The Operating Programme (MOP 9) Contents

Index 1 Foreword 1 2 Executive Summary 2 3 Introduction 5 4 The UK Strategy for Spent Magnox Fuel and Associated Asset Use 6 Reprocessing Magnox Fuel 6 Discharges and Safety 6 Magnox Reprocessing Asset Utilisation 7 Processing of Fast Reactor (DFR) material 7 Interim Storage of First Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP) fuel 7 5 MOP Management 8 Organisational Changes 8 Performance Range, Scenario Outputs and Planning Guidance 8 The use of a Performance Range 8 Planning Guidance 9 Management Arrangements 9 Programme Management 9 Underpinning 9 Assurance 9 Annual Review 10 Risk Management 10 Identification and Mitigation of Risks 10 Critical Programme Impacts Tracker (CPIT) 10 6 MOP Contingencies 11 Acute Failure 11 Chronic Failure 11 7 Summary 12 8 MOP Status Update 13 9 References 14

Endorsed by: Endorsed by: Endorsed by: Endorsed by: Approved by:

J Lamonby R Beeby P Brennan C McVay N Baldwin *OPLM5\JSLHY6ɉJLY MOP Director Head of Operations Head of Waste Managing Director Fuelled Sites Magnox Limited Magnox Reprocessing Dounreay Site Restoration Magnox Limited Magnox Limited :LSSHÄLSK3PTP[LK Limited 1 Foreword

The Authority (NDA) is pleased to publish the ninth edition of the Magnox Operating Programme (MOP 9). This is the fourth full issue to be published under the NDA’s ownership of the civil nuclear assets and, in-line with our policy of openness and transparency, is published in a form suitable for release to a wide audience.

NDA strategy continues to be to A performance range approach has Interdependencies between the lifetime “Reprocess all spent Magnox fuel” as ILLUHKVW[LKMVY[OLÄYZ[[PTLHSSV^PUN plans for the Site Licence Companies are presented in the NDA Strategy April increased focus on achievement ÄYTS`LZ[HISPZOLKPU[OLWYVNYHTTLHUK 2011. The MOP presents the delivery of the programme outcomes, both Site Licence Company plans. It continues programme to meet this strategy. LUJV\YHNPUNHUKMHJPSP[H[PUNLɈLJ[P]L as an exemplar in terms of the cross-site Detailed discussion and evaluation of long term programme management and integration required to deliver the NDA Z[YH[LNPJHS[LYUH[P]LZHS[OV\NOIYPLÅ` stakeholder engagement. mission and balances demands across discussed is beyond the scope of this the NDA estate. document. Recent operational performance has been variable and below that The logistical and process challenges The NDA continues to seek safe assumed in MOP 8. Our contractors discussed in these pages illustrate the underpinned programmes of work which OH]LZ\JJLZZM\SS`HKKYLZZLKÅHZR complexity of the process. It is a tribute YLHSPZ[PJHSS`YLÅLJ[^OH[PZHJOPL]HISL availability issues and spent fuel delivery to the professional dedication of all with the resources and plant available. capability has been returned to historic involved, across a number of Site Licence *VUZPKLYHISLLɈVY[ZOH]LILLUTHKLI` levels. Reprocessing and supporting Companies, to recognise the challenges our contractors to examine and underpin operations are currently rate limiting, and MHJPUN[OLWYVNYHTTLHUK[OLPYLɈVY[Z plant performance and ensure continuing a structured improvement programme to deliver a safe, optimised and cost- hazard reduction. The programme has been established. It will however take LɈLJ[P]LWYVNYHTTLHZ^LZ[YP]L[VJSLHU YLÅLJ[ZHJOPL]LKYLWYVJLZZPUNYH[LZHUK ZVTL[PTL[VKLTVUZ[YH[L[OLILULÄ[Z up our nuclear legacy. acknowledges the challenge this presents derived. to previously declared milestones. Sara Johnston NDA Head of National Programmes

Magnox Operating Programme 2012 | 1 2 Executive Summary

The programme of using Magnox fuel is drawing to a close; however important work remains to bring the programme to a successful conclusion. The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) strategy for Magnox fuel1 is to discharge spent fuel MYVTYLHJ[VYZ[YHUZWVY[P[[V:LSSHÄLSKMVYYLWYVJLZZPUN conditioning and/or storage of the reprocessing products.

The scope of the Magnox Operating Whilst reprocessing continues there The previous version of the MOP3 Programme (MOP) is: are opportunities to continue electricity contained substantial detail on the generation at Wylfa using existing fuel processes required to deliver the ‹4HUHNLTLU[VMUL^HUKZWLU[4HNUV_M\LS and to use existing facilities for other programme. This information is largely on Magnox sites, including the generation hazard reduction activities, providing unchanged and is not repeated in this interface and interim storage [OLZLKVUV[ZPNUPÄJHU[S`KLSH`[OL W\ISPJH[PVU;OLTVZ[ZPNUPÄJHU[KPɈLYLUJL ‹;YHUZWVY[VMZWLU[M\LSMYVT4HNUV_ZP[LZ[V completion of reprocessing. Removal between MOP 8 and MOP 9 is the explicit :LSSHÄLSK-\LS/HUKSPUN7SHU[-/7 of all spent fuel from a Magnox site recognition of the uncertainties associated ‹;YHUZWVY[VMZWLU[M\LSMYVT*HSKLY/HSS[V facilitates decommissioning of reactor with Magnox reprocessing , primarily the FHP systems and spent fuel handling facilities, age of the plants involved which has led to ‹;YHUZWVY[VM+V\UYLH`-HZ[9LHJ[VY4H[LYPHS and this is an important milestone. variable delivery performance. to FHP Completion of spent fuel reprocessing at Rather than assuming a single level of ‹0U[LYPTZ[VYHNLH[:LSSHÄLSK :LSSHÄLSKHSSV^ZJSVZ\YLVMHU\TILYVM reprocessing performance, MOP 9 has ‹+LJHUUPUNHUKYLWYVJLZZPUN2 plants, facilitates decommissioning of reactor systems and spent fuel considered upper and lower bound ‹*VU[PUNLUJ`WSHUUPUN[VLUZ\YLZWLU[ handling facilities. performance levels based on historic Magnox fuel is always handled and stored performance and commitments to in a safe manner in the event that there are improvement plans. The performance ZPNUPÄJHU[\UWSHUULKPU[LYY\W[PVUZ[V[OL of plant and systems over the MOP 9 programme performance range has been underpinned [VPTWYV]LJVUÄKLUJLPUKLSP]LY`VM[OL 1 NDA Strategy, April 2011 overall programme. 2 Downstream plant issues are only considered to the extent necessary for risk analysis and ensuring 3 reprocessing is not unnecessarily restricted MOP 8

2 | Magnox Operating Programme 2012 To sustain and improve reprocessing The use of a MOP 9 Performance Range, From its launch in 2001, the MOP has performance levels a Magnox Throughput rather than a single delivery schedule, recognised the risk that, in spite of the Improvement Plan (MTIP) was launched PZHZPNUPÄJHU[JOHUNLMYVT467  ILZ[LɈVY[ZVMHSSWHY[PLZPU]VS]LKP[TH` I`:LSSHÄLSKPU(WYPS[OPZPZH YLÅLJ[PUN[OLYLHS\UJLY[HPU[`PUKLSP]LY` not be possible to reprocess all spent continuing and developing programme. and more clearly showing the range Magnox fuel. This may be due to sudden of possible outcomes. The range of and irrecoverable failure of a key plant A “very low” reprocessing rate below the defuelling completion dates for individual item or due to chronic performance underpinned performance range has also sites is shown in Table 5.2 on page 10, PZZ\LZ^OPJOTHRLP[KPɉJ\S[[VJVTWSL[L been considered. The aim of this “very and Table 2.1 summarises the dates for reprocessing. Fall back plans and low” rate is to explore any constraints completing reprocessing in MOP 8 and options for these eventualities are being which would prevent continued MOP 9. considered by the NDA. reprocessing if anticipated performance proves to be optimistic (outside the Managerial arrangements have been The aim of this MOP 9 document is to range). The Critical Programme Impacts YL]PZLKHUKYLÄULK[VZ\WWVY[[OL provide a self-contained and point-in- Tracker process (described on page 10) performance-based approach adopted time summary of the NDA strategy for is designed to provide early warning by MOP 9. These managerial arrangements spent Magnox fuel and the Site Licence of issues that threaten completion of HYLIYPLÅ`KLZJYPILKPU[OPZKVJ\TLU[ Companies (principally Magnox and reprocessing. :LSSHÄLSKWSHUZ[VKLSP]LY[OH[Z[YH[LN` Performance and programme risks are reviewed to provide and update The current NDA strategy for Magnox planning guidance to sites and facilities fuel is available on the NDA website and MVYTHUHNLTLU[HUKÄUHUJPHSWSHUUPUN this should be consulted alongside this purposes. summary document.

Table 2.1 The dates for completion of reprocessing as presented in MOP 8 (Revision 2) and MOP 9

Reprocessing Rate Completion of Reprocessing

MOP 8 Revision 2 – March 2016

MOP 9 – Upper Bound of Performance Range 740 tU/year March 2017

MOP 9 – Lower Bound of Performance Range 450 tU/year December 2020

MOP 9 – Very Low Rate 250 tU/year ~2028

tU – of

| 3 The Journey

From pilecap at a station

to a Magnox pond

Flasks are then loaded onto train

To be delivered to Sellafield

Decanning and reprocessing at Sellafield

4 | Magnox Operating Programme 2012 3 Introduction

In 2001 the MOP was established to manage the spent fuel related activities required for a satisfactory conclusion to the Magnox reactor generating programme and closure of the Magnox fuel cycle. The MOP scope includes new fuel supply, optimisation of generation lifetimes, reactor defuelling and the subsequent reprocessing of spent Magnox fuel. MOP 8 and its two revisions are updated by this document. In particular, a status update is included in the Appendix.

The detailed processes within the The MOP is a complex process5 which ;OLWSHU[ZH[:LSSHÄLSKJHYY`PUNV\[HUK MOP, as described in MOP 8, have requires careful management to ensure supporting reprocessing are complex UV[JOHUNLKZPNUPÄJHU[S`HUKHYLUV[ it is delivered in a safe and compliant and many have been in use for a repeated here. They can be summarised manner, as soon as practicable, with considerable time. Age, complexity as follows. least cost to the UK taxpayer. and interdependencies lead to the reliability issues that the MTIP seeks to Magnox fuel was manufactured by Since the issue of MOP 8, reprocessing address. The variability of reprocessing 4 :WYPUNÄLSKZ-\LSZHUKKLSP]LYLK[VZP[LZ . and spent fuel deliveries have both rates introduces uncertainty in forecast L_WLYPLUJLKKPɉJ\S[PLZHUK[OPZOHZ milestone completion dates, such as During the generation phase new fuel is led to a review and strengthening of loaded into the reactors as required and completion of reprocessing or defuelling the MOP management arrangements. on a particular site. The approach a corresponding quantity of spent fuel is These arrangements, described on discharged to interim storage allowing adopted for this update of the MOP is page 8, are designed to put a greater [VTVKLSZJLUHYPVZIHZLKVUKPɈLYLU[ JVVSPUNHUKKLJH`VMÄZZPVUWYVK\J[Z emphasis on anticipating problems and WYPVY[VKLZWH[JO[V:LSSHÄLSK-VSSV^PUN assumed reprocessing rates and assess ensuring more rigorous underpinning of [OLPTWHJ[VM[OLKPɈLYLU[YH[LZVU the generation phase bulk defuelling planning assumptions. The MTIP has commences. defuelling and reprocessing completion been developed to mitigate known risks dates. Spent fuel is transported from sites H[:LSSHÄLSKHUK[VPKLU[PM`HUKTP[PNH[L [V:LSSHÄLSKPUM\LS[YHUZWVY[ÅHZRZ future risks. Magnox has reviewed site *VU[PUNLUJ`WSHUZMVYKPɉJ\S[PLZ^P[O Transport is by rail and road and the rate performance and capability to ensure reprocessing are discussed on page 11. of fuel transport approximately matches assumed reprocessing rates can be the rate of reprocessing. matched by fuel deliveries.

6UYLJLPW[H[:LSSHÄLSK[OLZWLU[M\LSPZ stored in the FHP until the decanning schedules call for it to be retrieved. The elements are decanned with the outer Magnox can removed and encapsulated in cementitious grout for long term storage. The uranium bar is sent to the reprocessing plant where the products consist of uranium and oxides for storage, high level waste for interim Z[VYHNLHUK]P[YPÄJH[PVUHUK]HYPV\Z waste streams for further treatment.

4 All new fuel has now been delivered to sites

5 For a detailed process description see MOP 8 which is available on the NDA website

Magnox Operating Programme 2012 | 5 4 The UK Strategy for Spent Magnox Fuel and Associated Asset Use

Since the inception of the Magnox reactor programme, reprocessing has been the technology employed to transform spent Magnox fuel into a series of products suitable for interim storage pending disposal or reuse. This strategy has been reviewed both when considering [OLULLKMVYYLWSHJLTLU[WSHU[ZH[:LSSHÄLSKHUKI`H number of high level reviews.

More recently, reprocessing of spent 4.1 Reprocessing Magnox fuel Since 2000 there have been considerable 4HNUV_M\LS^HZJVUÄYTLKHZ[OL Magnox fuel is composed of a metallic reductions in liquid discharges arising preferred option by the NDA in the strategy uranium bar enclosed in a fuel can made from Magnox reprocessing operations, document that has been endorsed by the from a magnesium alloy called Magnox. most notably as a result of diverting the Department of Energy and Climate Change Although spent Magnox fuel is commonly -99 into a waste stream (DECC). stored in water (fuel ponds), it cannot be MVY]P[YPÄJH[PVU(ZZOV^UPU-PN\YL Z[VYLKPUKLÄUP[LS`PU[OLZLJVUKP[PVUZHUK even if reprocessing performance rates Reprocessing is carried out using a number must undergo some form of treatment to YLTHPUH[YLJLU[H]LYHNLZHUKUVILULÄ[Z VMWSHU[ZVU[OL:LSSHÄLSKZP[LHUKPU convert it into stable forms for long-term are realised from the improvements made spite of the asset care programme and storage pending disposal. or being made, reprocessing will be the installation of some new plant, overall completed around 2020. performance is variable. In April 2012 there remained 3,800 tU of Magnox fuel to reprocess. Figure 4.2 The UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges Figure 4.1 shows the annual reprocessing shows the dates at which reprocessing sets out how the UK will continue to meet achieved over the last 12 years together will complete for the two bounding its OSPAR Convention commitments. ^P[O[OLYVSSPUNÄ]L`LHYH]LYHNL;OPZ performance levels used for MOP 9. The performance of the MOP and other variable performance makes forecasting ZPNUPÄJHU[WYVNYHTTLZZ\JOHZ[OL KPɉJ\S[HUKPZ[OLYLHZVUMVY[OLJOHUNL Assuming reprocessing rates remained reprocessing of oxide fuels through the within MOP 9 to a performance range at recent averages of about 450 tU each :LSSHÄLSK;/697WSHU[PZRLW[\UKLY approach. year then it would take eight to nine years review by the NDA to ensure that these to complete, which is comparable to the programmes continue to meet their [PTLP[^V\SK[HRL[VPU[YVK\JLHKPɈLYLU[ objectives. management option. The NDA have reviewed alternatives to reprocessing to A study of the implications of extended establish whether there are other credible Magnox reprocessing operations on the options which present a better solution.6 KPZJOHYNLWYVÄSLZMYVT[OL:LSSHÄLSKZP[LPZ ongoing. Preliminary analysis indicates that 6 Magnox Fuel: Strategy Position Paper the dissolution of fuel up to 2020 is unlikely to result in discharges to the environment 4.2 Discharges and Safety that are outside the obligations set out in the UK Strategy for Radioactive One of the main drivers for establishing the Discharges. MOP was to ensure compliance with the UK Strategy for Radioactive Discharges, Discharges will continue to be minimised ^OPJOYLÅLJ[ZJVTTP[TLU[Z[V[OL6:7(9 through the use of Best Available Convention. The treaty requires discharges Technology (BAT). The use of As Low of radioactive substances to the North East As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP) Atlantic to be subject to progressive and methodology ensures that risks to the substantial reduction, such that by 2020, ^VYRMVYJLHYLTHUHNLKLɈLJ[P]LS` concentrations of radioactive substances in the marine environment are close to zero, in comparison to historical levels.

6 | Magnox Operating Programme 2012 -PN\YL(UU\HS9LWYVJLZZPUN7LYMVYTHUJLZPUJL -PN\YL)V\UKPUN9LWYVJLZZPUN7LYMVYTHUJL3L]LSZ

0 0 2002 /032002 2005 / 06 2008 / 09 2003 / 04 05 / 2004 2006 / 07 / 2006 2000 / 01 / 2000 2001 / 02 2007 / 08 2009 / 10 2011 / 12 2010 / 11 01-Apr-14 01-Apr-14 01-Apr-19 01-Apr-19 01-Oct-11 01-Oct-16 01-Oct-16 01-Jun-13 01-Jun-13 01-Jun-18 01-Jun-18 01-Feb-15 01-Feb-15 01-Aug-17 01-Aug-17 01-Aug-12 01-Aug-12 01-Dec-15 01-Dec-15 01-Feb-20 01-Feb-20 01-Dec-20 01-Dec-20 Financial Year

4.3 Magnox Reprocessing Asset 4.3.1 Processing of Dounreay Fast Reactor 4.3.2 Interim Storage of First Generation Utilisation (DFR) Material Magnox Storage Pond (FGMSP) Fuel ;OL:LSSHÄLSKZP[LPZJVTWSL_^P[OTHU` The DFR was a 60MWt research reactor The FGMSP contains Magnox fuel put into interconnected and interdependent located at Dounreay in Caithness. Its interim storage prior to the commissioning facilities. Where there are competing purpose was to investigate the technology of the new FHP. Most of this fuel is in demands the priorities will be determined and fuel cycles for fast reactors which HWVVYWO`ZPJHSZ[H[L;OL:LSSHÄLSK [OYV\NO:LSSHÄLSKWYPVYP[PZH[PVUWYVJLZZLZ would both produce and burn plutonium Performance Plan baseline is to move fuel Magnox reprocessing has a high ZPNUPÄJHU[S`PUJYLHZPUN[OLLULYN`^OPJO into FHP for storage pending conditioning operational priority since this is a key could be extracted from the original natural for disposal; it is not intended to reprocess hazard reduction process and wet stored uranium. On the Dounreay site there this fuel. First transfers from FGMSP to Magnox fuel has a limited life. In addition, remains approximately 44 tU of irradiated FHP are planned for 2015/16. A preliminary reprocessing is a key enabler for the elements. investigation shows there should be no direct impact on the MOP, although the removal of spent fuel from Magnox sites Since this material is in metallic form it can allowing subsequent decommissioning ability to recover from an interruption to be fed through the Magnox reprocessing spent fuel deliveries may be compromised. activities to progress. plant to produce products which can be There is capability and capacity within co-managed with Magnox spent fuel. The the Magnox reprocessing suite of plants ILULÄ[Z[V[OL<2HYLHZ\IZ[HU[PHSJVZ[ to undertake other hazard reduction saving achieved by the use of existing activities alongside Magnox spent fuel MOP assets. management. Two activities, described ;OLWYVNYHTTLMVY[OLÄYZ[JHTWHPNUVM PUTVYLKL[HPSOLYLOH]LILLUPKLU[PÄLK TH[LYPHSMYVT+V\UYLH`[V:LSSHÄLSKZOV\SK ^OPJOOH]LZPNUPÄJHU[OHaHYKYLK\J[PVU commence in 2012. Transport logistics and potential but could also impact on ÅHZRH]HPSHIPSP[`OH]LILLUHZZLZZLKHUK Magnox reprocessing operations if not [OLYLPZHOPNOKLNYLLVMJVUÄKLUJL[OH[ carefully managed. the additional transport operations will not impact on Magnox spent fuel movements.

There is a recognised risk that Magnox reprocessing may complete before it is possible to ship all DFR material. Overall the priority is completion of Magnox reprocessing and the DFR material will not ILHSSV^LK[VZPNUPÄJHU[S`L_[LUK[[OL467 without a strategy review.

Magnox Operating Programme 2012 | 7 5 MOP Management

The MOP needs to be carefully managed to monitor performance, anticipate performance problems and look for opportunities to accelerate delivery. A key HZWLJ[VMLɈLJ[P]LNV]LYUHUJLPZLUZ\YPUNZHMLHUK compliant operations.

5.1 Organisational Changes 5.2 Performance Range, Scenario It is anticipated that average reprocessing Since the issue of MOP 8 in October Outputs and Planning Guidance performance will be between the upper and MV\YZPNUPÄJHU[JOHUNLZOH]LILLU 5.2.1 The use of a Performance Range lower bounds of the MOP 9 Performance implemented: Previous issues of the MOP have taken Range although it is likely that actual a single assumed reprocessing rate performance will include periods of ‹ 4HNUV_3[KOHZILLUMVYTLKI`[OL and presented a single defuelling and low performance and periods of higher re-integration of Magnox North Ltd and reprocessing schedule based on that performance to recover and catch up. Magnox South Ltd rate. In MOP 9 it is recognised that As a result of the uncertainty in reprocessing ‹ ;OL4HUHNLTLU[HUK6WLYH[PVUZ performance is likely to be variable and rates a further scenario of only 250 tU/ 4 6JVU[YHJ[MVY[OL:LSSHÄLSK unpredictable and a single schedule does year has been considered, the principal Site has been awarded to Nuclear not adequately test all assumptions or interest in this scenario is consideration Management Partners (NMP) expose the range of possible outcomes. of the impact of very low performance on plant lifetimes and inter-national obligations ‹ +V\UYLH`:P[L9LZ[VYH[PVU3PTP[LK Detailed scenario modelling has been regarding discharges. (DSRL) has been brought into the MOP performed for two reprocessing rates management arrangements shown in Table 5.1, which were chosen to Engineering judgement indicates that there be the upper and lower bounds of a likely HYLJ\YYLU[S`UVPKLU[PÄLKSPMLSPTP[PUNWSHU[ ‹ 467THUHNLTLU[HUKV]LYZPNO[MYVT range of MOP performance (the MOP 9 issues which would prevent reprocessing within Magnox has been strengthened Performance Range), in order to: continuing until this date. However due to and a MOP Director appointed. a) ensure that the performance required the complexities and age of the plant it is for each of the two reprocessing rates not possible to rigorously underpin this. can be underpinned by the capabilities The scenarios shown in Figure 4.2 on page of plants and infrastructure and that 7, provide a visual representation of the constraints are not breached to achieve reducing quantity of spent Magnox fuel for these rates the upper and lower bounds of the MOP 9 b) provide forecast end dates for the sites Performance Range. Table 5.2 provides the and reprocessing. MVYLJHZ[JVTWSL[PVUSHZ[M\LSVɈZP[LKH[LZ for the sites and the date for completion of reprocessing.

Table 5.1 The bounding performance levels for the MOP 9 Performance Range are:

Average Annual Reprocessing rate Commentary

740 tU/year Upper Bound – A relatively high rate chosen to investigate the ability of all other MOP processes to match this rate. It also reflects the requirements of the Sellafield Performance Plan

450 tU/year Lower Bound – A low rate chosen to investigate the capability of plants and the availability of resource to operate for the longer period of time required for this rate

8 | Magnox Operating Programme 2012 Table 5.2 MOP 9 Performance Range Schedules – Average Annual Reprocessing Performance

Upper Bound Lower Bound 740 tU/year 450 tU/year Site Forecast Completion Dates Forecast Completion Dates

Chapelcross Mar 2013 Nov 2013

Sizewell Jun 2014 Oct 2015

Oldbury Oct 2014 Feb 2017

Wylfa Dec 2016 Jul 2019

Calder Hall Mar 2017 Mar 2019

Reprocessing Complete Mar 2017 Dec 2020

5.2.2 Planning Guidance ‹+L[LYTPUPUNHUKLUKVYZPUNKLSP]LY`  5.3.3 Assurance Whilst recognising that actual strategies, commissioning work and The MOP 9 schedules which bound the performance is likely to be variable and placing the actions necessary to ensure MOP 9 Performance Range have been unpredictable, it is necessary to provide the successful completion of the MOP compiled from a comprehensive list of HIHZPZMVYÄUHUJPHSHUKTHUHNLTLU[ priorities, constraints and capabilities planning purposes. Planning guidance ‹(SPNUPUNWYPVYP[PLZI`LUZ\YPUN[HYNL[ZHYL  for plants, equipment, infrastructure and will be issued and then reviewed annually aligned or compatible people. These have been underpinned by against past performance and the current ‹,_HTPUPUNYPZRZHUKHNYLLPUN  the individual organisations contributing YPZRWYVÄSLVM[OLWYVNYHTTL[VPUMVYT appropriate mitigation to the MOP. However these underpinning sites of forecast performance. assessments only have a limited period ‹4VUP[VYPUNKLSP]LY`WLYMVYTHUJL  of validity. Quarterly reviews and and seeking recovery or acceleration assessments will: 5.3 MOP Management Arrangements opportunities ‹ (SSV^Q\KNLTLU[Z[VILTHKLVU[OL 5.3.1 Programme Management ‹6WLYH[PUNHUHZZ\YHUJLWYVNYHTTL[V  continuing validity of the underpinning The MOP is an integrated programme support safe and compliant operations. information used to produce MOP 9 which links multiple locations and multiple organisations. Magnox is responsible Individual projects are established as ‹ 4VUP[VYWYVNYLZZ^P[OKLM\LSSPUN for the overall management of the MOP required. The MTIP is an overarching preparation works at Oldbury and and its interfaces, on behalf of the NDA. project with the objective of identifying Wylfa and improvement plans at the ;OL4HNUV_6WLYH[PUN

Magnox Operating Programme 2012 | 9 5.3.4 Annual Review 5.4 MOP Risk Management 5.4.2 Critical Programme Impacts Tracker (CPIT) An annual high level review of the MOP 5.4.1 Identification and Mitigation of Risks will: Delivery of the MOP requires an array of A long range decision making process ‹ 9L]PL^WLYMVYTHUJLHNHPUZ[[OLWSHU risks to be managed. Risk management has been developed which will ensure to identify the main reasons for any has been embedded in SLC management potential decisions and long lead time SVZZVMJHWHJP[`HUK[OLLɈLJ[P]LULZZ arrangements over the years to PZZ\LZHYLPKLU[PÄLKHUKHKKYLZZLKPUH of any consequential recovery plan LɈLJ[P]LS`THUHNLYPZRZHUKPTWSLTLU[ timely manner. mitigation strategies appropriate to the ‹ *VUZPKLY^OL[OLYPU[OLSPNO[VM impact on the programme. Due to the In the remaining years of the MOP it performance and an assessment of complexity of the MOP and the plants is likely that there will be some issues programme risk, it is necessary to and facilities required to deliver it there (risks or opportunities) which could review the guidance provided for are many individual risks which at a critically impact the programme. In ÄUHUJPHSHUKWYVNYHTTLWSHUUPUN WHY[PJ\SHY[PTLJV\SKL_LY[ZPNUPÄJHU[ order to mitigate against these risks, impact on the programme; however the VYYLHSPZL[OLVWWVY[\UP[PLZZPNUPÄJHU[ ‹ 0KLU[PM`HU`PTWYV]LTLU[VWWVY[\UP[PLZ consequences are largely impact to the decisions may be required many months and the status of plans to deliver schedules and overall programme costs or years in advance. In order to ensure improvements due to an inability to: decision points are not missed, a Critical Programme Impacts Tracker and ‹ 9L]PL^[OL9PZR9LNPZ[LYZHUK^OL[OLY ‹ YLTV]LM\LSMYVTHYLHJ[VY supporting process has been developed [OLL_[LU[VMTP[PNH[PVUPZZ\ɉJPLU[ to capture the potential issues and ‹ ZOPWM\LS[V:LSSHÄLSK ‹ 9L]PL^[OL467THUHNLTLU[ ensure they are subjected to periodic arrangements to consider whether they ‹ KLJHU[OLM\LSPU-/7 review. are delivering the required leadership and direction ‹ YLWYVJLZZ[OLM\LS

‹ ;YPNNLYHYLPZZ\LVM[OL467ZOV\SK performance move outside the MOP 9 Performance Range or other factors mean the bounding scenarios are no longer valid.

10 | Magnox Operating Programme 2012 6 MOP Contingencies

The objective of the MOP is to complete reprocessing as safely and quickly as possible. In the event of an item of plant failing it would almost certainly be the preferred and cheapest option to carry out a repair; there are very few items which could not be repaired or replaced within an acceptable timescale. However, it is prudent to consider the options available for acute or chronic failure and the 5+(HYLSLHKPUNHYL]PL^Z\WWVY[LKI`:LSSHÄLSKHUK4HNUV_

6.1 Acute Failure For wetted fuel the contingency plan 6.2 Chronic Failure Acute failure refers to a situation where currently being developed is in two parts: Chronic failure refers to a situation where reprocessing stops without prior warning reprocessing rates fall to such low levels ‹>L[M\LSPU4HNUV_ZP[LWVUKZ^PSSIL  and does not restart. that it becomes impractical, or uneconomic moved to the FHP pond; this will keep to maintain reprocessing facilities all wet fuel in one location for short/ Historically Magnox fuel has not been operational for extended timescales. medium-term management considered suitable for extended storage Chronic failure is similar to acute failure in water. Typically, up to seven years was ‹;OLWVZZPIPSP[`VMKY`PUNHUK  I\[HSSV^ZZVTLÅL_PIPSP[`[VTHUHNL[OL considered tolerable and, for this reason, containerising wetted fuel is currently PTWHJ[^OLUYLWYVJLZZPUNÄUHSS`LUKZ stocks of wet fuel are limited. NDA-led under development. The work is at a research is ongoing to test the boundaries Section 5.2 considered a scenario where stage where the option is considered of this assumption. average reprocessing rates fell to technically feasible, further detailed 250 tU per year leading to a reprocessing design would be required if it were :OV\SKYLWYVJLZZPUNZ\ɈLYHUHJ\[LMHPS\YL completion date of 2028; although it is decided to implement this option. it is most likely that repair of the fault KPɉJ\S[[VWYVQLJ[[OH[MHYHOLHK[OLYL will be both possible and the preferred For dry fuel that remains in the reactor, HYLUVPKLU[PÄLKWSHU[MHPS\YLZ^OPJO option. However, it is necessary to have a preliminary studies have shown that it can could not be repaired. Figure 4.1 shows contingency plan in place to safeguard be safely stored in-reactor for decades with that an average rate of only 250 tU per the remaining spent fuel should a repair ULNSPNPISLKLNYHKH[PVUHZJVUÄYTLKI` year is very pessimistic. However even not be possible or have extended experience with storage of several hundred in this extreme scenario it is anticipated timescales. tonnes of fuel in air cooled dry stores at that reprocessing could still deal with the Wylfa. Thus in the event of acute failure, remaining spent fuel inventory. The NDA’s dry fuel in reactors would be held on-site current strategic assessment (reference 5) in-reactor until the appropriate conditioning is that reprocessing would continue to be and disposal facilities are in place. the preferred strategy. Should reprocessing rates deteriorate towards the 250 tU per year average rate then the MOP would be managed to limit the impact of the risk from having to halt reprocessing by:

‹9LK\JPUN[OLHTV\U[VMM\LSOLSKPU^L[  storage

‹([[LTW[PUN[VYLK\JL[OLU\TILYVM  locations with Magnox fuel on site

‹*VUZPKLYPUN^OL[OLY[OLYLHYLHS[LYUH[P]L  management options for the smaller quantities of spent fuel which might YLTHPU^OLUYLWYVJLZZPUNÄUHSS`LUKZ

Magnox Operating Programme 2012 | 11 7 Summary

The Magnox Operating Programme mission is to: ‹ 6W[PTPZL[OL4HNUV_JSVZ\YL Programme management arrangements An Annual Review will consider the programme making best use of the have been strengthened to underpin ongoing validity of MOP 9. MOP Planning assets associated with management performance assumptions and ensure a Guidance will also be reviewed annually of the Magnox fuel cycle and WYVHJ[P]LWYVNYHTTLVMYPZRPKLU[PÄJH[PVU and dependent on performance and the enabling national and international and mitigation. New assurance M\[\YLYPZRWYVÄSLP[^PSSLP[OLYJVUÄYT environmental obligations to be arrangements have also been introduced the previous year’s guidance or provide supported to ensure the underpinning arrangements updated guidance. remain valid. ‹ )LJOHSSLUNPUN[VKLSP]LY[OL467 ZJOLK\SLPUHZHMLLɉJPLU[HUK As part of the overall NDA hazard innovative manner. reduction programme, assets used in the MOP will also be used to handle other MOP 9 has provided an update to MOP materials, in particular material from DFR 8 and presented future outcomes in a and the FGMSP. Careful management will manner which recognises programme ensure these have minimal impact on the variability and the sensitivity to events. overall Magnox programme. The use of upper and lower bound performance levels provides a realistic indication of the potential range of key dates and means MOP 9 will remain valid provided average reprocessing performance lies within the Performance Range.

12 | Magnox Operating Programme 2012 8 Appendix - MOP Status Update

Key changes since the issue of MOP 8 ‹ (YLJV]LY`WYVNYHTTLOHZPUJYLHZLK ‹ +-9TH[LYPHSOHZILLUPUJS\KLKPU Revision 2 in August 2010 are: [OLU\TILYVM4HNUV_ÅHZRZPUZLY]PJL the MOP schedules and Dounreay back to historic levels have been included in the MOP ‹ (SS4HNUV_M\LSOHZILLU management arrangements manufactured and delivered to sites ‹ 9LWYVJLZZPUNK\YPUN^HZ limited to 233 tU as a result of delays ‹ ;YHUZMLYVMZWLU[4HNUV_M\LSMYVT ‹ 6SKI\Y`JLHZLKNLULYH[PVUVU9LHJ[VY in spent fuel delivery, followed by FGMSP to FHP pond for storage is Two on 30 June 2011 and Reactor One problems with plants required to PUJS\KLKPU[OL:LSSHÄLSK7LYMVYTHUJL on 29 February 2012 support reprocessing operations. Plan ‹ >`SMH9LHJ[VY;^VJLHZLKNLULYH[PVU Reprocessing during 2011/12 reached 607 tU ‹ ;OL4;07^HZSH\UJOLKH[:LSSHÄLSK on 26 April 2012. Potentially Reactor in April 2011 to reduce risks to and One could continue until 2014/15 ‹ ([[OLZ[HY[VM[OL467[OL-/7WVUK recover reprocessing performance utilising inter-reactor fuel transfers contained around 600 tU of corroded bringing forward the end of Magnox to utilise the energy remaining in fuel, by April 2006 this had reduced to reprocessing lightly irradiated fuel from Reactor 340 tU and at April 2012 the inventory Two. Measures are in place to stood at around 210 tU ‹ 467THUHNLTLU[HYYHUNLTLU[ZOH]L ensure continuing generation and a been reviewed and strengthened. consequent late start to defuelling, do ‹ -VSSV^PUNYLJV]LY`VM[OLZWLU[ not delay MOP completion fuel delivery capability, stocks of wet Magnox fuel have returned ‹ +\UNLULZZ(OHZJVTWSL[LKKLM\LSSPUN to the target level of about 850 tU ^P[OHSSZWLU[M\LSKLZWH[JOLKVɈZP[L (compared to the limit of 1,050tU). on 17 April 2012 Spent fuel deliveries are closely linked ‹ *HSKLY/HSSZ[HY[LKKLM\LSSPUNPU to reprocessing with every of October 2011 reprocessing allowing a tonne of spent fuel to be wet as part of the process MVYKLSP]LY`[V:LSSHÄLSK

Magnox Operating Programme 2012 | 13 9 References

 5+(:[YH[LN`¶,ɈLJ[P]LMYVT(WYPS^^^UKHNV]\R

2 MOP 8 (Revs 1 and 2), www.nda.gov.uk

3 Review of Management Policy, Cm2919, 1995

4 NDA Strategy for Magnox Spent Fuel, www.nda.gov.uk

5 Magnox Fuel: Strategy Position Paper, NDA, June 2012, www.nda.gov.uk

 ^LIZP[LZOV\SKYLHK!^^^ZLSSHÄLSKZP[LZJVT

Herdus House, Westlakes Science & Technology Park, Moor Row, CA24 3HU www.nda.gov.uk

Berkeley Centre, Berkeley, GL13 9PB www.magnoxsites.com

Sellafield, , Cumbria CA20 1PG www.magnoxsites.com

Dounreay, Thurso, Caithness, Scotland KW14 7TZ www.magnoxsites.com

© Nuclear Decommissioning Authority 2012 ISBN number: 978-1-905985-29-6