Remediation of the FGMSP at Sellafield: the first transfer of bulk sludge

摘要

1. This paper looks at the first-generation magnox storage pond (FGMSP) sludge retrievals programme, considered one of the most important high hazard reductions at Sellafield. 2. There were many challenges around the retrieval of more than 1,500 cubic metres of radioactive sludge, lying at the bottom of the 160-metre-long storage pond and within the wet bays. 3. The project had a major emphasis on reducing project risk by routinely asking: 'Can this be achieved in a more cost effective and safer manner?' This resulted in a total of 86 project innovations being raised. 4. Key lessons include the positive impact of applying a decommissioning mind-set to deploy simple, innovative solutions, and utilising historically-proven techniques in order to achieve safe and timely delivery of key solutions for future decommissioning.