The SGHWR decommissioning project waste strategy

BNFLʹs Sellafield site has developed significantly since the 1950s, and continues to develop with the current major construction projects in progress. There exists therefore a wide range of buildings and infrastructure facilities of various age and construction style. It is the experience at Sellafield that where life extension is required, it is to achieve two fundamental objectives: to extend the period of safe operations, or to extend serviceable life in order to support decommissioning programmes. Integrated multi-discipline teams are usually established for Sellafield projects. This is especially appropriate for life extension projects which present more restrictions and interfaces than ʹnew buildʹ projects. It has been demonstrated that project teams which include operators, designers, safety personnel, and constructors, are required to establish achievable life extension! decommissioning strategies. Further advantages are gained if these teams of appropriate skills and experience are maintained throughout the project as it progresses through safety case preparation, design, installation and commissioning. A critical aspect of life extension projects concerns the restrictions imposed by the nature, the operational demands, and the immediate environment of the existing facility. These restrictions will influence the scope and complexity of the project and will necessitate effective teamwork at all stages, from initial strategies through to commissioning. disciplined team which possesses the relevant skills and experience necessary to achieve a successful conclusion. A briefcase study illustrates some of the more significant issues discussed.