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NDA approval accelerates Capenhurst clean-up programme
NDA approval accelerates Capenhurst clean-up programme
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority approval for the decontamination of the former fuel enrichment complex has enabled acceleration of the decommissioning programme at the Capenhurst site.
Ian Mason, head of decommissioning, explained: “This is a significant step in our vision to be the first NDA site to complete decommissioning. Successful completion of this work will clean-up a sizeable footprint of the Capenhurst site and pave the way for conventional demolition activities in 2006/2007.”
A key aspect of the work is that it is being carried out almost exclusively by British Nuclear Group staff, unlike previous decontamination work which utilised external support.
Ian explained: “On previous work we have utilised a number of contractors and their performance has been mixed. From this experience we have identified which work packages are better suited to the experience and expertise of our own staff. With the decontamination of the former fuel enrichment complex we have an internal team who have established a good track record of waste processing and disposal, delivering to schedule and cost, and above all, maintaining the highest standards of safety and environmental performance. I am confident they will continue to operate at this high level.
“Stakeholder management has been a significant part of the preparations for decommissioning the former fuel enrichment complex. Diverting supplies and carrying out decommissioning and demolition while maintaining operations in the Urenco facility is a major task.
“Diversion design work is well advanced, with majority of packages out to tender. Similar, but smaller scale decommissioning and demolition work has been successfully completed earlier. We all look forward to this next phase of work which will secure a major step towards our ultimate goal of being the first NDA site to complete decommissioning.”
Steve Beverley, operations manager, said: “This is a challenge but the approval from the NDA shows the confidence they have in our ability to deliver. The benefits for carrying out this work internally are a dedicated focused team who understands our key drivers for completing this task safely and efficiently. We are confident that the team can successfully deliver this package of work to the high standards and quality expected by everyone at Capenhurst.”
