Disposal: In conversation with Martin Walkingshaw

Martin Walkingshaw is our Chief Operating Officer. He has overall accountability for our operational Repository site in Cumbria and our main programmes of work, including the GDF. He highlights the progress being made with the GDF programme and the positive impact we are supporting for our communities.

Being involved in this programme is a real privilege. We take pride in the progress we’re making in delivering a GDF as the safe, secure, and long-term solution for the most hazardous radioactive waste.

This programme is unique in the UK, in that it requires explicit community support to go ahead. We are here to ensure people have access to the information they need to make an informed decision.

There are currently three communities across England, two in Cumbria, Mid Copeland and South Copeland, and one in Lincolnshire around Theddlethorpe, who are engaging in the programme to learn what hosting a GDF could mean for them.

For a GDF to be built, alongside a willing host community, it also requires a suitable site. This process can take time and we have started and progressed a range of studies and surveys. The emerging data is helping us to identify locations for further investigative work, such as drilling deep boreholes, to understand the geology and help us ensure a GDF can be constructed, operated, and closed safely and securely.

We withdrew from Allerdale in Cumbria last year because our analysis showed there was not likely to be enough suitable rock for a GDF. The areas that remain in the process all have potential to host a GDF, and we’ll keep our stakeholders and communities updated on our comprehensive programme of site evaluations.

It is also great to see the positive impact of our community funding across our programmes. Our funding has supported a range of causes including the Cumbria Community Foundation Winter Warmth Fund, first aid training and an emergency ambulance for Wasdale Mountain Rescue Team, and an adventure playground and community garden in Lincolnshire.

Right across our operations and major programmes I’ve not worked with a better team than the one I have today, and I’d like to thank my colleagues for their efforts. They are working with a shared vision, and we have real strength-in-depth in terms of our expertise and experience in all areas, including operations, programmes, and projects. They really understand the importance of working with our communities and stakeholders, taking the time to listen, understand, and respond appropriately.

Martin Walkingshaw, Chief Operating Officer at Nuclear Waste Services