Publication Laka-library:
The Establishment of Scientific Consensus on the Interpretation and Significance of the Results of Science Programmes into Radioactive Waste Disposal. Advice to Ministers
| Author | RWMAC |
| Date | April 1999 |
| Classification | 2.05.4.10/47 (UNITED KINGDOM - WASTE - NIREX/NDA DECOMMISIONING) |
| Front | 
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From the publication:
1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 In a letter to the then Chairman of the Radioactive Waste Management Advisory Committee (RWMAC), Sir Gordon Beveridge, dated 29 January 1998, the Minister for the Environment, Michael Meacher, asked the Committee to provide the Government with advice on "how to establish scientific consensus on the interpretation and significance of the results of science programmes into radioactive waste disposal". 1.2 A RWMAC Working Group, chaired by Professor Andrew Blowers, (see Appendix 1) was constituted to undertake the study. As a result of its initial discussions, which suggested that the relationship of science to society was central to the work, the Working Group decided to consult a number of organisations and individuals interested either in the problems raised by the management of radioactive waste or with issues relating to the public understanding of science. The views of those organisations and individuals who responded are not set out in detail in this document. However, they have been taken into account in construction of the RWMAC's advice. 1.3 Two more general considerations have also influenced the construction of this particular piece of RWMAC advice. First, the Ministerial request refers to science programmes into radioactive waste disposal. However, the RWMAC noted that disposal, as opposed to some form of long-term storage, has not been confirmed as the current Government's preferred option for the long-term management of the UK's radioactive waste. Further, as it progressed its work, the RWMAC reached the view that some of the issues relating to the achievement of scientific consensus extend back to the process of selection of the preferred option itself and, for this reason, cannot be restricted to disposal issues alone. 1.4 In this context, reference to disposal is taken to apply to the underground disposal of intermediate level and high level radioactive wastes that are currently in store and which continue to be produced. It would also apply to spent nuclear fuel and other reprocessing products, such as separated plutonium and uranium, if these also eventually came to be recognised as wastes. Most low level waste is already disposed of to the near-surface disposal facilities at Drigg and Dounreay. 1.5 Second, the aim of consensus-building has to be that of aiding effective decision making. While, in the context of radioactive waste management, the achievement of scientific consensus will be a key component of this, it will, in the RWMAC's view, be insufficient in itself. H policy for the future management of such wastes is to be successful, a broader social consensus will be necessary. This closely related requirement has also been considered in the preparation of the advice. 1.6 The RWMAC sees this report as being a first phase of advice on the issue of consensus, which essentially considers the issue in terms of broad principles. It recognises that a second phase may be necessary in future, to provide more detailed and specific advice, as the Government develops its policy proposals (see section 2).
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