§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many sites are licensed to use depleted uranium in manufacturing of any kind; and what guidance is given on waste disposal of material emanating from those sites. [HL3216]
§ Lord WhittyIn England and Wales there are approximately 150 premises in the manufacturing sector that hold certificates of registration, under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993, from the Environment Agency in relation to the keeping and use of depleted uranium. The vast majority are simply users of articles manufactured from depleted uranium,124WA eg industrial radiography source containers. The agency's central records list only five premises, other than sites licensed under the Nuclear Installations Act (Amended) 1965, that are engaged in manufacturing and are specifically authorised to dispose of depleted uranium wastes. In addition to the five sites referred to above, the agency is aware of manufacturing activities involving depleted uranium at licensed nuclear sites such as AWE Aldermaston. A number of nuclear sites (for example BNFL Springfields) and some Royal Ordnance sites (for example ROSM Featherstone and Cardiff) were previously engaged in the manufacture of depleted uranium components, but have now ceased manufacturing.
In England and Wales the disposal of depleted uranium waste is controlled by means of certificates of authorisation issued by the agency under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. Specific conditions and requirements relating to disposal are detailed in the certificate. During the regulatory process of applying for a certificate specific guidance is provided by the agency to each applicant.
§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
On how many sites where depleted uranium has been used there have been incidents that have been investigated by the Environment Agency. [HL32171]
§ Lord WhittyDuring the past 10 years the Environment Agency (EA) has been involved in the investigation of only one incident at a site where depleted uranium has been used and this was for the purposes of producing munitions. One investigation has also been undertaken at another site, but this was where it had been illegally tipped.