resourcing (including specialised resource) is resilient across the industry and supports effective waste management. There is a cross-industry understanding of skill sets, needs, projections and opportunities. Work is undertaken to mitigate risks to the waste management sector; Status – green – project commenced and is on target to deliver on or ahead of schedule.
• Management of problematic wastes and wastes at the Low Level Waste / Intermediate Level Waste boundary boundary is business-as-usual; Status – green – project commenced and is on target to deliver on or ahead of schedule.

9. Strategic Threats and Opportunities

The strategic threats on the National Waste Programme are:

• Significant waste mis-consignment event causes partial or full closure of diversion or disposal route(s). Current risk level – Major. Probability level – Possible.
• Insufficient radiological, non-radiological or volumetric capacity in the supply chain. Or excessive demand for capacity. Current risk level – Moderate. Probability level – Possible.
• Insufficient radiological, non-radiological or volumetric capacity at LLW Repository. Current risk level – Major. Probability level – Unlikely.
• Changes in legislation, governmental policy and regulatory perspective prevents execution of the Low Level Waste Strategy. Current risk level – Moderate. Probability level – Unlikely.
• Large volumes of waste from contaminated land remediation generated and managed as lower activity waste. Current risk level – Major. Probability level – Unlikely.
• Non-industry stakeholder concerns over radioactive waste management constrain access to existing routes and / or development of new routes and facilities. Current risk level – Marginal. Probability level – Unlikely.
• Global event (such as a pandemic or war) impacts functioning of all parts of the Low Level Waste community, waste management and route availability. Current risk level – Marginal. Probability level – Unlikely.

The strategic opportunities of the National Waste Programme are:

• Positive step change in the sustainability of the supply chain. Opportunity rating – Significant. Probability level – Possible.
• Relevant Intermediate Level Waste diverted from High Activity Waste disposal. Opportunity rating – Significant. Probability level – Possible.
• Buffer storage capabilities can be mobilised for contingency situations (only). Opportunity rating – Marginal. Probability level – Unlikely.
• Improved use of transport infrastructure to support management of Intermediate Level Waste. Opportunity rating – Marginal. Probability level – Unlikely.
• Fit-for-purpose flexible and agile packaging fleets available for Low Level Waste management. Opportunity rating – Marginal. Probability level – Possible.
• Management solutions available and in use for complex, challenging and Problematic Low Level Waste. Opportunity rating – Significant. Probability level – Possible.