An exhibition roadshow is taking place during September to allow people to find out more about what a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) is and what it could mean for Copeland.
A GDF is an underground facility designed to safely and securely dispose of higher activity radioactive waste. Copeland GDF Working Group has organised a series of exhibitions to encourage further conversations and understanding about geological disposal.
It will take place in 10 locations across Copeland from September 1-17 and is a chance to hear more, give views, ask questions, raise any concerns and understand potential opportunities. There will be plenty of information plus some interactive content and virtual reality.
Gillian Johnston, Community Engagement Manager for Copeland GDF Working Group, said: “We are looking forward to getting out and about more in our local communities to speak with people face to face.
“Anyone can come along and look around the exhibition, speak to members of the Copeland GDF Working Group and local community engagement team – as well as scientists, geologists and engineers from Radioactive Waste Management (RWM).
“It’s a chance for us to hear more views from you, listen, answer your questions and have further conversations in person.”
The events will operate within current Government guidance and will be held across the following locations and times:
- The Beacon Portal, Whitehaven: Sept 1 (10am-7pm); Sept 2 (9.30am-2pm)
- Silecroft Village Hall: Sept 3 (10am-2pm)
- Kirksanton Village Hall: Sept 3 (5pm-8pm)
- Thwaites Village Hall: Sept 4 (10am-6pm)
- Millom Rugby Union Club, Haverigg: Sept 6 (10am-6pm)
- Drigg & Carleton Village Hall: Sept 7 (10am-6pm)
- Egremont Methodist Church: Sept 8 (10am-6pm); Sept 9 (10am-6pm)
- Cleator Moor Civic Hall: Sept 10 (10am-6pm); Sept 11 (10am-2pm)
- St Bees Management Centre: Sept 13 (10am-6pm); Sept 14 (10am-6pm)
- Whitehaven Golf Club: Sept 16 (10am-7pm); Sept 17 (10am-2pm)
A leaflet from the Working Group will be delivered to Copeland households later this month which will include the exhibition dates and times.
Working Group Chair, Mark Cullinan, added: “If you want to know more about geological disposal, how a suitable site for a GDF is identified, what it could mean for Copeland, how a community partnership is formed and what it will do – as well as subjects including geology, safety and the environment – please put the dates in your diary. We look forward to seeing you.”
People are invited to register in advance, by going online to book a morning or afternoon visit at their preferred location: https://copelandgdfexhibitions.rwmevents.co.uk/home.
This will help to manage each venue’s capacities and ensure Covid-safety. Alternatively, telephone the Copeland Call Centre on 0300 369 0000 to book your place. Those who choose to turn up on the day without registering will be able to enter when there’s a safe space – however there may be a wait if the venue is fully booked at that time.
As part of the process to find a site for a GDF in England or Wales, a Working Group was formed in Copeland last November. It has three main tasks – begin to understand community issues, examine any concerns and questions the public has about a GDF; identify a search area or areas within Copeland and recruit initial members for a Community Partnership which could take that work forward.