§ Ms. QuinTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what regulatory regime covers the environmental protection of uranium wastes and depleted uranium stored at BNFL Springfields, Chapelcross, Capenhurst and Sellafield, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority sites at Harwell, Windscale, Winfrith and Dounreay and each of the Central Electricity Generating Board's nuclear plant sites, and the Central Electricity Generating Board's research laboratories at Berkeley and Barnwood.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyRegulatory control is exercised in respect of radioactive waste discharges a nd disposals from nuclear site operators by HMIP.
Radioactive wastes from nuclear sites are disposed of under the conditions and limitations of site specific authorisations issued under section 6 of the Radioactive Substances Act 1960 by the authorising Departments (DOE and MAFF). These authorisations, which are kept under regular review, require the operator to meet strict disposal limits and to use the best practicable means to further limit discharges. They are given only if the Secretary of State is satisfied about the effect of the discharges on the environment.