Ship could carry radioactive waste down the Minch under controversial plans by the
Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
Spent nuclear fuel is to be transported from the decommissioned Dounreay power station
for reprocessing in Sellafield in the North of England.
The NDA is to move 44 tonnes of fuel to Sellafield. It also intends to transfer the
"exotics" out of Dounreay - which could possibly start to leave the site by the end
of this year.
Transfers overland by road and rail started in 2012 but now the authorities are looking
at a trial sea voyage within five months to see if the Minch is a feasible route
for the consignments.
Nuclear materials have been transported routinely in the past by ship between Caithness
and Cumbria.
In the effective absence of an emergency tug, serious concerns have been raised over
carrying a dangerous cargo down a busy sea lane and past valuable fishing grounds.
Comhairle leader Angus Campbell has slammed the lack of communication over the contencious
plans.
In a letter to the Stephen Henwood, chairman of the NDA, Mr Campbell insisted the
council and other agencies which may have to deal with the “consequences of any accident
occurring” should have been informed.
Mr Campbell demanded a “full and meaningful consultation” if the plan is for regular
radioactive shipments down the Hebridean coast.
He also sought “assurances on the safety measures that will be in place for transporting
these hazardous cargoes.”
He added: “Our marine environment around the shores of the Western Isles has been
put at greater risk in recent years with the removal of the Emergency Vessel that
was previously on standby for incidents in the Minch involving shipping.
“There is now only one tug for northern waters and it could take a considerable amount
of time for this vessel to reach an incident occurring off the shores of the Western
Isles.
“Shipping nuclear waste through the Minch significantly increases the risk factor
for those who use our waters, those whose businesses depend on those waters and the
marine and coastal environment.”
Moving nuclear material by sea is carried out by International Nuclear Services,
a subsidiary of the NDA, using specially designed and modified vessels.
The NDA will not give details of precise routes, timings, and quantities “on the
grounds of national security.”
A spokesperson said members of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group had been informed about
the sea trials in March.
“If successful, this will give the option of two routes for the delivery of Dounreay’s
‘exotic’ fuel to Sellafield. The trial will allow implementation of the NDA’s preferred
options paper.”
Fears over nuclear waste ships in Minch 25/7/14
DSRL / NDA