A NUCLEAR waste site previously described as Europe’s most toxic has been taken out of “enhanced” security measures by the regulator.
Sellafield has returned to routine regulatory attention after being taken into special measures over concerns about the security of the site, the Office for Nuclear Regulation announced on Wednesday.
Physical security concerns related to the site’s arrangements to protect against theft and sabotage.
Improvements have been made to the site’s physical security and progress will be monitored through this year, the regulator said.
Sellafield, in Cumbria close to the Border, is Britain’s largest and most complex nuclear facility and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament have described it as Europe’s most toxic.
Previously a nuclear power plant, Sellafield is now used to dump nuclear waste, including spent fuel rods and scrap metal. Water from the site is pumped out to sea, with radioactive waste being found as far north as the Ayrshire coast.
Paul Dicks, the Office for Nuclear Regulation’s director for Sellafield, said: “We have worked closely with Sellafield Ltd through our enabling approach to ensure that the required improvements are delivered.
“I’m satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated significant and sustained security improvements which has allowed us to return them to routine regulatory attention.”
Energy Minister Lord Hunt said: “This is an example of our world-class nuclear regulator working with industry to raise safety and security standards.
“There’s still more to do, but this shows that Sellafield is moving in the right direction.
“Managing the nation’s nuclear legacy remains a priority, and we will continue to support Sellafield in delivering this vital mission.”
