Lancaster Environment Centre hosts Nuclear Decommissioning Conference

The environmental monitoring challenges and solutions posed by the nuclear decommissioning process were examined at Lancaster University’s Environment Centre this week.

More than seventy scientists and nuclear industry professionals from organisations including Sellafield Limited and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority attended a half-day conference on July 17. The event was held in the Lancaster Environment Centre’s recently opened business development wing which provides businesses with facilitated access to the centre’s science, including specialist office space.

Issues for discussion included:

● Innovation and recent developments in environmental monitoring techniques

● The environmental issues and impacts of nuclear decommissioning

● Research and development opportunities

Lancaster University researchers showcased a number technological developments ranging from neutron detection and subsurface leak detection to geophysical imaging methods and coastal monitoring.

The event titled ‘Environmental Monitoring and Analysis for the Nuclear Industry’ was organised by Envirolink NorthWest and Lancaster Environment Centre’s business development team.

John Knox of Envirolink NorthWest said: “Innovations in technology for environmental monitoring and analysis play a significant role in delivering safer, more efficient and cost effective decommissioning projects.

“With growing pressure on Site Licence Contractors to manage their environmental performance and undertake complex decommissioning projects, characterising and monitoring sites as well as understanding the local environment is increasingly important.

“This event brought together industry specialists and authorities tasked with guiding technology development along with academics and their development teams. Delegates have seen and discussed innovations which could lead to significant advancements in environmental monitoring and clean-up.”