Work to prepare the site commenced in 2007, and includes site investigation, the removal of redundant services, preparatory ground works and services diversion works. This work is allowable prior to planning consent being received, and is currently planned to complete by the end of 2010.
The replacement enriched uranium handling facility at the Atomic Weapons Establishment is due on current plans to become operational in 2018. The materiel outputs of the facility are for use in the Defence nuclear programme. I am not prepared to disclose further details of usage as this would, or would be likely to, prejudice national security and defence in the UK.
The Ministry of Defence owns the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites and all radioactive waste stored on those sites. The cost of storing radioactive waste at AWE is covered in the management and operation contract between AWE Management Ltd and the Department.