In July 2005, CoRWM announced its shortlist of four options. These are:he key feature of all storage options is that the waste remains accessible and is easy to monitor. It also allows changes of plans for the future management of wastes.
Option 1:
Interim Storage
| This would involve the waste being stored either just above or just below the surface. Although a temporary solution, it could last for many decades or even centuries. |
Option 2:
Deep Geological Disposal | This is a permanent measure, whereby the waste is put between 300 metres and 2 km underground. The location of the disposal site must be in an area where geology can act as a natural protective chamber to ensure the waste is safe. |
Option 3:
Phased Deep Geological Disposal
| This method is similar to Deep Geological Disposal, but allows the waste to be retrieved for up to several hundred years after it is initially emplaced. This means the waste can be monitored, and if unwanted changes are found to occur, it can be moved. |
Option 4:
Near Surface Disposal of Reactor Decommissioning Waste | This method buries short-lived and some longer living waste just beneath the surface. This option is being considered in relation to a small proportion of wastes from decommissioned reactors. |
