Site operations
The main focus of the LLWR is to provide a safe, reliable, cost-effective low level waste management service to the UK. We are mindful of an ongoing regulator and stakeholder commitment to decommission and clean-up redundant facilities.
A planning application for construction of Vault 9 for storage was submitted on 29th June 2007 with planning consent granted by the Waste Planning Authority, Cumbria County Council, on 22nd January 2008. Construction of Vault 9 commenced in September 2008 and was completed in July 2010. Vault 9 is now fully operational for the storage of LLW.
In addition to the disposal of LLW, the site also stored Plutonium Contaminated Material (PCM), a legacy from the 1950’s. The PCM retrievals project witnessed a landmark event in July 2007 with the safe return of all bulk PCM to Sellafield site. The second phase of this project is ongoing with retrieval and transportation of Hex cylinders and secondary PCM waste and ultimate decommissioning of the PCM facilities.
Site Operations
