UK strategy for radioactive discharges: 2018 review of the 2009 strategy
Source: environment.data.gov.uk (2024-01-03)

BEIS: Ambient gamma radiation dose rates across the UK. Data received from 96 fixed and mobile monitors measuring the ambient (background) gamma radiation dose rate across the UK on an hourly basis.
Background radiation continues to be the main component of observed levels of gamma radiation recorded at sites. The observed UK annual radiation dose rate ranges from around 0.5 mSv to 1.0 mSv with an average of less than 0.7mSv.
High readings

Future data now published under DESNZ
The higher readings, identified by red type in the ‘Max’ column of these files, are at a level which requires investigation. Each has been investigated and no specific reason found.
It is not unusual to have a small number of slightly elevated readings, often referred to as anomalies, which could be due to weather or power related factors, though the cause is often unknown. As no fault or reason was found, there is no justification for amending the readings on the database.

UK STRATEGY FOR 
RADIOACTIVE 
DISCHARGES 
2018 Review of the 2009 Strategy 
 
June 2018  

 
 
 
UK STRATEGY FOR 
RADIOACTIVE DISCHARGES 
2018 Review of the 2009 Strategy 
© Crown copyright 2018 
You may re-use this information (not including logos) free of charge in any format or 
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Contents 
3 
Contents 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY _______________________________________________ 5 
INTRODUCTION _____________________________________________________ 6 
GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK _____ 8 
Introduction ________________________________________________________ 8 
Restatement of Government Policy _____________________________________ 8 
Changes in UK Legislation and Regulation _______________________________ 8 
Changes and Updates to International Legislation, Regulation and Reporting 
Procedures ________________________________________________________ 11 
Further Information __________________________________________________ 14 
UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS ___________________________________ 15 
Introduction ________________________________________________________ 15 
Update on Uncertainties and Assumptions set out in the UKSRDS09 ___________ 16 
Horizon Scanning ___________________________________________________ 19 
Summary _________________________________________________________ 19 
SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS ____________________________________ 20 
Introduction ________________________________________________________ 20 
Overview __________________________________________________________ 22 
Introduction to the Graphs ____________________________________________ 25 
Sectoral Data ______________________________________________________ 26 
EVALUATION OF PROGRESS TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OSPAR 
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES STRATEGY – OSPAR 3RD AND 4TH PERIODIC 
EVALUATION ________________________________________________________ 35 
ANNEX I ____________________________________________________________ 38 
Introduction ________________________________________________________ 38 
Nuclear Fuel Manufacture and Uranium Enrichment Sector___________________ 39 
Nuclear Energy Production Sector ______________________________________ 43 
Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Sector _________________________________ 47 
Nuclear Research Facilities ___________________________________________ 52 
Defence Sector _____________________________________________________ 57 
Discharges from the Non-Nuclear Sector - Isotope Production and Radiolabelling, 
Medical, Pharmaceutical and Academic uses _____________________________ 62 

Contents 
4 
Discharges from the Non-Nuclear Sector - Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials 
(NORM) __________________________________________________________ 67 
Discharges from the Waste and Incineration Sector _________________________ 67 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
5 
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
1. 
The Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland 
published a Radioactive Discharges Strategy for the period 2001-2020 in 2002. This 
Strategy was updated in 2009 to broaden its scope. 
2. 
The UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges 20091 (after this point called UKSRDS09) 
laid out the UK Government policy on radioactive discharges: that the unnecessary 
introduction of radioactivity into the environment is undesirable, even at levels where 
doses to humans and other species are low and, on the basis of current knowledge, 
are unlikely to cause harm. 
3. 
The UKSRDS09 stated the UK Government’s intent to review its outcomes and 
discharge profiles every five years. This publication marks the fulfilment of the UK’s 
intent to conduct this review. This document is not a revision of the overall approach 
to radioactive discharges contained in the UKSRDS09, nor is it a new strategy. 
4. 
This review takes account of developments in UK Government policy, commercial 
decisions within the nuclear industry, technological advances and improvements in our 
knowledge of the impacts of radionuclides in the marine environment. 
5. 
This review demonstrates the clear evidence of progress being made by the UK in 
meeting the outcomes (not to be misinterpreted as targets) of the UKSRDS09 and 
contributing towards the objectives of the OSPAR Radioactive Substances Strategy. 
6. 
This review will be submitted to the OSPAR Convention Secretariat and other 
Contracting Parties for their consideration. 
 
 
1 
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/249884/uk_strategy_for
_radioactive_discharges.pdf 

INTRODUCTION 
6 
INTRODUCTION 
7. 
The United Kingdom is a signatory to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine 
Environment of the North East Atlantic (hereafter referred to as the “OSPAR 
Convention”), which came into force in 1998 replacing the original Oslo and Paris 
Conventions; the contracting parties to which are a number of European countries and 
the European Union. The OSPAR Convention identifies threats to the marine 
environment and organises programmes and measures designed to ensure effective 
national action to combat them.  One of the key work areas of OSPAR is on radioactive 
substances: the Radioactive Substances Committee meets annually. 
8. 
To implement the provisions of the OSPAR Convention, and subsequent OSPAR 
meetings on radioactive substances, the UK produced a Radioactive Discharges 
Strategy for the period 2001-2020 in 2002.  The Strategy was updated in 2009 to 
update the scope to include aerial as well as liquid discharges, decommissioning as 
well as operational activities, and the non-nuclear sector as well as the nuclear sector.   
It accounted for actual radioactive discharges of total alpha, total beta and (where 
appropriate) tritium for 2001-2005, and projections for discharges up until 2030.   
9. 
The UKSRDS09 laid out UK Government policy on radioactive discharges: that the 
unnecessary introduction of radioactivity into the environment is undesirable, even at 
levels where doses to humans and other species are low and, on the basis of current 
knowledge, are unlikely to cause harm.  The UKSRDS09 is based on the use of Best 
Available Techniques (in England and Wales – equivalent to Best Practicable Means 
and Best Practicable Environment Option in Scotland and Northern Ireland) to prevent 
and, where this is not practicable, minimise waste generation and discharges to the 
environment.  In England and Wales, radioactive discharges are regulated under the 
Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 (Scotland and Northern Ireland still use 
the Radioactive Substances Act 1993) to ensure that dose levels to members of the 
public remain well below internationally agreed limits and to protect both human health 
and the environment.   
10. The UKSRDS09 committed the UK to its review and to issue an updated version “about 
every five years” (though work has been delayed due to capacity constraints).  This 
publication marks the fulfilment of the UK’s voluntary commitment to conduct this 
review.   
11. This does not consist of a revision of the overall approach to radioactive discharges 
contained in the UKSRDS09.  It is not a new strategy document.  As the chapter titled 
‘Government Policy, Legislative and Regulatory Framework’ shows, the UK 
Government remains committed to the principles laid out in the UKSRDS09.  Instead, 
it provides an update with regard to the situation of radioactive discharges in the UK.  
It first provides an update as to the legislative and regulatory framework in the UK 
related to radioactive discharges, and then supplies updated actual discharge figures 

INTRODUCTION 
7 
(for the same sectors and categories of discharge – unless otherwise explained – as 
for the UKSRDS09) for 2015 and new forecast projections of discharges up to 2030.  
12. The chapter titled ‘Government Policy, Legislative and Regulatory Framework’, lays 
out the changes to the legislative and regulatory framework concerning radioactive 
discharges in the UK, both from changes in domestic policy and international 
requirements.   
13. The chapter titled ‘Uncertainties and Assumptions’ puts the new discharges data in 
context by providing the assumptions behind the data and forecast projections, and 
the uncertainties and caveats that should be taken into account when reading the data.  
These cover the different sectors reviewed by this publication, both nuclear and non-
nuclear.   
14. The chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’ provides a summary of the liquid 
discharge data provided by operators for the main nuclear sectors (nuclear fuel 
manufacturing and enrichment, nuclear energy production, spent fuel reprocessing 
and decommissioning, research and defence), and an analysis of the trends revealed 
by the data.  Aerial discharges are not considered in this chapter, as the main focus of 
OSPAR is liquid discharges.   
15. Annex I updates Part 2 (chapters 7 to 14) of the UKSRDS09, with full data (where 
possible) on liquid and aerial discharges for all nuclear and non-nuclear sectors, and 
an update on main developments since 2009 in all sectors.   
16. This review shows that the UK is making good progress in reducing radioactive 
discharges.  The vast majority of UK radioactive discharges from all sectors in 2015 
are below the OSPAR baselines (baseline years 1995-2001), showing there is clear 
evidence of progress being made by the UK in contributing towards meeting the 
objectives of the OSPAR Radioactive Substances Strategy.  In about half of cases 
involving liquid discharges, discharges in 2015 were already below the discharge 
levels forecast in the UKSRDS09 for 2020.   
17. This review will be submitted to the OSPAR Convention Secretariat and other 
Contracting Parties for their consideration.   
 

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
8 
GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE 
AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
Introduction  
18. This document provides an update to the UKSRDS09 and is not intended to replace it. 
Therefore, this chapter will note only changes in Government policy and in legislation 
or the regulatory framework that governs radioactive discharges in the UK. 
Restatement of Government Policy 
19. Government policy continues to recognise those principles as stated at 1.6 of the 
UKSRDS09 (Page 6) as a means of governing unnecessary introduction of 
radioactivity into the environment. 
20. This review will focus on progress in implementing the UKSRDS09 and changes in the 
nuclear industry and policy since 2009. 
Changes in UK Legislation and Regulation  
21. This section notes the changes made to both UK and international legislation and 
regulation concerning the management of radioactive discharges in the UK since 2009. 
Any substantial changes in industry practices that relate to radioactive discharges will 
be discussed in the chapter titled ‘Uncertainties and Assumptions’. 
Changes in UK Legislation  
The Energy Act 2013 
22. In December 2013 the Energy Act 2013 (EA13) was enacted. It included measures to 
establish the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) as a statutory public corporation. 
23. Establishment of ONR as a public corporation, with responsibility for holding the 
nuclear industry to account on behalf of the public in a fully transparent way, was seen 
by the UK Government as important to address the anticipated regulatory demands of 
an expanding nuclear sector. The creation of ONR brought regulation of nuclear safety, 
regulation of the transport of civil radioactive materials, regulation of security 
compliance and the UK Safeguards Office into a single body. 
24. The ONR’s main purposes are: 
• protecting people from the risks of harm from ionising radiation from UK 
nuclear sites; 

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
9 
• protecting people from risks to health and safety from work activities on UK 
nuclear sites, including risks from the storage of dangerous substances; 
• ensuring the security of civil nuclear premises, the nuclear materials used 
there, and sensitive information, equipment and technology; 
• ensuring compliance by the UK with its international safeguards obligations; 
and 
• protecting against risks relating to the civil transport of radioactive material in 
Great Britain by road, rail, or inland waterway. 
25. The EA13 did not affect the standards of safety or associated regulatory requirements 
that the ONR places upon the UK nuclear industry. 
Natural Resources Wales 2013 
26. The Natural Resources Body for Wales (Establishment) Order 2012 established 
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) as a new statutory body. From 1 April 2013, NRW 
took over the functions of the Countryside Council for Wales together with the Welsh 
operations of the Environment Agency and the Forestry Commission.  
The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010/2016 
27. The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 (EPR10) superseded the Radioactive 
Substances Act 1993 (RSA93) in England and Wales. Under EPR10, the Environment 
Agency (England) (EA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW, Wales) as the 
environmental regulators are required to regulate disposals of radioactive waste 
(including discharges). This includes site inspection, maintaining public registers and 
providing information relating to environmental permitting, and undertaking formal 
consultations on major regulatory decisions. A consolidated version of the 
Environmental Permitting Regulations (EPR16) came into force on 1 January 2017 
superseding EPR10.  On 2 May 2018 amendments to EPR16 are expected to come 
into force to transpose aspects of the Basic Safety Standards Directive 2013. The 
RSA93 still applies in Scotland and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, as part of the Better 
Environmental Regulation Programme, the Scottish Government and Scottish 
Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) are working together to develop an integrated 
authorisation framework.  The aim of the framework is to integrate the authorisation, 
procedural and enforcement arrangements relating to water, waste management, 
radioactive substances and pollution prevention and control.  As part of this work, the 
Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EA(S)R), are expected to 
come in to force in later 2018. 
 

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
10 
The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 
28. The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010, is consolidated and 
updated with subsequent amending instruments. Minor modifications reflecting 
changes to related legislation are also made. 
29. Aspects of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 are also implemented. These 
changes also transpose EU Council Directive 92/43/EEC on the conservation of 
natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora. 
30. The changes provide, among other things: 
• that public bodies must exercise their nature conservation functions so as to 
comply with the Habitats Directive and the Wild Birds Directive 
• for the selection, designation, registration and notification of sites to be 
protected under the Habitats Directive, and provide for management 
agreements for European sites 
• for the protection of certain wild animals and plants, in particular making it an 
offence to deliberately capture, kill or disturb those animals or to trade in them. 
Changes in UK Regulation  
Generic Design Assessment 
31. The Generic Design Assessment (GDA) was developed by the Office for Nuclear 
Regulation and the Environment Agency in response to a request from the 
Government following its 2006 Energy Review. The GDA robustly assesses potential 
new nuclear power station designs allowing the UK regulators to assess the safety, 
security and environmental implications (including minimising radioactive discharges 
to the environment) of new reactor designs.  
32. The GDA process therefore enables UK Government to closely scrutinise new nuclear 
power station designs before they are built. Potential design or technical issues can be 
identified early and the reactor designer will have to address them. 
33. The GDA's technical assessments are primarily carried out by ONR and the 
Environment Agency. The Environment Agency and NRW work as partners on 
environmental aspects of the scrutiny process. Any prospective operator that wants to 
operate a nuclear power station has to show that it can build, operate and 
decommission it safely, protect people and the environment and manage radioactive 
waste in compliance with UK standards and regulations. 
34. As well as undergoing the strict and robust GDA process, prospective operators of an 
assessed design must obtain permission from regulators and Government in the form 
of: 

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
11 
• a site licence and relevant consent to begin nuclear-related construction from 
the ONR; 
• environmental permits from the Environment Agency, NRW or SEPA; and, 
• a development consent order from the Department for Business, Energy and 
Industrial Strategy, or Scottish Ministers (at present there is no intention for 
new nuclear build in Scotland). 
The Regulators’ Code 
35. The Regulators’ Code came into statutory effect on 6th April 2014 under the Legislative 
and Regulatory Reform Act 2006, replacing the Regulators’ Compliance Code. It 
provides a clear, flexible and principles-based framework for how regulators should 
engage with those they regulate. 
36. Nearly all non-economic regulators – including the Environment Agency, SEPA, NRW, 
ONR and Health and Safety Executive - must have regard to the Regulators’ Code 
when developing policies and procedures that guide their regulatory activities. 
37. Built upon the five principles of regulation noted at 2.3.9 of the UKSRDS09, the new 
Code sets out a clear framework for transparent and accountable regulatory delivery 
and establishes clear principles for how local authorities should interact with those they 
are regulating. The Code is underpinned by the statutory principles of good regulation, 
which provide that regulatory activities should be carried out in a way which is 
transparent, accountable, proportionate and consistent and should be targeted only at 
cases in which action is needed. 
Guidance on the scope of and exemptions from the radioactive substances legislation in 
the UK – Guidance Document, September 2011 
38. The legislative means by which radioactive substances are regulated in the United 
Kingdom are different between the various devolved administrations; however, the 
effects of the legislation are consistent. The 2011 guidance (to be amended in the near 
future to reflect EURATOM Directive 2013/59) sets out the rationale underpinning the 
exemptions regime, the Government’s intentions for the legislation, and how 
Government intends the regime to be interpreted and implemented. It provides 
information to the environmental regulators and users on the means by which the 
objectives of the exemptions regime should be delivered. 
Changes and Updates to International Legislation, Regulation and 
Reporting Procedures  
39. This section notes the changes and updates to international legislation, regulation and 
reporting procedures concerning the management of radioactive discharges in the UK. 

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
12 
40. As a result of the referendum vote on 23 June 2016 to leave the European Union, the 
UK will also be leaving the Euratom Treaty, as the two treaties are uniquely legally 
joined.  The UK retains its commitment to maintain the highest standards in nuclear 
safety, security and safeguards, and wants to see continuity of these standards and to 
maintain mutually successful civil nuclear cooperation with Euratom.   
41. As a consequence of leaving Euratom, some of the technical legislative instruments 
and administrative structures for implementing international standards may 
change.  The content of this document reflects the status quo in the UK as of early 
spring 2018, prior to leaving Euratom. 
EURATOM Directive 2013/59 - Basic Safety Standards (BSSD) 
42. European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom establishes safety standards for 
protecting workers, the public and medical patients from the effects of ionising 
radiation. The UK transposed the 2013 Basic Safety Standards Directive as fully as 
possible by the transposition deadline of 6 February 2018. Our transposing legislation 
covering occupational radiation exposures came into force on 1 January 2018, and our 
legislation covering medical radiation exposures came into force on 6 February 2018. 
Those covering public radiation exposures and the justification of practices are now in 
force and were formally notified to the European Commission on 22nd May. The 
remaining parts of our transposition will be completed later. We expect the Air & Space 
Crew work stream to complete in December 2018 and Emergency Planning & 
Response to lay their legislation in early 2019. 
EURATOM Directive 2011/70 – Spent Fuel and Radioactive Waste 
43. The UK submitted a National Programme in August 2015, as required under Directive 
2011/70/EURATOM.  The National Programme implements national policies to ensure 
the responsible and safe management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.  
44. The UK and all Member States were also required to submit a National Report2  at the 
same time (and every three years thereafter) detailing progress made with 
implementing the Directive and providing an inventory of radioactive waste and spent 
fuel. 
OSPAR 
45. OSPAR is the mechanism by which 16 Contracting Parties cooperate to protect the 
marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. There are 5 committees focussing on 
different work areas - one of which is the Radioactive Substances Committee (RSC) 
and its Radioactive Substances Strategy (RSS). Aiming to address an OSPAR 
strategic objective the RSC/RSS aim to prevent pollution of the OSPAR maritime area 
 
2 The UK’s National Report can be accessed here: 
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/457893/UK_National_Report
_-_final.pdf  

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
13 
from ionising radiation through progressive and substantial reductions of discharges, 
emissions and losses of radioactive substances, with the ultimate aim of 
concentrations in the environment near background values for naturally occurring 
radioactive substances and close to zero for artificial radioactive substances. This 
objective is further developed by a RSS interim objective by 2020. The RSS will be 
implemented progressively by making every endeavour, through appropriate actions 
and measures, to ensure that by the year 2020 discharges, emissions and losses of 
radioactive substances are reduced to levels where the additional concentrations in 
the marine environment above historic levels, resulting from such discharges, 
emissions and losses, are close to zero. 
OSPAR Convention – defining historical and legacy waste discharges 
46. In 2014, the OSPAR RSC agreed on a definition for ‘historical and legacy waste’ 
discharges. This facilitated allocating discharges to this category by the nuclear 
industry, increasing transparency regarding the source and nature of such discharges. 
OSPAR Contracting Parties have the option to report discharges within this category 
as part of the annual OSPAR reporting process. 
47. There are also a number of RSC workstreams of interest to this review. These are 
listed below.  
Radioactive Substances Committee: 3rd and 4th Periodic Evaluations 
48. The OSPAR RSC published its 3rd Periodic Evaluation in 20093 and the 4th in 20164.  
Periodic Evaluations analyse the progress made by Contracting Parties (including the 
UK) towards reducing discharges, concentrations and doses of radioactive substances 
to the North-East Atlantic in accordance with the objectives of the OSPAR Radioactive 
Substances Strategy. 
Radioactive Substances Committee: UK Best Available Techniques Report 2013 and 2018 
Intersessional Correspondence Groups - Best Available Techniques (ICG-BAT) 
49. The UK submitted BAT reports in 2013 and 2018 as required by PARCOM 
Recommendation 91/4 and Agreement 2004-03. All Contracting Parties are required 
to submit such reports on a rolling cycle. The two UK reports cover the periods: 
• 2008-11, this BAT report5 was submitted to, and published by, OSPAR in 
2013. 
• 2012-16, this report was submitted to OSPAR in early 2018 and is expected 
to be published shortly.  
 
3 https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=7135 
4 https://www.ospar.org/work-areas/rsc/evaluation  
5 https://www.ospar.org/documents?v=7321 

GOVERNMENT POLICY, LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK 
14 
• In each case RSC agreed that the UK had fulfilled the reporting requirements, 
the report was in line with submission guidelines, the information indicated 
BAT had been applied in UK nuclear facilities, and the RSC would recommend 
its publication.   
Radioactive Substances Committee: ICG-Close to Zero 
50. The UK is contributing to the ICG developing a methodology to assess whether any 
additional concentrations in the marine environment above historic levels are ‘close to 
zero’.  
International Atomic Energy Agency - Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel 
Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management 
51. As a Contracting Party the UK is required to provide a report6 every three years for 
peer review under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Since the 
UKSRDS09, there have been three such reports: the fourth in September 2012, the 
fifth in October 2014, and the sixth in October 2017.  
Further Information  
52. Further information on the UK’s performance with regard to the management of 
radioactive discharges can be found in the series of Radioactivity in the Food and 
Environment (RIFE) Reports.  
 
6  https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/65508/6363-fourth-uk-joint-
convention-report.pdf  
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/xx-xxxx-xxxx/uk_fifth_national_r
eport_compliance_obligations_joint_convention_safety_spent_fuel_radioactive_waste_management.pdf  
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/672640/20171020_-
_UK_Sixth_National_Report_to_the_Joint_Convention.pdf 

UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 
15 
UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 
Introduction  
53. It is important to note that all the discharge forecasts presented and analysed in this 
review are based on the best available knowledge at the point in time of writing. As 
with all forecasting, there are uncertainties and assumptions. This chapter updates the 
information about uncertainties set out in Chapter 6 of the UKSRDS09 and notes the 
uncertainties and assumptions associated with the radioactive discharge forecasts up 
to 2030. 
54. The assessments described in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’ 
include comparisons between previous forecasts, actual discharges since those 
forecasts were made and also with the latest forecasts relating to future discharges. 
Meaningful evaluation of discharges is ideally based on longer term trends and 
comparisons of averages over multi-year periods, rather than year on year data which 
may fluctuate according to routine operational factors. Assessments and evaluation 
should also be considered alongside the bigger picture of the overall good progress 
the UK has made towards meeting, or contributing towards, the outcomes of the 
UKSRDS09 and the objectives of the OSPAR Radioactive Substances Strategy.    
55. Despite potential for year-on-year variation, all radioactive discharges from civil nuclear 
facilities in the UK are required to be within limits as strictly specified by UK regulators. 
In addition to limits on discharges, operators are also required to use the Best Available 
Techniques (BAT) in England and Wales or Best Practicable Means (BPM) and Best 
Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) in Scotland and Northern Ireland to avoid or 
minimise their discharges. The regulation of radioactive discharges ensures that 
radiation doses to people living around nuclear licensed sites from such discharges 
continue to be well below the UK national dose limit. Further information on 
assessments made regarding the impact of UK discharges, can be found in the annual 
Radioactivity in Food and the Environment (RIFE) reports complied by the Centre for 
Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) on behalf of the 
Environment Agency, FSA, Food Standards Scotland, NRW, Northern Ireland 
Environment Agency and SEPA.   Alternatively, more information can be found on the 
progress OSPAR Contracting Parties have made in reducing radioactive discharges in 
the North East Atlantic in the 4th Periodic Evaluation in 20167 and the Intermediate 
Assessment 20178.    
 
7 https://www.ospar.org/work-areas/rsc/evaluation 
8 https://oap.ospar.org/en/ospar-assessments/intermediate-assessment-2017/  

UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 
16 
Update on Uncertainties and Assumptions set out in the 
UKSRDS09  
56. This section provides an update on the key assumptions and main areas of uncertainty 
in discharge forecasts described in the UKSRDS09. However, it should be recognised 
that operators’ plans may continue to change and such changes may impact on future 
projections and forecasts.  
57. For the nuclear and non-nuclear sectors, the main areas are: 
• UK Nuclear New Build programme 
• Plant Life Extensions (PLEX) of Advanced Gas Cooled reactors 
• Decommissioning programme 
• Magnox reprocessing 
• THORP reprocessing 
• Industries that generate NORM wastes. 
UK Nuclear New Build programme 
58. New nuclear power is a key part of the Government’s policy to build a secure, 
affordable and low carbon energy supply. 
59. New nuclear power stations that are expected to start generating power in the mid 
2020s, and therefore feed into our forecasts and analysis are noted below:  
• Hinkley Point C (Somerset) – expected to become operational around 2025 
• Wylfa Newydd (Anglesey, North Wales) – expected to become operational mid 
2020s 
• Moorside (Cumbria) – expected to become operational mid 2020s.  
60. Government is considering the planning framework for nuclear power generation for 
the long term. Government finished consulting (15 March 2018) on the arrangements 
for the siting of nuclear power above 1GW single reactor capacity for the period beyond 
2025. The proposal is to carry forward existing sites into the new National Policy 
Statement (NPS), subject to them meeting the updated siting criteria and 
environmental assessments. Government will publish a response to the consultation 
with the draft NPS including the list of potentially suitable sites.     
61. As with the current fleet of UK nuclear reactors, the operators of new nuclear reactors 
will be subject to the legal requirement to apply BAT to the management of radioactive 
discharges and to comply with limits set by environmental regulators on discharges. 

UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 
17 
As set out in the 2009 Strategy reactor design vendors also need to demonstrate that 
BAT have been incorporated into the design.  
Plant Life Extensions (PLEX) of Advanced Gas Cooled reactors 
62. Advanced Gas Cooled Reactors (AGR) reactors continue to produce electricity at 
seven of the eight operating nuclear power stations in the UK. The discharge forecasts 
set out in this review are based on EDF’s latest Plant Life Extension (PLEX) 
programme. 
63. To ensure the security of the UK energy supply it is possible that these reactors may 
be granted life extensions. Before an extension is granted, the UK regulators will need 
to be satisfied that operations at a site can continue to meet all relevant safety and 
environmental requirements. 
64. This review has therefore forecast radioactive discharges for all seven AGR reactors 
based on the latest shutdown dates: 
• Hinkley Point B – 2023 
• Hunterston B - 2023 
• Hartlepool – 2024 
• Heysham 1 – 2024 
• Dungeness B - 2028 
• Heysham 2 – 2030 
• Torness – 2030 
Decommissioning programme 
65. Decommissioning activities provide a challenge for accurate forecasting of radioactive 
discharges both in terms of those expected in total over entire decommissioning 
projects and those made over shorter periods (e.g. 1 year). The reasons for this 
challenge are primarily two-fold: 
• Decommissioning activities are of a different nature relative to normal site 
operations as they are typically complex and can be unpredictable. This can 
therefore make it difficult to forecast the levels of radioactive discharges from 
a specific decommissioning activity; and, 
• Scheduled decommissioning activities can be brought forward or moved back 
depending on changes in priority 

UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 
18 
Magnox fuel reprocessing 
66. The NDA Strategy is to reprocess all Magnox fuels in line with the Magnox Operating 
Programme (MOP).  The UKSRDS09 noted that Magnox reprocessing would end in 
2016 or later. The NDA now anticipate that if the past operational performance can be 
maintained, then Magnox fuel reprocessing is expected to complete around 2020. This 
recognises the operational and throughput uncertainties associated with Magnox 
reprocessing due primarily to the age of the plants involved which has led to variable 
performance.  Performance below historic norms could result in extending 
reprocessing operations beyond 2020, although this is unlikely. However, it is 
important to note that in the event operations extend beyond 2020 it would not result 
in discharges to the environment that are inconsistent with the obligations of the 
UKSRDS09. Discharges will continue to be minimised through the use of BAT.  The 
discharge forecasts set out in this review reflect the latest assumptions and further 
detail on NDA’s approach to the completion of Magnox reprocessing is set out in its 
2016 strategy. 
THORP reprocessing 
67. The NDA strategy is to reprocess Oxide fuels in line with the Advanced Gas Reactor 
Operating Plan (AGROP). Following publication of an options study in 2011, including 
a period of public consultation, the decision to cease reprocessing in THORP once 
existing contracts have been completed was published by the NDA in June 2012.  This 
is in line with and supported by Government policy. Discharges are consistent with the 
obligations of the UKSRDS09 and will continue to be minimised through the use of 
BAT. THORP is scheduled to cease reprocessing by the end of 2018. Discharge 
forecasts in this review reflect the latest assumptions and further detail on NDA’s 
approach to the completion of THORP reprocessing is set out in its 2016 strategy.  
Industries that generate NORM wastes 
68. In 2014, the UK Government produced the first Strategy for the Management of 
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) waste in the United Kingdom. An 
extensive data collection exercise was carried out during 2013 in support of the 
development of this strategy. The aim of the data collection exercise was to identify 
those industries in the UK that generate NORM waste along with information on the 
quantities of waste that is produced now and that is expected in the future.  The data 
collection exercise confirmed that the majority of the UK’s NORM waste originates from 
the oil and gas industry as stated in the UKSRDS09.  It also identified that it is very 
difficult to predict future NORM waste arisings.   
69. The main factors affecting the quantity of NORM waste that will be generated from the 
offshore oil and gas industry are dependent on the type of hydrocarbon produced, 
subsurface geology, reservoir characteristics, and the age of the installation.  
Therefore it will be difficult to meaningfully predict NORM waste arisings.  Similarly, 
how much NORM waste will be generated during decommissioning is also difficult to 

UNCERTAINTIES AND ASSUMPTIONS 
19 
predict as it will be different for each installation and may not be known accurately until 
decommissioning has occurred. 
70. It is also possible that developments in onshore unconventional oil and gas production 
may result in additional NORM waste being generated.  However, there is a high level 
of uncertainty about both the size and the pace of such developments along with a lack 
of detailed information on potential arisings.  Accordingly, it is not possible to provide 
any robust estimates.    
Horizon Scanning  
71. As technology advances and policy positions are reassessed, there may be new 
sources of authorised radioactive discharges or the development and use of 
techniques which reduce discharges. Future reviews and/or strategies before or after 
2030 will need to reflect these activities. 
Summary 
72. The purpose of this chapter was to make readers aware of the assumptions made and 
uncertainties that will affect the accuracy of this review’s forecasting of radioactive 
discharge data up to 2030. It should be recognised that operators’ plans can and do 
change and such changes may impact on projections and forecasts. The following 
chapters which analyse the historic trends and forecasts up to 2030 should be viewed 
in the context of these assumptions and uncertainties. A future review of the 
UKSRDS09 may amend the operational outcomes forecast in this document as 
changes or policy decisions impact radioactive discharges from nuclear sites between 
2016 and 2030. 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
20 
SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
Introduction   
73. This chapter presents a summary of the analysis of the discharge data submitted by 
operators as part of this review. The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of 
the UK’s radioactive discharges past, present and future. Annex 1 contains a more 
detailed and technical update. 
74. As with the UKSRDS09, this review presents data from all operators across all nuclear 
sites in the following sectors: 
• Nuclear fuel manufacturing and uranium enrichment 
• Nuclear energy production 
• Spent fuel reprocessing 
• Nuclear research 
• Defence 
75. It should be noted that the sector referred to as ‘Spent Fuel Reprocessing’ is used 
largely for consistency with the terminology used in the UKSRDS09, noting however 
that figures for this sector increasingly relate to discharges arising from clean-up of 
legacy wastes and decommissioning, particularly post 2020.  
76. The UKSRDS09 also addressed discharges from the following sectors: 
• Isotope production and radiolabelling, medical, pharmaceutical and academic 
uses 
• Naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) 
• The waste and incineration sector 
77. Discharges from these sectors are discussed in more detail in Annex 1. 
78. There are a number of improvements to the way the Department for Business, Energy 
and Industrial Strategy is presenting the data in this review relative to the UKSRDS09. 
These amendments have been made to clarify aspects of the presentation of the data. 
These amendments are explained below. 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
21 
Amendments to data forecasting 
Total Forecast Outcomes 
79. The opportunity has been taken to clarify that the forecasts previously expressed as 
‘expected outcomes’ within the UKSRDS09 are not intended to be targets, since the 
UKSRDS09 does not set targets or individual site limits for radioactive discharges. It 
does however describe total forecast outcomes across sectors which, based on best 
knowledge at that time, are expected to be achieved by 2020 and by 2030, and 
incorporates a strategic framework for addressing radioactive discharges over the next 
20 years. It is the responsibility of the relevant regulatory authorities to ensure that 
Government policy on radioactive substances is implemented, in particular through the 
setting of individual site discharge limits and through the conditions requiring that 
radioactive discharges are minimised below those limits by using the Best Available 
Techniques (Best Practicable Means and Best Practicable Environmental Option in 
Scotland and Northern Ireland). This is done through the granting of permits to nuclear 
operators under the EPR16 (England and Wales) and the RSA93 (Scotland). 
80. ‘Total Forecast Outcomes’ can therefore be defined as the total radioactive discharges 
expected by site operators in one of the five nuclear sectors. Therefore, as seen in 
Figure 5.1, the forecast operational outcome for total alpha discharges in the nuclear 
fuel manufacturing sector for 2020 is expected to be 0.04 TBq. This is a forecast made 
with the best available information at the time of writing and therefore performance for 
any forecasts is subject to variability.  
81. Therefore Total Forecast Outcomes refers to the sum of forecast operational outcomes 
and forecast decommissioning outcomes within the five nuclear sectors as set out in 
Table 1.  
Revised forecasting of future discharges 2016 – 2030 
82. We have used updated forecasts from the site operators to carry out this review. The 
forecasts are based on an expected case, which represents the likely discharges from 
a site based on a combination of past performance, anticipated shutdown (for 
reactors), and scheduled waste management and decommissioning activities. It should 
be recognised that operators’ plans can and do change, as illustrated by both new 
build operators proposals, and EDF’s plans to extend the life of their operating reactors 
since the UKSRDS09 was published. 
 
 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
22 
Overview 
83. The Executive Summary of the UKSRDS09 listed three outcomes (not to be 
misinterpreted as targets): 
• progressive and substantial reductions in radioactive discharges, to the extent 
needed to achieve the expected sectoral outcomes set out in detail in part 2, 
whilst taking into account the uncertainties described at chapter 6;  
• progressive reductions in concentrations of radionuclides in the marine 
environment resulting from radioactive discharges, such that by 2020 they add 
close to zero to historic levels;  
• progressive reductions in human exposures to ionising radiation resulting from 
radioactive discharges, as a result of planned reductions in discharges.  
84. Strong progress has been made towards achieving the first outcome. The chapter titled 
‘Summary of Data and Analysis’ provides a summary of the liquid discharge data 
provided by operators for the main nuclear sectors. Table 1 shows that the sectoral 
discharges in 2015 were already below the discharge forecast outcomes in the 
UKSRDS09 for 2020 in just under half of cases.  In nearly all of the other cases the 
discharges were within a factor of 2-3 of the UKSRDS09 forecast outcomes. 
85. Progress against the second outcome will not be formally assessed by OSPAR until 
2022. OSPAR, with the assistance of the UK, is developing the methods to assess 
progress against the OSPAR Radioactive Substances Strategy. The UK, and the other 
OSPAR contracting parties, will ensure that the assessment methods are transparent 
and robust. In the mean-time the indications are that the reductions in radioactive 
discharges made by the UK, along with the results from routine environmental 
monitoring programmes, do provide some confidence that this objective will be met.  
86. With respect to the third outcome, evidence provided in the annual Radioactivity in 
Food and the Environment (RIFE) reports show that human exposures to ionising 
radiation resulting from discharges continue to be very low and much less than the 
public dose limit.   
87. On the whole, the UK is performing well with mean 2015 radioactive discharges and 
latest forecasted data being below the OSPAR baseline. This is reflected in the 
dashboard (Table 1) on UK performance, indicating how actual liquid discharges made 
in 2015 compare with the sectoral, forecast outcomes set out in the UKSRDS09. Table 
1 is purely for illustrative purposes, since it shows comparisons between single year 
annual discharges against the forecast outcomes quoted in the UKSRDS09.  The data 
refers to liquid discharges only, consistent with the main focus of OSPAR.   
88. Table 1 shows that the discharges in 2015 were already below the discharge forecast 
outcomes in the UKSRDS09 for 2020 in just under half of cases.  Nearly all of the other 
cases are currently within a factor of 2-3 of the UKSRDS09 forecast outcomes, which 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
23 
in part reflects the current status of work programmes and the normal variability of 
discharges with operational status.  In these cases, based on current understanding, 
the latest forecasted discharges are expected to be below those forecast in the 
UKSRDS09, and show progressive and substantial reductions of discharges since the 
original UK Strategy was published in 2002. 
 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
24 
Table 1: Liquid Discharges in 2015 vs 2020 and 2030 Forecast Outcomes from UKSRDS09 (TBq) 
Sector 
Total alpha 
Total beta 
Tritium 
Technetium-99 
Forecast  
Outcome 
Actual 
2015 
Forecast  
Outcome 
Actual 
2015 
Forecast  
Outcome 
Actual 
2015 
Forecast  
Outcome 
Actual 
2015 
Nuclear fuel manufacture 
and uranium enrichment 
0.04 
(2020) 
0.024 
0.7 
(2020) 
1.8 
- 
 
- 
 
0.004 
(2030) 
0.005 
(2030) 
Nuclear energy production 
0.0003 
(2020) 
0.0014 
1.5 
(2020) 
3.7 
850 
(2020) 
1730 
- 
 
0.00006 
(2030) 
0.1 
(2030) 
75 
(2030) 
Spent Nuclear Fuel 
reprocessing 
0.10  
(2020) 
0.19 
20 
(2020) 
9.5 
100 
(2020) 
1540 
1.0 
(2020) 
1.7 
0.05 
(2030) 
10 
(2030) 
10 
(2030) 
0.1 
(2030) 
Nuclear Research Facilities 
0.025 
(2020) 
0.0002 
0.8 
(2020) 
0.0022 
- 
23.0 
- 
 
0.020 
(2030) 
0.2 
(2030) 
Defence 
0.0001 
(2020) 
0.00005 
0.002 
(2020) 
0.00005 
- 
0.08 
- 
 
0.0001 
(2030) 
0.001 
(2030) 
 
Key 
 
Below forecast outcome from the UKSRDS09 
 
≤10x difference 
 
>10x difference 
 
No Forecast Outcome applies 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
25 
Introduction to the Graphs  
89. The graphs below provide an update to the radioactive discharge data presented in 
the UKSRDS09.  
90. As with the UKSRDS09, and where appropriate this review, the graphs include 
illustrative ‘OSPAR baselines’ for wider context and to assist understanding. The 
OSPAR baseline is represented by the blue horizontal dotted line. This helps to 
demonstrate and assess the UK's progress in achieving the objectives of the 
Radioactive Substances Strategy.  
91. In order to take account of the normal variability of discharges from year to year, the 
baseline period for the nuclear sector was agreed as the averages of the discharges 
between 1995 and 2001 (the seven years which straddle the ‘Sintra year’ of 1998, in 
which the OSPAR Strategy was agreed and signed in Sintra, Portugal). The illustrated 
OSPAR Baseline dashed lines do not therefore represent a limit by which anything 
above is harmful to either human health or marine life. Instead, they provide a useful 
illustration against which subsequent and future progress can be measured. 
92. Consistent with the OSPAR approach, these illustrations show baselines for liquid 
discharges of total alpha and total beta, but not for tritium. There are no OSPAR 
baselines for the defence sector.  
93. OSPAR considers that it has collected sufficient data to now be able to agree a 
baseline period for oil and gas non-nuclear data (2005-2011).  This period was chosen 
to ensure a similar approach as for the nuclear sector i.e. a 7 year baseline period and 
because reporting of discharge data from this sub-sector only commenced in 2005.  
Further information is contained within the OSPAR Radioactive Substances 
Committee Fourth Periodic Evaluation. 
94. The following graphs (Figures 5.1 to 5.3) show annual data (2015) for liquid discharges 
(purple bars), alongside the revised annual forecast discharges for 2020 and 2030. 
The forecasts are a combination of both operational and decommissioning discharges. 
The ‘OSPAR baseline’ (where shown) and the previous 2020 and 2030 outcomes as 
forecast in the UKSRDS09 (orange dotted lines) are also shown. The tables in this 
chapter show declared forecasts from the UKSRDS09 along with the latest estimates 
of future discharges, noting that the UKSRDS09 figures were based on 5-year 
averages, whilst the updated figures are individual forecasts for 2020 and 2030, noting 
that the provisions detailed in the chapter titled ‘Uncertainties and Assumptions’ apply. 
95. Table 1 shows that discharges from the defence and research sectors are low 
compared to those from the fuel manufacturing, energy production and reprocessing 
sectors. Therefore, for this review we have not updated the summary graphs 5.4 – 5.5 
from the UKSRDS09, although annual actual discharges to 2015 and future forecasts 
up to 2030 (in five year annualised averages) for all sectors are shown in Annex 1. 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
26 
Sectoral Data  
Nuclear fuel manufacturing and uranium enrichment sector 
Figure 5.1: Nuclear fuel manufacturing and uranium enrichment sector (total alpha): 
evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5.1: Nuclear fuel manufacturing and uranium enrichment sector (total beta): 
evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96. As can be seen from Table 1, liquid discharges of total alpha from this sector are 
approximately one order of magnitude less than the total discharges from the nuclear 
sector which are dominated by the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector.  
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
Discharge (TBq)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Discharge (TBq)
         2015                             2020                      2030 
         2015                             2020                      2030 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
27 
97. Figure 5.1 illustrates that actual liquid discharges of total alpha and total beta from the 
nuclear fuel manufacturing and uranium enrichment sector have been consistent with 
forecasts in the UKSRDS09, and low compared to the OSPAR baselines. The figure 
also indicates that the revised forecast for 2020 and 2030 will be close to, but above, 
the expected outcomes forecast in UKSRDS09.  The increase over the UKSRDS09 
forecast is due to the continued operations of the uranium recovery plants which have 
stayed operational to deal with other sites’ liabilities (recovering the uranium and 
returning it to the fuel cycle), and manufacturing fuel for the new nuclear power plants 
across Europe.  As a result of this review, we propose revising the Forecast 
Operational Outcomes as follows. 
Table 2: Revised Forecast Outcomes for the Nuclear Fuel Manufacturing and 
Uranium Enrichment Sector (TBq) 
 
 
98. A more detailed presentation of actual liquid discharges from this sector to 2015 and 
future forecasts up to 2030 (in five year annualised averages) is shown in Annex 1, 
Figures 7.2 and 7.3. Aerial discharges are shown in Figures 7.4 – 7.6. 
 
 
 
2020 
2030 
Total 
Forecast 
Outcome 
from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total Forecast 
Outcome from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total alpha 
0.04 
0.04 
0.004 
0.04 
Total beta 
0.7 
5.0 
0.005 
5.0 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
28 
Nuclear energy production sector 
Figure 5.2: Nuclear energy production sector (total alpha): evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5.2: Nuclear energy production sector (total beta): evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Discharge (TBq)
          2015                            2020                     2030 
             2015                           2020                    2030 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
29 
 
Figure 5.2: Nuclear energy production sector (tritium): evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
99. As can be seen from Table 1, liquid discharges of total alpha from this sector are 
approximately two orders of magnitude less than the total nuclear sector discharges 
which are dominated by the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. Similarly, liquid 
discharges of total beta from this sector are also approximately one third of the total 
discharges from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. Liquid tritium discharges 
from the nuclear energy production sector are of a similar order to those from the spent 
nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. 
100. Figure 5.2 illustrates total alpha, total beta and tritium discharges were broadly 
consistent with forecasts. The figure also indicates that the revised forecast outcomes 
in 2020 and 2030 will be higher than forecast in the UKSRDS09 for total beta and 
tritium. Total alpha discharges are expected to be broadly consistent with the total 
forecast outcomes set in the UKSRDS09.  Both the construction of new reactors and 
AGR life extension have had a significant impact on the forecast of tritium discharged 
to sea (over 90% of the tritium generated by an AGR is discharged to sea).  Similarly, 
the life extensions for the AGRs will have had a significant impact on the discharge of 
gross beta activity excluding tritium.    
101. Expected discharges from the proposed nuclear new build programme are included in 
Figure 5.2, and are not generally expected to increase discharges above current levels. 
As a result of this review, we propose revising the Total Forecast Outcomes as follows. 
 
 
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Discharge (TBq)
             2015                           2020                    2030 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
30 
Table 3: Revised Forecast Operational Outcomes for the Nuclear Energy Production 
Sector (TBq) 
 
 
2020 
2030 
Total 
Forecast 
Outcome 
from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total Forecast 
Outcome from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast Outcome 
(TBq) 
Total alpha 
0.0003 
0.0003 
0.00006 
0.0002 
Total beta 
1.5 
6.0 
0.1 
1.5 
Tritium 
850 
2000 
75 
1000 
 
102. A more detailed presentation of actual liquid discharges from this sector to 2015 and 
future forecasts up to 2030 (in five year annualised averages) is shown in Annex 1, 
Figures 8.1 to 8.3. Aerial discharges are shown in Figures 8.4 – 8.5. 
Spent fuel reprocessing sector 
Figure 5.3: Spent fuel reprocessing sector (total alpha): evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
0.00E+00
5.00E-02
1.00E-01
1.50E-01
2.00E-01
2.50E-01
3.00E-01
3.50E-01
Discharge (TBq)
         2015                             2020                      2030 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
31 
Figure 5.3: Spent fuel reprocessing sector (total beta): evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 5.3: Spent fuel reprocessing sector (tritium): evaluation of progress 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
103. Table 1 shows that liquid discharges of total alpha and total beta from this sector are 
the largest within the nuclear sector. Liquid tritium discharges from this sector are of a 
similar order to those from the nuclear energy production sector, but are expected to 
decrease significantly when fuel reprocessing ends. 
104. Figure 5.3 illustrates that actual liquid discharges of total alpha, total beta and tritium 
from the spent fuel reprocessing sector have been below forecasts in the UKSRDS09, 
and below the illustrative OSPAR baselines for total alpha and total beta. There has 
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
Discharge (TBq)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
Discharge (TBq)
         2015                             2020                      2030 
         2015                             2020                      2030 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
32 
been significant and continual improvement in quality of forecasts for this sector. 
Forecast outcomes are based on assumptions about future activities contained within 
detailed plans for Sellafield work programmes, which contribute to differences between 
these forecasts and those from the UKSRDS09.  The figure also indicates that forecast 
discharges in 2020 and 2030 will be broadly consistent with the UKSRDS09 expected 
outcomes for this sector.  It is expected that both reprocessing facilities will cease 
operations around or before 2020, which are significant contributors to discharges. 
Discharges associated with decommissioning activities, although of a lesser 
magnitude, will become more significant in the future.   
105. As a result of this review and based on the latest information, including improved 
understanding of the planned legacy clean-up and decommissioning plans for 
Sellafield, the updated Total Forecast Outcomes are shown in Table 4. All revised 
figures include appropriate rounding and, in several cases, provide an indication of a 
potential upper estimate encompassing future discharges, noting that the provisions 
detailed in the chapter titled ‘Uncertainties and Assumptions’ apply. It should be noted 
that as further clarity is obtained on timescales and arisings from decommissioning 
activities, these figures may change in future. 
Table 4: Revised Forecast Outcomes for the Spent Fuel Reprocessing Sector (TBq) 
 
 
2020 
2030 
Total 
Forecast 
Outcome 
from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total Forecast 
Outcome from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast Outcome 
(TBq) 
Total alpha 
0.1 
0.1 
0.05 
0.1 
Total beta 
20 
18 
10 
10 
Tritium 
100 
700 
10 
10 
Tc-99 
1.0 
3.0 
0.1 
1.0 
 
106. A more detailed presentation of actual liquid discharges from this sector to 2015 and 
future forecasts up to 2030 (in five year annualised averages) is shown in Annex 1, 
Figures 9.1 to 9.4. Aerial discharges are shown in Figures 9.5 – 9.7. 
Nuclear research sector 
107. Table 1 shows that liquid discharges of total alpha, total beta and tritium from this 
sector are approximately three orders of magnitude less than the discharges from the 
spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector.  

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
33 
108. Actual liquid discharges of total alpha, total beta and tritium from the nuclear research 
sector have been well below forecasts in the UKSRDS09, and below the OSPAR 
baselines that apply for total alpha and total beta. The revised forecast discharges in 
2020 and 2030 will be below the UKSRDS09 expected outcomes set for total alpha 
and total beta for this sector. As a result of this review, we propose revising the Total 
Forecast Outcomes as follows. 
Table 5: Revised Forecast Outcomes for the Nuclear Research Sector (TBq) 
 
 
2020 
2030 
Total 
Forecast 
Outcome 
from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total Forecast 
Outcome from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast Outcome 
(TBq) 
Total alpha 
0.025 
*see below 
0.020 
*see below 
Total beta 
0.8 
*see below  
0.2 
*see below  
*Data not provided because forecast outcomes from the Research Sector are very low, in these 
circumstances the value of setting revised forecast outcomes is limited  
109. A more detailed presentation of actual liquid discharges from this sector to 2015 and 
future forecasts up to 2030 (in five year annualised averages) is shown in Annex 1, 
Figures 10.1 to 10.3. Aerial discharges are shown in Figures 10.4 – 10.6. 
Defence sector 
110. As can be seen from Table 1 liquid discharges of total alpha, total beta and tritium from 
the defence sector are less than the discharges from all the other sectors, and at least 
four orders of magnitude less than the discharges from the spent nuclear fuel 
reprocessing sector.  
111. Liquid discharges of total alpha, total beta and tritium from the defence sector have 
been below forecasts in the UKSRDS09. There are no OSPAR baselines for the 
defence sector. Revised operational forecasts in 2020 and 2030 are broadly consistent 
with the UKSRDS09 expected outcomes for total alpha and total beta. Tritium 
discharges are forecast to continue at current levels. As a result of this review, we 
propose revising the Forecast Operational Outcomes as follows. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

SUMMARY OF DATA AND ANALYSIS 
34 
Table 6: Revised Forecast Outcomes for the Defence Sector (TBq) 
 
 
2020 
2030 
Total 
Forecast 
Outcome 
from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total Forecast 
Outcome from 
UKSRDS09 
(TBq) 
Revised Total 
Forecast 
Outcome (TBq) 
Total alpha 
0.0001 
0.0001 
0.0001 
0.0001 
Total beta 
0.002 
0.001 
0.001 
0.0005 
 
 
112. A more detailed presentation of actual liquid discharges from this sector to 2015 and 
future forecasts up to 2030 (in five year annualised averages) is shown in Annex 1, 
Figures 11.1 to 11.3. Aerial discharges are shown in Figures 11.4 – 11.6.  H-3 
discharges from Chapelcross are shown in Figures 11.7-11.8.   

EVALUATION OF PROGRESS TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OSPAR 
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES STRATEGY – OSPAR 3RD AND 4TH PERIODIC 
EVALUATION 
35 
EVALUATION OF PROGRESS TOWARDS 
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OSPAR 
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES STRATEGY 
– OSPAR 3RD AND 4TH PERIODIC 
EVALUATION  
113. The OSPAR Commission has recently published the Fourth Periodic Evaluation of 
progress against its Radioactive Substances Strategy focussing on discharges of 
radioactive substances to the North-east Atlantic waters by Contracting Parties. The 
Fourth Period Evaluation concluded:  
• During the baseline period of 1995-2001, the main contributors to the total 
activity discharged from the nuclear sector were the reprocessing and nuclear 
fuel manufacturing and enrichment sub-sectors.  
• In the assessment period for the fourth periodic evaluation (2007-2013) the 
discharges from all the sub-sectors have reduced and the relative 
contributions have changed. For example, the relative reduction in discharges 
from the fuel fabrication and enrichment sub-sector has been greater than that 
for the other sub-sectors due to the operational changes in that sub-sector.  
• While discharges from the reprocessing sub-sector are much reduced, it 
remains the dominant source of discharges from the nuclear sector 
contributing approximately 90% of the total alpha, and approximately 80% of 
the total beta (excluding tritium), discharges over the assessment period. 
114. The Third Period Evaluation concluded in relation to discharges from the nuclear sector 
that: 
• There had been a 38% reduction in total beta (excluding H-3) discharges 
during the assessment period compared with the baseline value and the 
statistical tests indicated that this change was statistically significant. 
• There had been a 15% increase in total alpha discharges during the 
assessment period compared with the baseline value, but the statistical tests 
indicated that this change was not statistically significant. 
• Since 2002, reductions had been achieved in discharges of Tc-99, a 
radionuclide to which both the 1998 and 2003 OSPAR Ministerial Meetings 

EVALUATION OF PROGRESS TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OSPAR 
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES STRATEGY – OSPAR 3RD AND 4TH PERIODIC 
EVALUATION 
36 
drew special attention, and that discharges of Tc-99 were expected to be 
reduced further and maintained at low levels. 
115. The Fourth Periodic Evaluation has confirmed that in relation to discharges from the 
nuclear sector: 
• OSPAR Contracting Parties are continuing to make good progress in meeting 
the objectives of the OSPAR Radioactive Substance Strategy, and that 
• OSPAR Contracting Parties have achieved substantial reductions in 
discharges in many cases, as required by the OSPAR RSS. 
116. Furthermore, the overall situation for the nuclear sector has improved since the Third 
Periodic Evaluation. In particular, the following achievements should be noted: 
• There has now been a 2.5 fold reduction in discharges of total alpha since the 
baseline period. 
• There has now been a 12 fold reduction in discharges of total beta (excluding 
tritium) since the baseline period. 
• Discharges of Tc-99 have continued to decline with a reduction of 38-fold in 
the discharges since the baseline period. 
117. Exceptional discharges associated with decommissioning and the management of 
legacy wastes at nuclear sites are reported separately to operational discharges, but 
these were summed to give a total discharge for a site where applicable for the 
purposes of this evaluation. While relatively low when compared to overall operational 
discharges, the contribution of exceptional discharges from decommissioning activities 
is growing and this is expected to continue as essential work to reduce hazards and 
decommission redundant nuclear installations increases. 
Environmental concentrations and radiation doses around the UK 
118. The distribution of radionuclides in coastal seas away from nuclear licensed sites in 
the UK continues to be monitored.  This supports the UK’s marine environmental 
policies and international treaty commitments.  Government research vessels are used 
in the sampling programme and the results have been used to show trends in the 
quality of the UK’s coastal seas.  These surveys, together with the results of monitoring 
at nuclear licensed sites, contribute to the data collected by the OSPAR Commission. 
They also help to measure progress towards the UK Government’s objectives for 
improving the state of the marine environment. 
119. The UK’s environmental monitoring data (published annually in the RIFE report series) 
indicate that there has not been a significant increase in environmental concentrations 
since 1998 and the levels of most radionuclides in the environment have decreased in 

EVALUATION OF PROGRESS TOWARDS THE OBJECTIVES OF THE OSPAR 
RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES STRATEGY – OSPAR 3RD AND 4TH PERIODIC 
EVALUATION 
37 
response to decreases in discharges (i.e. there are no additional concentrations above 
the historic/baseline levels). The monitoring programme also shows that the 
radiological impacts of these discharges are low and well below statutory limits. 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
38 
ANNEX I 
Introduction 
120. This chapter updates Part 2 (Chapters 7 – 14) of the UKSRDS09. It provides updated 
graphs, showing actual discharges for the period 2009 – 2015. The forecasts for the 
period 2016 – 2030 are also updated. 
121. It does not repeat information from the UKSRDS09 about the different sectors in terms 
of sources, types of radionuclides or abatement technologies.  
122. As with the UKSRDS09, it is unavoidable that there are a number of different scales 
for the graphs, reflecting the different levels of discharges from the various sectors. 
The chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’ provides context as to how the 
discharges from the different sectors compare. 
123. For ease of comparison, the same figure numbers are used in this update to allow 
comparison with the UKSRDS09 figures. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
39 
Nuclear Fuel Manufacture and Uranium Enrichment Sector 
124. The main changes in the sector since the UKSRDS09: 
 
• Fuel manufacturing on the Springfields site is no longer expected to cease in 
2024. Revised forecasts also take into account the extended lifetime of AGR 
stations and the agreed decommissioning dates (with NDA) for some facilities 
(these dates have changed since the UKSRDS09 was published). 
• The Sellafield MOX Plant (SMP) closed in 2011. 
Discharge Projections 
125. The projected liquid and aerial discharge profiles to 2030 for the nuclear fuel production 
and uranium enrichment sector are shown in Figures 7.2 to 7.6 below.  
 
UKSRDS09 total forecast outcomes: The outcomes described below were 
predicted on the basis that the Springfields site will cease operation in 2024. Should 
operations continue on the site beyond that date, operational discharges are 
expected to be consistent with those projected in the period 2020-2025.  
 
By 2020:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges are expected to have reduced from 0.08 TBq/yr 
to below 0.04 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges are expected to have reduced from around 20 
TBq/yr to below 0.7 TBq/yr.  
 
By 2030:  
• on the assumption that Springfields will no longer be operational, total-alpha 
(liquid) discharges are expected to have reduced to below 0.004 TBq/yr.  
• on the assumption that Springfields will no longer be operational, total-beta 
(liquid) discharges are expected to have reduced to below 0.005 TBq/yr.  
• Otherwise discharges are expected to be consistent with those projected in 
the period 2020 to 2025.  
 
Overall Comments 
126. As noted in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’, liquid discharges of total 
alpha from this sector are approximately one order of magnitude less than the total 
discharges which are dominated by the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. 
Similarly, liquid discharges of total beta from this sector are also approximately one 
fifth of the total discharges from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector.  
127. Figures 7.2 and 7.3 indicate liquid discharges from the nuclear fuel production and 
uranium enrichment sector have declined substantially since 1995, particularly with the 
cessation of uranium ore conversion at Springfields in 2006 but also the cessation of 
Magnox fuel manufacture in 2007.  

ANNEX I 
40 
128. With the exception of total beta discharges from the nuclear energy production sector, 
and tritium from the fuel reprocessing and energy production sectors, aerial discharges 
are many orders of magnitude less than the liquid discharges. This is illustrated by the 
scale of total alpha aerial discharges in Fig 7.4 being 100 times less than the scale of 
total alpha liquid discharges in Fig 7.2. 
129. Figures 7.4 – 7.6 indicate aerial discharges from the nuclear fuel production and 
uranium enrichment sector have also declined substantially since 1995. One exception 
is noted in Figure 7.5 where there was an increase in aerial beta discharges in 2011, 
due a temporary 12 month increase in limit to allow Kr-85 discharges from the National 
Nuclear Laboratory’s facilities on the Springfields site. Future forecasts assume that 
from 2017 Kr-85 will be discharged to allow historic material from Dounreay to be 
processed (subject to a permit variation by the Environment Agency). Whilst 
numerically the discharge is significant, the radiological impact is very low (less than 1 
nanoSievert). 
130. Future discharges from the nuclear fuel production and uranium enrichment sector will 
depend on the demand for nuclear fuels. Uranium hexafluoride production is expected 
to continue at the Springfields site into the future as part of the process of fuel 
manufacture for AGRs, and potentially fuel for new reactors, but will continue to use 
imported UO3 to avoid the need for on-site ore conversion.  
 
 

ANNEX I 
41 
New Figure 7.2: Total alpha discharges from nuclear fuel production and uranium 
enrichment sector (liquid)  
  
 
 
New Figure 7.3: Total beta discharges from nuclear fuel production and uranium 
enrichment sector (liquid)  
 
 
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
42 
New Figure 7.4: Total alpha discharges from nuclear fuel production and uranium 
enrichment sector (aerial) 
 
 
 
New Figure 7.5: Total beta discharges from nuclear fuel production and uranium 
enrichment sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
 
0
0.0005
0.001
0.0015
0.002
0.0025
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
43 
New Figure 7.6: H-3 discharges from nuclear fuel production and uranium 
enrichment sector (aerial)  
 
 
Nuclear Energy Production Sector 
 
131. The main changes in the sector since the UKSRDS09: 
• Cessation of electricity generation at Oldbury and Wylfa 
• All Magnox sites except Wylfa have been defueled, Wylfa defueling is 
underway and expected to complete in 2019 
• Plant extensions announced for the AGR fleet 
• New power stations proposed for the mid to late 2020s 
Discharge Projections 
132. The projected liquid and aerial discharge profiles to 2030 for the nuclear energy 
production sector are shown in Figures 8.1 to 8.5 below.  
 
 
0
0.005
0.01
0.015
0.02
0.025
0.03
0.035
0.04
0.045
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
44 
 
UKSRDS09 total forecast outcomes: These outcomes of the UKSRDS09 were 
projected on the assumption that there will be no further extension of power station 
lifetimes and no new build of nuclear power stations: the revised forecasts of this 
review have taken these scenarios into account. The potential impact of these 
scenarios is discussed in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’.  
 
By 2020:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will be reduced from around 0.00002 TBq/yr to 
below 0.0003 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will be reduced from around 4.5 TBq/yr to below 
1.5 TBq/yr.  
• H-3 (liquid) discharges will be reduced from over 2000 TBq/yr to below 850 
TBq/yr.  
• C-14 (aerial) discharges will be reduced from around 14 TBq/yr to below 3 
TBq/yr.  
 
By 2030:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 0.00006 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 0.1 TBq/yr.  
• H-3 (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 75 TBq/yr.  
• C-14 (aerial) discharges will be reduced to below 0.3 TBq/yr.  
 
 
Overall Comments 
133. As noted in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’, liquid discharges of total 
alpha from this sector are approximately two orders of magnitude less than the total 
discharges which are dominated by the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. 
Similarly, liquid discharges of total beta from this sector are also approximately one 
third of the total discharges from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. Liquid 
tritium discharges from the nuclear energy production sector are of a similar order to 
those from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector.  
134. Figures 8.1 – 8.5 show that the progressive reduction of radioactive discharges from 
the nuclear energy production sector will slow as the proposed commissioning and 
operation of new nuclear power stations from ~2025 begins to replace the capacity of 
the current operating AGR fleet.  
 

ANNEX I 
45 
New Figure 8.1: Total alpha discharges from nuclear energy production sector 
(liquid)  
 
 
 
 
 
 
New Figure 8.2: Total beta discharges from nuclear energy production sector 
(liquid)  
 
 
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
46 
New Figure 8.3: H-3 discharges from nuclear energy production sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 8.4: Total beta discharges nuclear energy production sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
50
100
150
200
250
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
47 
New Figure 8.5: H-3 discharges from nuclear energy production sector (aerial)  
 
 
Spent Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Sector 
 
135. The main changes in the sector since UKSRDS09: 
• THORP and Magnox reprocessing operations have been extended. THORP 
reprocessing is scheduled to end in 2018 and Magnox reprocessing is anticipated 
to conclude around 2020 on completion of the reprocessing programme.  
Discharge Projections 
136. The projected liquid and aerial discharge profiles to 2030 for the spent nuclear fuel 
reprocessing sector are shown in Figures 9.1 to 9.7 below. Uncertainties associated 
with these projections are discussed in the chapter titled ‘Uncertainties and 
Assumptions’.  
137. The predicted discharges for Sellafield do not include effluents resulting from the very 
last stage of preparing plants for recycling or disposal (i.e. during the final phase of 
decommissioning), or future radioactivity associated with groundwater and land 
remediation discharges.  
 
 
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
48 
 
UKSRDS09 total forecast outcomes: The outcomes set out below were based on 
the assumptions that THORP reprocessing operations would cease in 2015 and 
Magnox reprocessing would end in 2016 or later.  
 
By 2020:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will be reduced from around 0.25 TBq/yr to 
below 0.1 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will be reduced from around 40 TBq/yr to below 
20 TBq/yr.  
• H-3 (liquid) discharges will be reduced from around 1000 TBq/yr to below 100 
TBq/yr.  
• Tc-99 (liquid) discharges will be reduced from around 6 TBq/yr to below 1 
TBq/yr.  
 
By 2030:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 0.05 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 10 TBq/yr.  
• H-3 (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 10 TBq/yr.  
• Tc-99 (liquid) discharges will be reduced to below 0.1 TBq/yr.  
 
 
Overall Comments  
138. As noted in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’, liquid discharges of total 
alpha and total beta from this sector are larger than discharges from all nuclear sectors. 
Liquid tritium discharges from this sector are of a similar order to those from the nuclear 
energy production sector, but are expected to decrease significantly when fuel 
reprocessing ends. After reprocessing ends, discharges will be primarily from 
decommissioning activities on the Sellafield site, and are forecast to be close to 2030 
total forecast outcomes from the UKSRDS09. 
139. Aerial discharges of total alpha and total beta up to 2030 from planned 
decommissioning activities do not show the same decreases as liquid discharges, but 
are many orders of magnitude less than the liquid discharges. Aerial tritium discharges 
also show decreases, with levels approximately 10 times less than forecast liquid 
discharges. 
140. Figure 9.6 includes some revised historical figures to those presented in the 
UKSRDS09. 
 
 

ANNEX I 
49 
New Figure 9.1: Total alpha discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing 
sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 9.2: Total beta discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector 
(liquid)  
 
 
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
0.4
0.45
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
50 
New Figure 9.3: H-3 discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector 
(liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 9.4: Tc-99 discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector 
(liquid)  
 
 
 
 
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
51 
New Figure 9.5: Total alpha discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing 
sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
New Figure 9.6: Total beta discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector 
(aerial)  
 
 
 
 
0
0.00005
0.0001
0.00015
0.0002
0.00025
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.0005
0.001
0.0015
0.002
0.0025
0.003
0.0035
0.004
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
52 
New Figure 9.7: H-3 discharges from spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector 
(aerial)  
 
 
 
Nuclear Research Facilities 
141. The main changes in the sector since the UKSRDS09: 
 
• Waste retrievals, site decommissioning and remediation activities are ongoing 
at both Winfrith and Harwell sites.  At Harwell, parts of the site have been 
completely cleared and made available for their next use.  Both sites are now 
managed by Magnox Limited. 
• Dounreay has completed the removal and treatment of the highly active liquid 
metal coolant which is a significant hazard reduction for the site.  Also the 
raffinate from the Dounreay Fast Reactor has been encapsulated for long term 
storage. 
Discharge Projections 
142. The projected liquid and aerial discharge profiles to 2030 for the research sector are 
shown in Figures 10.1 to 10.6, below.  
143. While some research activities have continued since the UKSRDS09, discharges from 
the research sector are dominated by the decommissioning of research and prototype 
reactors and associated waste processing and ancillary plant.  
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030

ANNEX I 
53 
144. There may be periods when decommissioning discharges will increase from current 
levels, as specific decommissioning operations are undertaken. The timing of these 
predicted peaks in discharges will be governed by the timing of these decommissioning 
activities, which is dependent, amongst other factors, on NDA funding and the 
allocation of funding across NDA sites.   
 
UKSRDS09 total forecast outcomes: The outcomes set out below were based on 
decommissioning programmes for Harwell, Winfrith and Dounreay in place in 2009.  
 
By 2020:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.025 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.8 TBq/yr.  
 
By 2030:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.020 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.2 TBq/yr.  
 
 
Overall Comments  
145. As noted in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’, liquid discharges of total 
alpha, total beta and tritium from this sector are approximately three orders of 
magnitude less than the discharges from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector.  
146. Liquid discharges from the nuclear research facilities sector have remained well below 
forecasts, and have met both the 2020 and 2030 total forecast outcomes set in the 
UKSRDS09. 
147. Changes in decommissioning programmes will have a significant influence on actual 
decommissioning discharges in the short term, although current forecasts do not 
indicate any increases in liquid discharges up to 2030. Aerial discharges are forecast 
to increase as a result of the proposed decommissioning of research and prototype 
reactors at Harwell and Winfrith, although levels are significantly less than those from 
the both the reprocessing and energy production sectors. 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
54 
New Figure 10.1: Total alpha discharges from nuclear research sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 10.2: Total beta discharges from nuclear research sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
 
0
0.01
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.05
0.06
0.07
0.08
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
55 
New Figure 10.3: H-3 discharges from nuclear research sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 10.4: Total alpha discharges from nuclear research sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.00001
0.00002
0.00003
0.00004
0.00005
0.00006
0.00007
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
56 
New Figure 10.5: Total beta discharges from nuclear research sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
 
 
New Figure 10.6: H-3 discharges from nuclear research sector (aerial)  
 
 
0
0.0002
0.0004
0.0006
0.0008
0.001
0.0012
0.0014
0.0016
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
57 
Defence Sector 
148. The main changes in the sector since the UKSRDS09: 
• VULCAN NRTE has ceased operation as of 2015. The VULCAN Defuel and 
Decommissioning (VDAD) project is planning the decommissioning of the site. 
• A Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) has been stood up to dismantle the 
redundant submarines in Rosyth and Devonport. The initial phase of the 
dismantling project is on-going. 
• There have been a number of submarines entering and retiring from service. 
Since the UKSRDS09 three submarines have left service and have been 
replaced. 
• Discharges from the sector have remained below forecasts. 
Discharge Projections 
149. The projected liquid and aerial discharge profiles to 2030 for the defence sector are 
shown in Figures 11.1 to 11.8 below.  
150. The projections provided are best estimates based upon present knowledge and 
activity levels. Discharges from the defence sector are determined by operational 
requirements; therefore levels have the potential to increase as well as decrease. 
UKSRDS09 total forecast outcomes:  
 
By 2020:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.0001 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.002 TBq/yr.  
 
By 2030:  
• total-alpha (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.0001 TBq/yr.  
• total-beta (liquid) discharges will have reduced to below 0.001 TBq/yr.  
 
Overall Comments 
151. As noted in the chapter titled ‘Summary of Data and Analysis’, liquid discharges of total 
alpha, total beta and tritium from the defence sector are less than the discharges from 
all the other sectors, and at least four orders of magnitude less than the discharges 
from the spent nuclear fuel reprocessing sector. Aerial discharges are also generally 
lower than other sectors. 
152. Liquid discharges from the defence sector have remained below forecasts and have 
met both the 2020 and 2030 total forecast outcomes set in the UKSRDS09. Forecasts 
of both liquid and aerial discharges up to 2030 are expected to remain at current levels.  

ANNEX I 
58 
153. The apparent spike in the UKSRDS09 Figure 11.3 was due to an error in the 2009 data 
and has been corrected in the new Figure 11.3. 
New Figure 11.1: Total alpha discharges from defence sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 11.2: Total beta discharges from defence sector (liquid)  
 
 
0
0.00005
0.0001
0.00015
0.0002
0.00025
0.0003
0.00035
0.0004
0.00045
0.0005
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.0005
0.001
0.0015
0.002
0.0025
0.003
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
59 
New Figure 11.3: H-3 discharges from defence sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 11.4: Total alpha discharges from defence sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
0.25
0.3
0.35
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.0000002
0.0000004
0.0000006
0.0000008
0.000001
0.0000012
0.0000014
0.0000016
0.0000018
0.000002
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030

ANNEX I 
60 
 
New Figure 11.5: Total beta discharges from defence sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
New Figure 11.6: H-3 discharges from defence sector (aerial)  
 
 
0
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
0.1
0.12
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
5
10
15
20
25
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
61 
 
New Figure 11.7: H-3 discharges from Chapelcross (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 11.8: H-3 discharges from Chapelcross (aerial)  
 
 
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1600
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
62 
Discharges from the Non-Nuclear Sector - Isotope Production and 
Radiolabelling, Medical, Pharmaceutical and Academic uses 
 
154. The main changes in the sector since the UKSRDS09: 
 
• GE Healthcare has two nuclear sites in the UK, the Grove Centre in Amersham 
and the Cardiff Nuclear Licenced Site in Cardiff. The Amersham site 
manufactures radiopharmaceuticals, and manages a decommissioning 
programme of legacy facilities. The Cardiff site comprises of a waste 
management operation; with the radiolabeling operations having ceased in 
2010 followed by a reduction in the nuclear site footprint.  
• As forecast in the UKSRDS09, the use of Positron Emission Tomography 
Scanning (PET) imaging as a medical research tool has increased, along with 
the associated cyclotrons to produce the necessary isotopes. 
Discharge Projections  
155. The projected liquid and aerial discharge profiles to 2030 for this sector are shown in 
Figures 12.1 to 12.11 below.  
 
UKSRDS09 total forecast outcomes: Not applicable 
 
 
Overall Comments  
 
156. Discharges from this sector are many orders of magnitude less than the other sectors 
and have been below forecasts. 
157. Figure 12.5 shows an increase between 2004 and 2007 of total beta aerial discharges 
due to the permitted discharge of a category of noble gases (Xe-133) from the Grove 
Centre Amersham; this operation ceased in 2007. 
158. Figure 12.8 indicates that discharges of short-lived iodine-131 as a result of its use in 
hospitals have remained broadly constant at around 10 TBq per year.  
159. It should be noted that the tritium discharges in Fig 12.10 duplicate those shown in Fig 
12.3. 
 
 
 
 

ANNEX I 
63 
New Figure 12.1: Total alpha discharges from isotope production & radio-labelling 
sector (liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 12.2: Total beta discharges from isotope production & radio-labelling 
sector (liquid)  
 
 
0
0.00001
0.00002
0.00003
0.00004
0.00005
0.00006
0.00007
0.00008
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
64 
New Figure 12.3: H-3 discharges from isotope production & radio-labelling sector 
(liquid)  
 
 
 
New Figure 12.4: Total alpha discharges from isotope production & radio-labelling 
sector (aerial)  
 
 
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
0.00000005
0.0000001
0.00000015
0.0000002
0.00000025
0.0000003
0.00000035
0.0000004
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
65 
New Figure 12.5: Total beta discharges from isotope production & radio-labelling 
sector (aerial)  
 
 
 
New Figure 12.6: H-3 discharges from isotope production & radio-labelling sector 
(aerial)  
 
 
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
1996-
2000
2001-
2005
2006-
2010
2011-
2015
2016-
2020
2021-
2025
2026-
2030
Discharge (TBq)

ANNEX I 
66 
New Figure 12.8: Liquid discharges from the medical sector (TBq) 
 
*Tc-99 no longer reported to OSPAR 
 
 
New Figure 12.10: Liquid discharges from the pharmaceuticals sector (TBq) 
 
 
 
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
I-131
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
H-3
C-14
Cr-51
I-125

ANNEX I 
67 
New Figure 12.11: Liquid discharges from the academic sector  
 
 
 
Discharges from the Non-Nuclear Sector - Naturally Occurring 
Radioactive Materials (NORM) 
 
160. Forecasts for Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) have not been 
updated since the UKSRDS09.  Forecasts and graphs for NORM can be found in the 
UKSRDS09, chapter 13.  Information on assumptions behind the data on NORM, and 
on the UK Strategy for the management of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material 
(NORM) waste in the United Kingdom (2014), can be found in chapter 4, section 2.11. 
Discharges from the Waste and Incineration Sector 
 
161. As noted in the UKSRDS09, this sector includes disposals sites such as the LLW 
Repository (LLWR) in West Cumbria, landfills and commercial incinerators permitted 
to take radioactive waste, and some dedicated waste treatment facilities.  
162. The main changes in the sector since the UKSRDS09: 
• In March 2007, the UK Government introduced a more flexible framework for 
the disposal of certain categories of low level waste (LLW) to landfill. The 
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
H-3
C-14
P-32
S-35
Cr-51
I-125

ANNEX I 
68 
revised policy led to applications from landfill operators for permits to dispose 
of LLW at their sites. The landfill sites are:  
o FCC Environment Ltd at the Lillyhall Landfill Site in Cumbria. Their 
permit, issued in 2011, allows them to dispose of very low level waste 
(VLLW).  To date the site has not accepted any VLLW. 
 
o Augean plc at the East Northants Resource Management Facility, near 
Kingscliffe, Northamptonshire. Their permit, issued in 2011, allows 
them to dispose of low activity low level radioactive waste (LLW) and 
VLLW.  
 
o Suez Recycling and Recovery (Lancashire) Limited9 at Clifton Marsh in 
Lancashire. They received a permit to dispose of low activity LLW and 
VLLW in September 2012. This permit replaced previous arrangements 
authorising disposals at Clifton Marsh by operators at the Springfields 
and Capenhurst nuclear licensed sites, whose permits used to allow 
disposal of some solid LLW at Clifton Marsh in their own right. The 
varied permits now allow those operators to transfer LLW to landfill 
operators who hold an appropriate EPR16 permit. 
 
• The Metals Recycling Facility (MRF), operated by Cyclife UK10, first 
commenced operations in September 2009. The facility is located on the north-
eastern edge of the Lillyhall Industrial Estate, about 4 km south-east of 
Workington. The main function of the MRF is to receive, sort, segregate, 
monitor and size reduce metallic low level radioactive waste before either 
treating it on site by surface decontamination, or sending the metal to a sister 
plant in Sweden for melting. The intent of the process is, as far as possible, to 
decontaminate the metal, such that it can be returned to the open market as 
exempt from control as radioactive waste, for recycling. Secondary wastes 
from the metal treatment containing radioactivity, as either LLW or VLLW, are 
disposed of to the LLWR or to landfills. 
• The UK has four incineration facilities which are permitted to accept some low 
activity LLW from the nuclear industry.  These are Tradebe Inutec at Fawley, 
Veolia at Ellesmere Port, Grundons at Colnbrook and Augean at Sandwich. 
 
163. Discharges from this sector continue to be very small. As noted in UKSRDS09, owing 
to the wide variety of activities and the large number of sites within the waste and 
incineration sector, it has not been possible to produce discharge projections for the 
sector as a whole. 
 
 
9 Previously SITA UK 
10 Previously operated by Studsvik UK Limited 

 
 
 
 
 
 
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