Currently, advice is provided to nuclear operators on packaging of radioactive waste via a system known as the “Letter of Compliance” system. This is administered by the Radioactive Waste Management Division of the NDA (RWMD). This packaging advice is used by operators in developing safety cases which must be approved by the independent safety regulators. The work of the RWMD in administering the Letter of Compliance system is also overseen by the independent regulators.
In due course we anticipate that the future operator of a geological waste disposal facility will take on the responsibility for setting and administering formal acceptance criteria for all waste to be disposed of in the facility. This will continue to be done under the scrutiny of the independent statutory regulators.