Determining a strategy for managing radioactive particles in the environment: establishing the BPEO

The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) is in the process of identifying the long-term management strategy for radioactive particles in the environment. Application of the standard best practicable environmental option (BPEO) methodology to this issue is, however, complicated because particles reside in both the on-shore and off-shore environments. Methods for implementation of potential management options may vary due to the differing characteristics of the on- and off-shore environments. A different management option may therefore be required, and furthermore the dynamic interaction between these two environments influences how these options could be combined to provide an overall management strategy. UKAEA has developed the standard BPEO appraisal process so that distinct management options for both environments are initially assessed separately. This allows identification of the key issues that influence how they are combined into an overall management strategy. Over the last two years the public consultation on this issue has progressed substantially and therefore the paper presented at the Nairn conference in 2005 has been revised to take into account the work carried out to date.