The low-level waste facility in West Cumbria is the only site in the UK licensed for the disposal of low-level waste (LLW). LLW is transported there by rail and road in purpose designed and licensed containers for disposal in the engineered vaults.
Options for the long-term management of higher- activity wastes are currently the subject of consideration and evaluation by the independent Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). CoRWM is due to make its final recommendations to Government in July 2006. The long-term management policy for these higher activity wastes will then be decided by UK Government and the devolved administrations in the light of CoRWM's recommendations.
CoRWM has made a preliminary announcement that its recommendation is for deep geological disposal with robust interim surface storage.
The process of selecting a site or sites for whatever facility is ultimately chosen for dealing with these wastes will be undertaken in a similarly open and transparent manner as the work of CoRWM, with opportunities for the public to be involved and to influence the decisions directly.