Latest from Legs and Regs
The UK policy framework for managing radioactive substances and nuclear decommissioning was published in May 2024 by the UK Government and devolved administrations following a consultation conducted during spring 2023 . It provides a coherent UK-wide policy framework , the scope of which is very wide and includes :
• the justification of practices
• the UK ' s method of implementing a graded approach to radiological protection
• management of radioactive sources and orphan sources
• management of radioactive waste
• nuclear decommissioning
• import and export of radioactive substances
• nuclear materials
• spent nuclear fuel
An appendix outlines the UK Government ' s policy for working with communities to implement geological disposal . The policy framework replaces Command Paper 2919 from 1995 .
The Radiation ( Emergency Preparedness and Public Information ) Regulations 2019 Post Implementation Review was also published in May 2024 following feedback from stakeholders sought through a questionnaire in 2023 . The review report states that “ overall the regulations have achieved [ their ] policy objectives [ and the government ] recognises that small amendments to the regulations could help to reduce unintended consequences . The [ questionnaire ] responses also indicate that further clarification in the accompanying guidance would also be helpful .”
Scottish Government recently consulted on proposed amendments to The Environmental Authorisation ( Scotland ) Regulations 2018 ( EASR ). EASR made provision for a simplified , streamlined and standardised common framework for
environmental authorisations in Scotland but initially only included radioactive substances . The proposed amendments are to extend EASR to include waste , water and industrial activities , and to make some minor amendments for radioactive substances . SEPA concurrently held its own consultation on proposed types of authorisation for waste , water and industrial activities , to support regulation of these activities under EASR . At the time of writing , Scottish Government and SEPA are considering the responses to their consultations and will publish their conclusions and next steps in due course .
The Energy Act 2023 contains amendments to the Nuclear Installations Act that will , once in force , provide additional flexibility on the criteria that need to be met before all or part of a nuclear licenced site can be delicensed and the period of responsibility ended . The new criteria are based on international agreements under the Paris Convention on Third Party Liability in the field of nuclear energy . At the time of going to press , the legislative amendments that had been expected to come into force in June 2024 had been delayed . For further information please visit ONR ' s website .
SRP ' s New Patron
Lord McNicol addresses delegates at May ' s Annual Conference .
Lord McNicol of West Kilbride has succeeded Lord Carlile as SRP ' s Patron and we were delighted that he was able to attend this year ' s Annual Conference . SRP Council ensures that key issues affecting the profession are discussed with the Patron .
32 Radiation Protection Today www . srp-rpt . uk