Published: Thursday, 15th October, 2009 6:55am
MP's fears over Rosyth nuclear 'dump'
by Ally McRoberts
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WILLIE Rennie MP has reacted angrily to the news that Rosyth has been short-listed as a possible "nuclear waste dump" for old radioactive submarines.
He vowed it should "never be allowed to happen" after receiving a letter confirming that the town is being considered as part of the Submarine Dismantling Project.
Bill Rammell MP, the minister of state for the armed forces, wrote to him and said, "Preliminary lists have now been prepared of candidate sites for both the submarine dismantling and radioactive waste storage elements of the project.
"These sites are being proposed for consideration within the strategic environmental assessment and public consultation process and I am writing to give you early notice that one or more of the sites is within your locality."
He continued, "The project, which extends over a 60-year period, encompasses the provision of facilities to dismantle a total of 27 defuelled nuclear submarines and store the resultant intermediate level radioactive waste until at least 2040, when it is intended that it will be transferred to the UK's planned national disposal facility."
When a nuclear sub leaves service, the nuclear fuel is removed and the hull is then laid up for long term storage at Rosyth or Devonport.
However, the reactor compartment remains and consists of low-level and intermediate level radioactive material, which is mostly metal.
There are currently seven such subs in Rosyth - 15 have been decommissioned so far - and there are concerns about their safety after holes were discovered in the hull of at least one sub.
Mr Rennie, the Dunfermline and West Fife MP, fumed, "If they do consider Rosyth as one of the options that would be a massive let down for the town.
"We lost the Trident refuelling facility to Plymouth 15 years ago and to end up being a nuclear waste dump instead would be outrageous.
"It should never be allowed to happen."
He continued, "The MoD have published a strategic environmental assessment and written to me to say that Rosyth is part of the scheme.
"That, I think, means Rosyth will be considered as one of the options for the disposal of nuclear submarines.
"It could mean, as we've already got subs laid up here, that we have to be considered but it's not exactly clear and I've asked for clarification."
Previously the Isolus project, which started in 2000, the newly named Submarine Dismantling Project is the MoD scheme to develop a solution for disposing of the UK's nuclear subs after they leave active service with the Royal Navy.
Mr Rammell also said, "Please be assured that no decisions will be taken until we have consulted fully and publicly with all interested parties, both nationally and locally.
"We remain committed to the timely development and implementation of a solution that inspires public confidence, is safe, environmentally responsible, secure and cost-effective."
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Smiler
(Unregistered User)
Oct 21 09 16:18
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Next meeting of the Submarine Dismantling Project advisory group
Thursday 22 October 09
The venue for the next IAG on the 22nd Oct is the Apex International Hotel, Edinburgh.
The Submarine Dismantling Project is committed to the timely development and implementation of a solution for the dismantling of the UK's defuelled nuclear powered submarines which inspires public confidence, is safe, environmentally responsible, secure and cost-effective.
The SDP Advisory Group (SDP AG) provides a forum for conducting independent assessment of initiatives and outcomes, and a route for providing scrutiny, advice and counsel to the Ministry of Defence SDP Steering Group aimed at facilitating the Submarine Dismantling Project (SDP) programme.
Members of the public are welcome to observe IAG committee meetings
Smiler
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Oct 21 09 16:19
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From the Isolus website:
To date, two of the three public consultations have been undertaken. The first two were conducted by the Centre for the Study of Environmental Change at Lancaster University. The third consultation will be undertaken by Green Issues Communications with evidence provided by the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) produced and compiled by Entec.
Smiler
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Oct 21 09 16:30
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Site under consideration is DM Crombie. 2005 evaluation report discounted it as a suitable site because:
The site could not be used for cut-up/cut-out as this activity is incompatible with existing use as an ammunition depot.
The site lies within Chancellor of the Exchequer’s constituency.
The site has SSSI/AONB designations.
http://www.isolus.org.uk/assets/downloads/publicconsultation/ISOLUS_ReportonMODCoastalSitesJan05.pdf
Dockie Worker
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Oct 22 09 11:20
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i dont see what the issue is here. if the contract was awarded to rosyth it would mean more work for an already dwindling workforce - somethign which as a dockie i welcome with open arms.
as long as it is managed correctly their is no immediate danger to the community and or immediate landscape. their is currently nuclear waste being stored at rosyth any way this would just mean an expansion to the current project.
wullie rennie MP i emplore you to consider the livelihoods of the workers of the yard before you right this off. we have homes to keep and families to feed and we dont need work turned away!!!!
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