Independent Monitoring of Solid Low Level Radioactive Waste Disposals in the UK

The independent monitoring of solid low level radioactive waste (LLW) in the United Kingdom is undertaken by NNC Limited on behalf of The Environment Agency to ensure that disposals are within the authorised limits. Waste consignments are seized by the Agency prior to disposal and are transported to the Waste Quality Checking Laboratory (WQCL) at Winfrith, where the contents are analysed and assessed by destructive and non-destructive testing. All work performed at the laboratory is qualified by a Quality Assurance System which has been accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). This paper outlines the regulatory framework for control of LLW disposals in the UK and describes the techniques used at WQCL for radioactive waste assessment.