Concern over rail choice for spent fuel

It poses an unacceptable risk, says opponents

THE likely choice of rail, to transport consignments of nuclear fuel from Dounreay to West Cumbria is attracting opposition.
A decision is expected today on the preferred option but the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority is expected to endorse the preferred option of site licence company DSRL, to shift the 44-tonne payload of uranium/plutonium fuel for processing, at the Sellafield plant, by train.
The proposal has sparked outrage among the Nuclear Free Local Authorities. Its chairman, Dundee city Councillor George Regan said the plan would endanger communities along the length of the line through Scotland and north-west England. He added that the spent fuel should be put in safe, long-term storage at Dounreay.
Friends of the Earth Scotland have also attacked the rail option as posing unacceptable risks for accidents, mistakes and sabotage.