A marine geophysical survey was successfully completed off the coast of Copeland in August last year to provide data to support Nuclear Waste Services’ (NWS) assessments of the potential of deep geology to host a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
Fiona McEvoy, Head of Geosphere Characterisation for NWS, said: “Work to date in Mid and South Copeland has indicated potentially suitable geology. At this stage we don’t know enough about the rock and its properties, so we have started the next phase which is to get more information about the geology through further analysis of the geophysical survey data as well as information from nearby existing oil and gas boreholes.
“This work will continue into next year and when available will inform ongoing engineering and safety assessments about the suitability of the geology to host a GDF.”
The Community Partnership and the public will be kept updated as the work progresses.
There will be an opportunity to discuss the Marine Geophysical Survey and ask questions at an event we are planning in the New Year; please keep an eye on our Events Page.
NWS decided not to take Allerdale further in the GDF siting process due to limited suitable geology. Following a comprehensive evaluation of information, it was concluded only a limited volume of potentially suitable rock was identifiable and the geology in the area was unlikely to support a post closure safety case.