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About us
Research Sites Restoration Limited (RSRL) is the site licence company responsible for the closure programme at Harwell and Winfrith. Winfrith was a major centre for groundbreaking reactor development from the late 1950s to the 1990s whilst Harwell’s origins go back to the dawn of the UK’s nuclear industry in the 1940s. ...
Achievements
Winfrith Achievements:...
Achievements
Harwell Achievements:...
Archived Records
...
Benefits
Among the benefits of working for RSRL you will find:...
Careers
Interested in joining us? At RSRL you will find a range of career opportunities with the backing you need to fulfil your potential. Take a look at our latest vacancies and find out how to apply....
Consultations
RSRL is committed to being an open and transparent organisation. ...
Contact Information
Harwell Contracts Manager...
Contact us
Managing Director...
Contacts
RSRL has a policy of open communications with the media....
Contract Opportunities
Click here to view Contract Opportunities....
Contracts Placed
Click here to view Contracts Placed....
Emergency planning
Site emergency arrangements...
Environment
RSRL manages land on behalf of the NDA at Harwell (Oxfordshire) and Winfrith (Dorset). The two sites comprise almost 200 hectares of land, which either residue on, or border Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty....
Equal opportunities
All RSRL employees and eligible job applicants enjoy equal opportunity for employment and advancement on the basis of their ability, qualifications, experience and suitability for the work. RSRL does not discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, trade union membership or disability....
Expressing an Interest
This page is currently being updated. If you wish to Express an Interest in a current opportunity please contact the Contracts Officer named in the advertisement....
Feedback
Please use the form below if you would like more information about RSRL or if you have a question not answered by this site. We will respond to all information requests as soon as possible....
Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information...
Harwell Site Operations
The plan for the RSRL site at Harwell is to:...
Health and Safety
Safety...
How to find us
Please see our location maps...
Information Centre
Here you will find the latest information and news on our activities across the Harwell and Winfrith sites....
Information pack
Contacts for media and photographic enquiries, and links to a range of key information on RSRL....
Job vacancies
Current Vacancies...
Key projects
Waste operations:...
Key projects
Decommissioning Care and Maintenance...
Legal
Terms of use ...
Licence and ownership
RSRL is the Site Licence Company responsible for the management and operation of sites at Harwell and Winfrith, under contract to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). RSRL holds the nuclear site licences and discharge authorisations for the sites....
Licence and ownership
RSRL is the Site Licence Company responsible for the management and operation of sites at Harwell and Winfrith, under contract to the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). RSRL holds the nuclear site licences and discharge authorisations for the sites....
Lifetime strategy
The Harwell Site Summary provides an overview of the challenging programme underway to decommission the UK’s first nuclear site. ...
Links
Babcock International Group www.babcock.co.uk...
Location maps
Harwell Site...
Management team
Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL)...
NDA Shared Service Alliance
In 2008/2009 the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and the Site Licence Companies (SLCs) established a Collaborative Procurement (CP) initiative focusing on aggregating demand in commodities and medium complexity services. In consequence a number of CP Framework Agreements were placed covering a range of Business Services and consumables, which have delivered savings and other benefits to the SLCs and the suppliers. NDA and the SLCs have built on this early success by increasing the scope of the CP programme and continue to work together to tender collaborative opportunities....
News from the NDA
The latest news from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)....
Our people
Decommissioning a nuclear facility is a complex business. However, that is only part of what we do. We also need to safely manage our nuclear licensed sites, comply with the relevant regulations and deliver on commitments to our staff and the local communities. To do all these things, RSRL is organised into focused teams supported by management....
Our regulators
In the UK nuclear industry, the tightest of regulatory controls are rightly applied. RSRL works hard to comply with the regulators’ requirements and has been operating nuclear facilities within this environment for many years. Our activities are regulated by the following bodies:...
Pensions
Pension Administration...
Privacy
Your privacy is very important to us. We recognise that when you choose to provide us with information about yourself you trust us to act in a responsible manner. We believe this information should only be used to help us provide you with better service. That's why we have put a policy in place to protect your personal information. We encourage you to take the time to read this privacy policy and those of any web site you visit....
Programme and projects
The programme to decommission and restore Harwell, the UK’s first nuclear site, is a challenging one. ...
Programme and projects
Major progress has been made in restoring the Winfrith site since the start of decommissioning in the 1990s....
Programme summary
The first phase of the Harwell clean-up programme to 2031 is focusing on making historic arisings of radioactive waste passively safe, transferring them off site if necessary, and decommissioning redundant nuclear facilities. ...
Programme summary
Winfrith has now entered the final stage of decommissioning the site....
Publications
Here you will find current publications on activities across our sites. ...
Quality
We are committed to providing our stakeholders with the highest standards of quality products and services, through continued stakeholder satisfaction and continual improvement. ...
Quick facts
Work to deliver the Harwell site programme and achieve the site end-point is covered by two key phases: interim end-state and site closure....
Quick facts
Work to deliver the Winfrith site programme and achieve the site end-point is covered by three key phases: care and maintenance, interim end-state and site closure....
Search Results
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Security
Security and Emergency Planning...
Site Emergency Exercises
Training and Exercises...
Site history
1990s to present day – decommissioning and regeneration...
Site history
1995 to 2048 – decommissioning and regeneration...
Site introduction
Major progress has been made restoring the Winfrith site, since the start of decommissioning in the 1990s. Winfrith was opened in 1957, to offer additional space for the UK’s civil nuclear research programme....
Sitemap
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Social Responsibility
Our business requires the highest levels of safety and environmental protection. Safe working is, and will remain, a primary consideration in all that we do....
Sponsorship
RSRL have an active programme of sponsorships and donations. Harwell and Winfrith sites support a wide range of local projects and events. Recent examples have included:...
Sponsorship criteria and application form
Application for RSRL sponsorship...
Stakeholder engagement
Involving our stakeholders...
Stakeholder groups
Stakeholder Groups...
Stakeholder minutes and reports
Harwell...
Stakeholder Relations
At RSRL we are proud of our excellent relationship with the local community....
Standard Purchase Order Conditions
CC4 (August 2009 WEB) CONDITIONS OF CONTRACTS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES...
Status Updates
Click here to view Status Updates....
Subscribe to news@research-sites.com
Would you like to be updated regularly about news and publications posted online at the website of Research Sites Restoration Ltd?...
Subscribe to news@research-sites.com
Would you like to be updated regularly about news and publications posted online at the website of Research Sites Restoration Ltd?...
Suppliers
Welcome to the contractors' area of the RSRL web site which includes how to express an interest in current opportunities and information on our procurement strategy....
Supply Chain Charter
The Supply Chain Charter aims to foster good working relations across the Supply Chain within the NDA Estate with all parties signing up to a set of principles encouraging mutually beneficial and rewarding relationships....
Tenants Area
Welcome to the Tenants pages....
Trade Unions
Relations with Trade Unions...
Video Library
...
Vision, mission, goals and values
Our vision is to be the first NDA Site Licensee Company to restore its sites....
Winfrith Site Operations
RSRL’s plan for the Winfrith site is to:...
198 news items
A fifth of RSRL Harwell land delicensed
21 December 2011
From January, for the first time in decades, it will be possible to walk across the front of Research Sites Restoration Limited’s (RSRL) Harwell site without once stepping on nuclear licensed property.
A Winning Partnership
17 May 2010
Winning 18 matches out of 18 played and one of only three teams to retain a 100% record in all of Oxfordshire's Boys leagues, Hanney Youth Football Club are now looking forward to next season.
A59 Decommissioning and Redmediation
30 March 2009
In March 2009 the A59 Decommissioning Project was completed at Winfrith. The Active Handling Building, A59, was built and commissioned in the mid 1960s to carry out Post Irradiation Examination (PIE) on spent nuclear fuels and other radioactive materials. A59 housed a range of radioactive handling facilities including massively shielded cave lines and associated services. A59 was a significant category 1 nuclear facility and is one of the first of its type to be decommissioned.
Abingdon United FC U9's unveil bright new strip
01 July 2010
The newly formed Abingdon United FC under 9’s proudly displayed their new kit, sponsored by Research Sites Restoration Ltd.
Acceleration brings decommissioning saving
29 April 2010
Funds released under the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s (NDA) portfolio management scheme accelerated the RSRL clean-up programme at Harwell by bringing a building decommissioning and demolition project forward by several years. It also reduced costs by combining projects, making more efficient use of resources.
ADVERSE WEATHER AT HARWELL
06 January 2010
RSRL management have reviewed the weather condition on site. No significant further snow fall is expected today or tonight, however freezing conditions are expected from later this afternoon.
All hands to the plough....
09 February 2010
The simplest solutions are often the best. That’s certainly been the experience of the team responsible for cleaning out the active cells at Harwell’s former Post Irradiation Examination Facility.
Atomic research lab at Harwell honoured by Royal Society of Chemistry
25 November 2009
The birthplace of the British nuclear industry will tomorrow be awarded a Chemical Landmark Plaque by the Royal Society of Chemistry, to be unveiled by the chemists who worked there in 1949.
B392 Demolition
15 November 2011
Harwell’s B392 has been demolished recently, with the exception of works that are progressing to remove the base slab by early December.
B401.4 in its final stages of being demolished
21 September 2010
Building 401.4 was constructed during 1954, was ready for occupation by January 1955 and was referred to as the Critical Assembly Building which described the type of installations to be constructed in the building.
B462 Main gate project
22 November 2010
The B462 project is designed to meet additional requirements and future access arrangements, and will comprise of a reception area, new offices and welfare facilities; as well as a large document store, which will take centre piece within the building. Constructed of a module format to allow ease of decommissioning in the future, the building has been designed to accept a second story for future growth within the complex.
B462.3 Delay Tank - work in progress
15 June 2011
Part of B462.3 (the Delay Tank building for Harwell's B462 solid waste plant) is being cleared of plant and decontaminated in preparation for installation of the site's new liquid effluent treatment plant, known as RETP.
B521 Demolition
20 June 2011
On 13th June, work started on the final phase of demolition work at Building 521. By November 2011, the building and it's base slab will have been removed.
Babcock MD tours sites
12 August 2010
Following the acquisition of RSRL by Babcock International, Roger Hardy, recently appointed managing director of Babcock Nuclear, paid visits to the Harwell and Winfrith sites.
Babcock Nuclear's Operations Director visits Harwell
19 August 2010
Babcock Nuclear's Operations Director, Tony Moore, visited Harwell on the 12th August 2010 for a familiarisation visit and to learn more about the decommissioning operations on the site.
Bang Goes the Theory visits RSRL
25 July 2011
Bang Goes the Theory, the BBC's popular science series recently visited RSRL. The programme, whose aim is to discuss topical issues across all areas of science, revealing surprising facts along the way, has a primetime BBC1 slot which ensures that it regularly exceeds three million viewers in the UK.
Board Assurance Committee visit Winfrith
29 July 2009
The Board Assurance Committee (BAC) recently held a meeting at Winfrith. They used this opportunity to look around SGHWR and were shown the status as it enters a period of surveillance and maintenance, a visit was also made to the Winfrith Abrasive Cleaning Machine (WACM). The feedback received was very positive, with many members impressed by the enthusiasm for the work.
Charities benefit from UKAEA staff survey
21 July 2008
Following a recent staff survey that was issued to employees within the UKAEA group, donations totalling £1,204 were made to selected charities.
Children are encouraged to ‘Play, Stay and Keep SAFE’
01 April 2010
Schoolchildren in Oxfordshire and Dorset are being encouraged to ‘Play, Stay and Keep Safe’ thanks to sponsorship from Research Sites Restoration Ltd.
Children’s Safety Education Resources
01 April 2009
Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL) recently supported local schools within Oxfordshire and Dorset by supplying them with ‘Play, Stay and Keep Safe’ resource books, issued by the Children’s Safety Education Foundation.
Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) Exercise
05 December 2011
On the late afternoon and evening of Wednesday 7th December 2011 the CNC, along with other Emergency Services, will be running an exercise on the Harwell Oxford Campus.
Company Launch - Research Sites Restoration Limited
02 February 2009
On 2nd February 2009 two former civil nuclear research sites, Harwell in Oxfordshire and Winfrith in Dorset, will combine to become one company, Research Sites Restoration Limited (RSRL).
Culham Waste Management Group (WMG) visits Winfrith
30 June 2009
The Culham Waste Management Group visited Winfrith in June. As well as touring the site they visited facilities belonging to Waste Management Technologies Limited (WMTL). WMTL were undertaking a supercompactor campaign which compacts Low Level Radioactive Waste (LLW) drums with a force of 2000t prior to disposal at the national LLW Repository, the visit also included WMTL cementation and de-tritiation laboratories.
Delicensing Confirmation
29 March 2011
The NII have issued a Variation to remove part of the Eastern Area Facility at Harwell from the Nuclear Site Licence. This area of land housed a number of legacy facilities and historically important reactors. Notable among them were the Tandem generator, a 40-metre high facility built in 1958, and GLEEP (Graphite Low Energy Experimental Pile), built in 1946 - the first reactor in Western Europe.
Demolition of Building 60
23 September 2009
Demolition of Building 60 water tower at Harwell has just commenced using an impressive 95 tonne high reach machine.
Demolition programme continues
12 August 2011
The transformation of the Harwell site is continuing with the demolition of three more well known buildings.
Disposal of Dragon tanks
29 March 2011
The SGHWR/Dragon Project team at Winfrith instigated a re-appraisal of the plan for processing and disposal of 17 tanks from the Dragon Reactor project which had moved into a care and maintenance phase. This reappraisal centred on innovation and carrying the work out in house rather than sending it via the planned option of a specialised subcontractor.
Dounreay, Harwell and Winfrith Contracts to be Competed
08 December 2008
As the NDA’s current contractor for the management and operation of Dounreay, Harwell and Winfrith, UKAEA is pleased that the competition arrangements for those sites are now clear.
DRAGON goes into long-term Care & Maintenance
04 April 2008
It has recently been announced that DRAGON will be put into long term care and maintenance until decommissioning funding becomes available. This is currently estimated at 2023.
East Hendred Parish Council receives donation from RSRL
07 December 2009
East Hendred Parish Council benefited from a donation from Research Sites Restoration Ltd on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, to continue with one of its key community projects known as “Snells Path Walkway”.
End of an era for Harwell’s ‘Tank Farm’
17 November 2011
The RSRL Harwell’s Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant (LETP), a complex of buildings that has been providing essential services for the RSRL Harwell site for decades, is approaching the last phase of its operational life, prior to final decommissioning.
Euratom visit Harwell
05 August 2010
In December 2009 RSRL received a request from the European Commission's Directorate General for Energy (Euratom) to host a joint Euratom/ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) training course at Harwell. This followed on from a very successful course for new Euratom inspectors hosted at Harwell in October 2008. Support for this initiative was given by RSRL directors, the NDA, and by the HSE's UK Safeguards Office.
Final drum leaves WETP.....
05 August 2010
The Waste Encapsulated Treatment Plant (WETP) at Winfrith has now completed its mission.
Final report on lessons learnt from Fukushima for UK nuclear industry
11 October 2011
The Office for Nuclear Regulation has announced that today, 11 October, Mike Weightman, the UK’s Chief Inspector of Nuclear Installations, will publish his final report on the implications and lessons learnt for the UK nuclear industry of the nuclear crisis in Japan.
First Active Waste can recovered with Retrieval Machine 2
22 August 2008
Eddy Russell and Kevin Law (462.27 Operations) complete the recovery of the first active can using Retrieval Machine 2 (RM2)
Fission or Fusion?
22 October 2008
After a 3 hour consultation period with a very well informed group of stakeholders we have the answer!!
Fission versus Fusion
28 April 2009
Pupils from Ferndale School visited Harwell for presentations on Fusion and Fission. Kate Lancaster, STFC gave a talk on fusion followed by Paul Atyeo on fission. The discerning visitors then enjoyed an excellent hands-on practical session with Helen Pearce and Lorna Proctor. The day was completed with a tour of Dido where Ed Abel gave a fascinating insight into the world of reactors and the work undertaken at Harwell in the build up of civil nuclear energy.
Fusion or Fission - King Alfred's College visit Harwell
04 November 2009
Following the success of a school visit earlier this year a group of 12 pupils from King Alfred’s College, Wantage visited the Harwell Science and Innovation Centre for a presentation on Fusion and Fission. The day began with a tour of Dido, a redundant material testing reactor awaiting final stage decommissioning on the Harwell nuclear licensed site. Ed Abel, RSRL gave a fascinating insight into the world of reactors and the work undertaken at Harwell in the build up of civil nuclear energy.
Girls Football Club receives donation from RSRL
05 October 2009
Wantage Girl’s U12s football team replaced their old goalposts after receiving a donation from RSRL. The twelve year olds have a busy season ahead of them with 22 league matches as well as a cup competition to fit in!
Harwell Gates Open for NDA CEO
12 April 2011
Tony Fountain, NDA CEO, visited the Harwell site on Friday 8th April. During his visit Tony viewed the Eastern Area site which has now been opened up following the completion of decommissioning work that has allowed the site security fence to be moved inwards. Tony was also given a tour of the Harwell site and visited RM2 waste recovery operations in B462.
Harwell hosts Inter-Industry Group meeting
08 March 2011
Harwell recently hosted a meeting of the Inter-Industry Group on Contaminated Land. The group, chaired by the NDA, brings together specialists in contaminated land from nuclear liability holders in the UK to improve the effectiveness of radioactively contaminated land management and to present cross-industry views to the regulators and liability owners. The two day meeting focussed on Information and Records Management.
Harwell Level 1 Site Emergency Exercise
18 October 2010
On Thursday 14th October, RSRL Harwell undertook its annual Level 1 Site Emergency Exercise.
Harwell Local Stakeholder Group visit Winfrith
14 December 2011
Members of the Harwell Local Stakeholder Group visited Winfrith recently to familiarise themselves with the site and to hear about some of the successful decommissioning projects that the sister site to Harwell has been involved in.
Harwell News
22 November 2010
B462 RHILW Processing - 431 cans have been processed to date in this financial year. RM2 Recovery from array 5 is almost complete.
Harwell Nursery receives donation
25 September 2009
Children at Kids Unlimited Nursery on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus have benefitted from a donation from Research Sites Restoration Ltd used to purchase musical instruments and interactive equipment for their in-house music sessions.
Harwell old Main Gate and North Gate
24 February 2011
Following the relocation of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary and Emergency Response Team to the new Building 591, the buildings at the Old Main Harwell Gate and North Gate entrances are in the process of being demolished and are on schedule for a completion - end of March. Some minor re-alignments to the roads and footpaths are being undertaken for safety and ease of traffic. In addition, redundant security fencing will be removed as part of the works.
Harwell Parish Council receives donation from RSRL
15 October 2009
Harwell Parish Council benefited from a donation from Research Sites Restoration Ltd on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, to continue with one of its key projects ‘Our Street Corner’.
Harwell Pre School receives welcomed donation
11 October 2011
RSRL made a donation to Little Pippins Pre School in Harwell. The school which is run by a committee of parents and has recently been rebuilt used the funds to build a Numeracy area for the children.
Harwell Project News
20 April 2010
B462 Efficiency improvements and the use of the Alstec gamma gate in 462.2 enabled the team to significantly exceed the PBI figure of 670 cans this financial year.
Harwell Project Up-date
15 June 2010
B462 The Retrieval Machine 2 has been returned to service after extensive transfer drum port repairs and can recovery continues. Most of the waste containers have corroded leaving the waste debris loose in the storage tubes; work has to be progressed to overcome this problem. Work is continuing on developing a business case for the removal of special nuclear materials from Harwell. Discussions are underway with regulators to verify that removal of these materials would result in a reduction of security requirements.
Harwell site - project update
16 May 2011
B462 - 104 cans of RH-ILW have been processed this financial year.
Harwell Site Emergency Exercise 15 October 2009
06 October 2009
An emergency exercise will be held at Harwell on the 15th October 2009.
Harwell Site News
02 November 2010
B462 RHILW Processing: 287 cans have been processed at 462.27 so far this year against a year end stretch target of 660. A number of breakdowns with both RM1 and RM2 have been repaired enabling waste retrievals to continue. The team is working to a recovery profile to enable the stretch target of 660 to be achieved.
Harwell site project up-date
13 December 2010
B462 - 475 cans of remote handled waste have been processed to date in this financial year. RM2 active commissioning is nearing completion. The NII have accepted the Vault Store Pre Operational Safety Report and granted the license instrument for full operations.
Harwell-Chilton Campus Local Stakeholder Group
16 July 2009
The Harwell-Chilton Campus Local Stakeholder Group was held on Thursday 16th July 2009 at 18:30 at the Health Protection Agency, Fermi Avenue. Prior to the meeting group members toured the Harwell site, visiting B462 and DIDO. The members found the tours informative, providing a good opportunity to learn more about the decommissioning achievements and future decommissioning plans. Terry Joslin, LSG Chair commented “members expressed their deeper understanding of the work continuing on the remaining legacy waste at Harwell - Europe's first and most mature nuclear site."
Harwell’s 2000th can milestone
16 May 2007
On 2nd May 2007 the Vault Store team at Harwell celebrated the recovery and treatment of the 2000th can of intermediate level waste through the Head End Cells at the Solid Waste Plant.
Harwell’s second waste retrieval machine (RM2) continues to perform well
14 April 2009
In January 2008, the Performance Based Incentive (PBI) for waste recovery was agreed with the NDA. This crucially hinged on RM2 being able to perform waste and debris recovery operations in accordance with the specification.
Helping the Environment Agency
04 April 2008
Harwell is helping the Environment Agency, the public body that protects and improves the environment in England and Wales, with the safe processing and storage of radioactive sources recovered from users throughout the UK. The sealed sources were used in hospitals and industry.
Historical tissue samples – UKAEA update
27 April 2007
UKAEA welcomes the terms of reference for the inquiry chaired by Michael Redfern QC, announced yesterday by the Secretary of State and are committed to giving the inquiry our full support.
Integrated LLW Programme Delivery Group
08 April 2011
RSRL recently hosted the first meeting of the Integrated Low Level Waste Programme Delivery Group (ILPDG) at Harwell. The group, chaired by the NDA, was set up following the recent publication of the UK Nuclear Industry LLW Strategy. The group meets every four months to discuss examples of good practice in LLW management, discuss issues of common interest, and support the further implementation of the LLW strategy. Membership is drawn from key stakeholders in the management of LLW including LLWR, NDA, regulators, nuclear site licence holders and non-government organisations.
Integrated Project Team (IPT) visit Winfrith
17 November 2010
Andy Haas hosted a visit earlier this month from The Integrated Project Team (IPT) looking at the Interim Storage of High Active Waste (HAW). The group also visited Inutec facilities at B45 to get an idea about cemented waste sample storage. Inutec then gave a presentation on their company and the service it provides.
International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD)
28 April 2009
International Workers' Memorial Day (IWMD) is intended to remember all those killed at or by work, and to remind us of the need to protect people from injury in the workplace. The Theme for the campaign is ‘Remember the Dead: Fight for the Living’ and is supported by the SHE and all of the major Trade Unions. Events were held across the world on 28th April to commemorate those who have died whilst at work and this year the RSRL Trade Union Safety Representatives marked the day by undertaking a safety inspection on both RSRL sites followed by a gathering at the Site Entrances for a minutes silence at 12:00 noon.
ISO 9001/ISO 14001 and BS OHSAS 18001 Awards
08 April 2009
RSRL was formally presented with its ISO 9001/ISO 14001 and BS OHSAS 18001 certificates by its certification body EAQA on 23 March 2009. The presentation was attended by Alan Neal, Kathleen Stevenson and Mark Harbor. The award of these certificates follows RSRL's successfull assessment last October and is a demonstration that the RSRL management system meets the recognised standards for health and safety, environment and quality management systems.
JAPC (Japan Atomic Power Company) visit Harwell
31 March 2010
In March RSRL hosted a successful visit of JAPC (Japan Atomic Power Company) to the Harwell experimental reactors that are currently awaiting funds for decommissioning.
Job Done - BoSS Drains Decommissioning
18 April 2011
After several years of work by the BoSS Drains decommissioning team the work to survey, wash and grout the trade drains system over the whole Harwell site has been completed.
Joined up thinking
01 October 2009
Research Sites Restoration Ltd, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and UKAEA Ltd recently signed a protocol designed to ensure a co-ordinated approach to communications.
Joint Venture announced at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
14 August 2008
Goodman, UKAEA and STFC link up to establish worldleading location for science and innovation.
Knowledge management using IMAGES
07 January 2011
Site decommissioning and restoration works at both RSRL sites require knowledge of both current and past activities. For the past 10 years the Harwell and Winfrith sites have used the IMAGES (Information Management and Geographical Evaluation System) tool to both plan site decommissioning and remediation works, and to manage the large volumes of environmental surveying and sampling data produced. Data held in IMAGES includes historical building information as well as soil, water and radiation survey data. This environmental data are linked to mapping software, which enables both effective presentation to stakeholders and more detailed technical assessments to be conducted.
Landmark Eastern Entrance Opens New Doors
18 May 2010
Staff, contractors and visitors at RSRL Harwell are getting used to an unfamiliar scene – no police officers guarding the former main gate at the front of the site.
LETP cleans up
21 April 2009
The programme of work to reduce the waste at Harwell's Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant (LETP) continues with over 150 drums of legacy contaminated sludge being cemented ready for disposal as solid low level waste.
Lithuanian visit to Harwell
20 May 2009
In May the UKAEA along with delegates from Ignalina NPP, IEEC and E&Y Baltic visited the Harwell site to familiarise the Lithuanian contingency with UK waste management and decommissioning techniques.
Local MP tours RSRL Harwell
23 November 2010
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries and local MP, Ed Vaizey, visited Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL) at Harwell last week. Mr Vaizey met with Managing Director, Alan Neal, who updated him on clean-up work carried out by RSRL on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). He then toured the Harwell site and visited the waste processing complex. There he met facility staff to learn more about Harwell's waste packaging operations before assisting them in processing a milestone waste canister using remote handling equipment.
Local Stakeholder Group
12 July 2011
Representatives of the Harwell-Chilton Campus Local Stakeholder Group recently toured the Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant (LETP) at Harwell. Project Manager Alec Inns gave an overview of the LETP’s responsibilities, followed by an insight into the nature and phasing of the decommissioning programme.
Local Stakeholder Group visit Harwell
30 July 2010
Representatives of the Harwell-Chilton Campus Local Stakeholder Group were recently given a tour of the Harwell site including the B462 complex, where they were shown an informative DVD on Retrieval Machine 2. This was followed by a tour of the Waste Encapsulation Plant (WEP) – the plant responsible for the intermediate level waste for final disposal from the B462 storage facilities.
Magnox South Ltd visit Winfrith
18 May 2010
A team from Magnox South Ltd recently visited Winfrith to look at the work achieved to date and to use the meeting as an information exchange. The group were given a site overview and tour by Andy Staples, a presentation on SGHWR and Dragon by Kevin McIntyre and Lynda Fryer gave a presentation on Safety and the Environment, Alan Bennett concluded by updating the party on the work involved with the A59 project.
Magnox visit Harwell
26 August 2010
On the 19th August, Alan Neal welcomed the Managing Directors of Magnox South - Mark Lesinski and Magnox North - Neil Baldwin, and the NDA's Commercial Manager, Peter Welch, to the Harwell site for a familiarisation visit.
Members of the University of the Third Age (U3A) pay visit to Harwell
10 November 2011
RSRL hosted a visit of the Faringdon & District U3A Science and Technology Group in November. The Group that is part of U3A, a nation-wide organisation that promotes the continued interest of retired people in culture, arts, sciences and a wide range of other activities, was given a presentation on the history of Harwell and Winfrith site as well as an overview of all the decommissioning achievements to date. This was followed by a tour of the Harwell site.
Mix of old and new ideas lead to savings on pipeline project
25 October 2011
Significant time and cost-savings have been made on a major project to decommission redundant active drains on the RSRL Harwell site. With the project now halfway through, if the work continues at its present pace, engineers will have cut the decommissioning time by a remarkable two-thirds, considerably reducing costs.
More Success for RSRL Employees
25 July 2011
More staff in Harwell’s solid waste processing and storage complex, building 462, have received certificates from Operations Director Andy Staples. This marks the successfully completion of Management and Decommissioning NVQs at various levels.
National Stakeholder Group
17 June 2009
Over 100 people from around the UK gathered in Manchester as part of the NDA's commitment to consult and engage with its stakeholders. Delegates at the National Stakeholder Group meeting, on 17-18 June, included representatives from the communities around NDA's 19 sites, local authorities, the Government, trades unions and regulators. NDA Chief Finance Officer Bill Roberts said: "Stakeholders have a valuable role to play in contributing to the design of our future activity. They also want to hear about progress and how the organisation is spending their money".
NDA and USA fact finding mission
09 June 2009
NDA's, Ron Gorham and United States Department of Energy's, Merle Sykes and Jay Rhoderick visited Harwell in June to learn more about the sites decommissioning achievements and prioritisation issues within a constrained budget.
NDA Board of Directors visit Harwell
03 June 2009
The NDA Board of Directors visited Harwell recently. Accompanied by Alan Neal and Ken Heider they toured the
NDA Chairman Visits Harwell
23 January 2009
Stephen Henwood was at Harwell for a familiarisation visit on 20 January. After a welcome and overview from Alan Neal and his management team, the NDA Chairman visited two facilities.
NDA Collaborative Supply Chain Event - 21/11/11
07 October 2011
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) in association with the Site Licence Companies (SLCs) would like to invite you to join them at the first ever collaborative supply chain event for existing and potential suppliers in their nuclear decommissioning sector. The event will be held on the 21st November at the De Vere Wites Hotel, Bolton
NDA Nuclear Safety Assurance Manager visits Winfrith
01 September 2010
The NDA Nuclear Safety Assurance Manager, Steve Blakeway visited both sites during August. He was given an overview of operations and radiological hazards and environmental performance and hazards were also discussed. The visit at Winfrith concluded with a tour of the facilities.
NDA Programme Director visits Winfrith
11 May 2010
Dr Sara Johnson, who is the NDA Programme Director for RSRL, Magnox North and Magnox South, visited Winfrith on Tuesday 11th May for a familiarisation visit. Alan Neal and Malcolm Barents welcomed Sara to the site and gave her an overview of all the achievements to date. This was followed by tours of ALES, Treated Radwaste Store, SGHWR and DRAGON and a general tour of the site.
NDA publishes strategy for consultation
08 September 2010
The public body responsible for the clean-up and closure of Harwell and Winfrith today publishes its draft strategy for consultation.
NDA Stakeholder Survey
13 December 2011
The NDA recently launched a stakeholder survey to external stakeholders and would welcome comments.
NDA Supplier Event
14 December 2011
On the 21 November, representatives from RSRL attended a large supplier event organised by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA).
NDA visit the Winfrith Site
16 September 2011
RSRL recently welcomed some senior NDA visitors to the Winfrith Site.
New Centenary scout group
14 February 2007
Over 100 people attended the launch of the 2nd Chilton Scout Group, the first new group to open in 2007, Scouting’s Centenary Year.
New name in nuclear clean-up reports progress
15 November 2009
There’s a new name to get used to in the nuclear clean-up industry.
New NDA CEO visits RSRL
23 October 2009
Tony Fountain the new CEO of the NDA visited RSRL at Harwell on Friday 23 October. This was one of the first sites that he has visited since he took up his post earlier in the month.
News from the Harwell Site
07 February 2011
B462 - RM2 Active commissioning has been completed. Permission is required before extended active commissioning can start. The work on the 462 security gate and office block is progressing well. 593 cans have been processed on the head end cells.
News from the radiochemical facility
08 April 2009
Polymer encapsulation
News from the Sites
21 September 2010
The building assessment works at SGHWR have started and the various supporting contracts required to facilitate the works are being constructed. Work on the remaining Dragon tanks is expected to start in the first week of October allowing successful completion this financial year.
News from the Winfrith Site
07 February 2011
SGHWR and Dragon - The decommissioning of the Dragon fission product delay beds
Nuclear Assurance Board visits the LETP
14 December 2010
During December the Nuclear Assurance Board toured the Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant at the Harwell Site, where they were given a brief resume of the current effluent treatment operations and an explanation of the decommissioning strategy needed to cease offsite discharges to the River Thames - and to prepare the site for future de-designation.
Old Main Active Drain at Harwell
21 September 2009
There is approximately 4500 metres of Old Main Active Drain (OMAD) across the Harwell site, linking individual buildings to a main artery drain discharging to the Liquid Effluent Treatment Plant (LETP). The drain is buried at a depth of 4m at the deepest point and 1.5m at the shallowest. The drainage system was deemed redundant in the late 1980s and was filled with grout and left in-situ.
Oxfordshire Federation of Women’s Institute
15 May 2007
The Oxfordshire Federation of Women’s Institute recently visited Harwell to learn about the plans for the development of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus and to see progress with decommissioning the site that will help make these a reality. The group toured the site and visited DIDO, a former Material Testing Reactor, and Harwell’s Active Handling Facility.
Pioneers celebrate with BEPO
12 December 2008
One of Harwell’s most distinguished ‘residents’ turned sixty this year. The research reactor BEPO – the British Experimental Pile – started up its first nuclear chain reaction in 1948 and was operational until 1968. BEPO was the first large reactor in Europe and the UK’s second reactor. At one time, it was one of Europe’s main suppliers of medical isotopes.
Portsmouth University visits Winfrith
20 May 2009
Environmental Science students from Portsmouth University recently visited Winfrith to look at the decommissioning work achieved to date and learn about the environmental impact of this work. Andy Haas and Mike Rodgers showed the students around the SGHWR and gave them a brief site tour.
Presention certificates of Lean competency
23 March 2010
Presention certificates of Lean competency went to employees Joe Mackrell and Jim Ruddle at Building 462.27 on the Harwell Campus.
Project News
09 February 2010
The SGHWR and Dragan Team have recently started work on the size reduction and processing of the Dragon Cathedral tanks removed during phase one decommissioning.
Project news from the Harwell site
26 July 2010
Work has commenced on the final decommissioning of B401.4, just by the new Eastern Entrance. Building 401.4 was constructed during 1954, was ready for occupation by January 1955 and was referred to as the Critical Assembly Building which described the type of installations to be constructed in the building.
Project news from the Winfrith site
26 July 2010
The team at SGHWR has continued to work with our Japanese visitor Masanori Izumi who remains with us until the end of July. Work is about to start on the detailed engineering assessment work at SGHWR.
Recognition for RSRL's Safety and Environmental Performance
01 June 2010
This year RSRL again entered the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accident's (RoSPA) national award scheme to recognise excellence in work-related health and safety performance. The scheme is based on assessment of a broad portfolio of evidence about the level of development and performance of an entrant’s occupational health and safety management system, and also takes into account the entrant’s reportable accident rate and enforcement experience. We are pleased to confirm that RSRL has been awarded a Silver Award.
Replacement Effluent Treatment Plant (RETP)
17 November 2010
In preparation for the installation of the Replacement Effluent Treatment Plant (RETP) in building 462.3, the B462 delay system has had to be partially decommissioned. Sections of the old plant will have to be removed to allow the installation of the new plant.
Restore Summer Newsletter
12 August 2011
RSRL's latest edition of RESTORE has been published. Please click on the link below to view the newsletter which includes a collection of articles and features on RSRL's achievements and highlights from the last six months including:
RESTORE Winter 2009 Issue 1
17 November 2009
In November 2009 Research Sites Restoration Limited (RSRL) launched its first external newsletter, Restore, previously having produced individual newsletters for the two sites, Harwell and Winfrith.
Restore Winter 2012 Newsletter
12 January 2012
RSRL's latest edition of RESTORE has been published. Included in the publication are many articles/features and highlights of work performed by RSRL over the last six months, some of which are:
RSRL Achieves NEF Assured Standard
08 August 2011
RSRL is the latest nuclear Site Licensed Company to achieve the NEF Assured (Nuclear) Standard.
RSRL Annual Sites Review is published
18 October 2010
The Annual Sites Review for the year ending 31 March 2010, has recently been published.
RSRL Awarded Gold
18 April 2011
RSRL has received a Gold Award from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents’ (RoSPA) national award scheme which recognises excellence in work-related health and safety performance. The scheme is based on the assessment of a broad portfolio of evidence about the level of development and performance of an entrant’s occupational health and safety management system, and also takes into account the entrant’s reportable accident rate and enforcement experience.
RSRL brings science to Schools
12 October 2009
Pupils at Chilton Primary School have received a donation from Research Sites Restoration Limited towards their outdoor interactive science project.
RSRL celebrates the opening of new security building
04 June 2010
Research Sites Restoration Limited (RSRL) recently celebrated the opening of their new security building. The building brings together the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) and the Emergency Response Team and replaces the previous police headquarter - an old RAF guard room - and the old emergency response building.
RSRL Celebrates World Environment Day
05 June 2009
Friday the 5th of June was World Environment Day, organised by the UN in order to stimulate action to protect the Environment. The theme this year was Your Planet Needs YOU! – Unite to combat climate change.’ To celebrate the Day, RSRL held a range of activities across both of its sites.
RSRL continues to support children’s Health Education
15 November 2010
Children in seven schools across Oxfordshire have benefited from sponsorship from Research Sites Restoration Ltd. The funds will be used to support the health education of children in schools through Life Education Centres; these are interactive mobile classrooms that teach positive health messages to primary school children to help them make informed choices.
RSRL donate high visibility vests to local school
15 November 2010
RSRL Winfrith recently donated high visibility vests to Lulworth and Winfrith first school.
RSRL encourages children to stay safe when they're ‘out and about’
02 December 2011
RSRL recently sponsored children from three primary schools for ‘Out and About’ interactive learning resources through a scheme run by the Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF), a national charity, which has reached over one million children through the provision of life saving safety programmes and educational resources.
RSRL encourages children to ‘Be Seen, be Safe’
18 June 2010
Research Sites Restoration Ltd has joined forces with Oxfordshire County Council to provide high visibility jackets to children in and around Wantage.
RSRL Exhibits at Dorset County Show
05 September 2009
RSRL exhibited at the Dorset County Show on the 5/6 September. During the weekend many local stakeholders were updated about developments on the sites and the formation of RSRL.
RSRL External Newsletter RESTORE
21 January 2011
Delivering and completing more work than was planned and at less cost. Read about this and other RSRL achievements in the latest edition of Restore, available on the following link
RSRL gets a great reaction
20 October 2009
In October 40 staff from the Science Technology and Facilities Council (STFC) and Diamond Light Source jumped at the change to see ‘behind the wire’ as part of the programme ‘Other People’s Business’. The programme, which started in 2006, and is run by the STFC helps staff in RSRL, STFC and Diamond satisfy their curiosity about other parts of organisations on the Harwell Site.
RSRL helps keep telephone kiosk in Winfrith village
20 January 2010
Residents and visitors to Winfrith village can continue to communicate thanks to Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL) who recently agreed to sponsor the telephone kiosk.
RSRL host a 'lead and learn' event
26 July 2011
RSRL hosted a Magnox team "lead and learn" event at Harwell to exchange information on drains decommissioning methods. A team from Trawsfynydd gave a presentation on the drains decommissioning challenges they face and RSRL presented on our recent experiences decommissioning 12km of drain at Harwell, our current work and future plans.
RSRL hosts Nuclear Waste Research Forum (NWRF)
07 October 2011
On 5th and 6th October RSRL hosted the latest Nuclear Waste Research Forum (NWRF) which was attended by over 20 visitors from across the nuclear industry including waste producers, regulators, NDA and Site Licence Companies.
RSRL Hosts Skills Academy
18 July 2011
On the 13th July RSRL hosted the South East & East Regional Steering Group of the Nuclear Skills Academy for Nuclear (NSAN).
RSRL launches its second external newsletter
19 August 2010
RSRL launches its second external newsletter, RESTORE, for the two sites, Harwell and Winfrith.
RSRL moves into the Private Sector with Babcock
02 November 2009
Ownership of Research Sites Restoration Limited has moved from the public sector to the private sector.
RSRL publishes its Annual Sites Review 2010-11
21 July 2011
RSRL has recently published the Annual Sites Review for the year ending 31 March 2011.
RSRL raises community awareness
01 December 2009
RSRL helped raise awareness within the community by sponsoring Road Safety Week, 23-29 November 2009. Co-ordinated by Brake the road safety charity, this annual event aims to raise awareness about road safety issues and help prevent road death and injury.
RSRL receives a visit from campus organisations
01 June 2011
For a second year running RSRL welcomed staff from the Science Technology and Facilities Council (STFC) and Diamond Light Source.
RSRL Receives NEF Award
03 November 2011
Research Sites Restoration Ltd was honoured for achieving consistency in training across multiple sites at an inaugural NEF Assured (Nuclear) Awards Ceremony on the 25th October 2011.
RSRL shares decommissioning expertise with international visitors
12 July 2011
On the 5th July the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and RSRL hosted a visit by staff from the China Institute of Radiation Protection (CIRP), the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA) and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). The visit was lead by the CIRP Director, Prof. Zhang Jiangang.
RSRL sponsors local event
01 June 2011
RSRL has sponsored the Wantage Summer Festival which runs from the 4th June – 3rd July 2011. The funds help support the Wantage Museum, which takes an active role during the festival from organising a range of talks centering on the history of the vale to playing host to a ‘family-friendly’ drop-in event.
RSRL Sponsors Wallingford Scouts
25 May 2009
Harwell has recently donated a surplus trailer to the Wallingford scouts, the trailer will help when going to camp as they need to transport a large amount of heavy kit. The trailer’s first outing was on the May bank holiday weekend, when the scouts attended the Oxfordshire County Scout Camp. It will also be used when the scouts head off to summer camp in Dorset. The scouts really enjoyed rebranding the trailer as their own!
RSRL staff achieve NVQ in Nuclear Decommissioning
21 January 2011
This week Alan Neal (Managing Director) and Ken Heider (Closure Director) took time to join the celebration of LETP staff and presenting them with their Nuclear Decommissioning NVQs. Both Alan & Ken applauded the efforts made by the team and their achievements, and noted the importance of good qualified staff for the nuclear industry. Dr Brendan Elson, the Bridgewater College Internal Verifier (far right), congratulated the team on their NVQ portfolios and the effort given in completing them in good time. He was impressed with the technical skills and knowledge displayed throughout the team. Well done guys!
RSRL staff receive their certificates
04 January 2011
Our people drive our success and it is important to recognise that RSRL and our staff are committed to their continual development. Many people now hold National Vocational Qualifications attained over the years, demonstrating to our stakeholders the capabilities of our staff. These qualifications take time and effort to attain and should be celebrated. We have many people working hard on qualifications which will benefit RSRL and our stakeholders.
RSRL staff visit Berkeley Site
08 September 2010
A number of RSRL staff recently visited the Berkeley Site. This visit formed part of sharing knowledge management and best practice across the SLC's.
RSRL support event to mark 100 years of scouting in Weymouth
30 November 2009
RSRL sponsored the Scouts who marked 100 years of Scouting in Weymouth and Portland. Hundreds of Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers joined in the Weymouth Pavilion based extravaganza. The girls, boys and their leaders spent an afternoon taking part in a treasure hunt through the town and meeting up at the Weymouth Pavilion theatre, where they saw displays of Scouting memorabilia, old uniforms and photographs, they also took part in a Grand Howl, camp fire sing song.
RSRL supports Children’s Safety Education
25 October 2010
RSRL has supported the issuing of Safety Education books to local schools. The books; designed with the cooperation of the emergency services, child protection experts and teachers cover topics such as bullying, first aid, road safety, drug, alcohol and solvent misuse.
RSRL Supports Life Education Oxfordshire and Dorset
09 February 2009
Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL) has sponsored local children’s charity Life Education Oxfordshire and Dorset with a donation from their sponsorship and donation budget.
RSRL supports Life Education Wessex
25 July 2011
'Harold' the Giraffe and Life Education Wessex met children from Bovington School to say thank you to RSRL for their donation which will help provide Drug prevention and Health education to local children at schools near Winfrith site.
RSRL supports local schools
18 June 2010
RSRL at Winfrith have recently donated some tuffcams for use at Cheselbourne Village school. The donation allows teachers to plan activities which involves children taking their own video footage and then downloading this to the network PCs.
RSRL use of IMAGES/GIS to Support Site Release Presented at ICEM 2011
25 October 2011
Decommissioning and restoration of the Harwell and Winfrith sites involves reviewing significant volumes of historical information as well as effective integration with data from recent site works. In response to feedback from previous conference presentations related to RSRL’s use of the IMAGES software tool, a paper entitled ‘Integrating History and Measurement into a Case for Site Release’ was presented at the 14th International Conference on Environmental Remediation and Radioactive Waste Management. Angela Bartlett from RSRL presented the paper on behalf of her co-authors: Mike Davies and Pete Burgess (both from Nuvia Ltd) and Gavin Coppins (Babcock).
RSRL welcomes NDA Lead Site Programme Manager
09 November 2010
During October the NDA Lead Site Programme Manager, Stephen Barker visited RSRL for familiarisation visit.
RSRL's owners to be acquired by Babcock
21 September 2009
It was announced on Friday, 18th September 2009 that Babcock International Group PLC, the engineering support services company, is to acquire UKAEA Ltd, the parent company of Research Sites Restoration Ltd.
RSRL’s waste handling gathers pace with 5,000th can
02 August 2011
Dealing with the legacy waste at RSRL Harwell is a central part of the site programme. In July, RSRL achieved a notable landmark – the processing of the 5,000th waste canister.
Safety Director visits Harwell
08 September 2009
Alan Rae, Safety Director of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) attended Harwell on the 8th September 2009 for a familiarisation visit on the key hazard reduction projects.
School children benefit from RSRL sponsorship
08 March 2011
The Badger (After school) Club at Long Furlong School, Abingdon is already benefiting from the Hi-visibility logo vests provided by RSRL through the sponsorship programme.
Sellafield's Engineers visit Harwell
13 October 2009
Harwell recently hosted a visit from manipulator engineers with technical & improvement backgrounds from Sellafield’s Waste Vitrification Plant (WVP B355/868); this was part of a project developing continuous improvement and best practice in this area.
Shadow Energy Minister visits the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus
25 June 2009
Charles Hendry, the Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change visited the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus today to see the progress being made in the decommissioning of redundant nuclear facilities under license to Research Sites Restoration Limited (RSRL).
Skills Pledge
02 October 2009
On behalf of RSRL, Ian Wilson (HR Skills Manager) signed, with other SLC and NDA representatives, the Sector Skills Pledge. This pledge demonstrates RSRL's commitment to developing and maintaining employee skills and capability for the future. This commitment is already taking shape with over 30 employees working or planning to work towards NVQs in Nuclear Decommissioning.
SNOW AT WINFRITH
06 January 2010
Given that the weather forecast is for more snow later this afternoon, with freezing temperatures, RSRL staff should leave site by 4pm to allow them to reach home in daylight.
Stakeholder Evening
30 July 2010
Winfrith welcomed 55 members of local stakeholders to the site on Tuesday evening for a tour of the site, visit to the ALES facility and a presentation on ZERBA and WETP. Feedback was extremely positive, many individuals who have not visited the site for a few years commented about the tremendous changes which have taken place. The evening concluded with a buffet and an opportunity to ask questions.
Stephen Henwood (Chairman of the NDA) visit to Winfrith
18 August 2008
The new chairman of the NDA Stephen Henwood recently visited Winfrith. He was shown a number of presentations on the decommissioning work carried out to date, before being given a tour of the site and a visit to the SGHWR. Brian Burnett the NDA Programme Director for Harwell/Winfrith was also present.
Students from Surrey University visit Harwell
08 March 2010
On the 3rd March students from the University of Surrey visited the Harwell Site to learn more about Radiation and Environmental Protection and Radiation Detection and Instrumentation. In the morning, the students were given presentions by staff at Nuvia on their work in radiation protection. In the afternoon, the students benefitted from tours of Harwell facilities; DIDO Reactor; Building 551 laboratories; ADS laboratories and Building 466 storage pond/cobalt store.
Subscribe to RSRL news updates
17 November 2011
You can now subscribe to RSRL news and receive news items via email, just click on the following link to register.
Successful return for Pooh Sticks
29 March 2007
Organisers for the World of Pooh Sticks Championship once again paid host to hundreds of visitors from across the globe to watch and take part in the competition made famous by Winnie-the-Pooh, thanks to help from UKAEA Harwell.
Supply Chain Charter
17 November 2009
The Supply Chain Charter aims to foster good working relations across the Supply Chain within the NDA Estate with all parties signing up to a set of principles encouraging mutually beneficial and rewarding relationships.
Surrey University Students visit Harwell
14 March 2011
A number of UK and overseas students from the University of Surrey visited Harwell recently.
The demolition of B413 is underway
25 November 2010
The demolition of B413 is now underway and is expected to be complete by Christmas this year. The building was built in the late 1950’s as plating and pickling facility. Later the building was converted for other uses, the west end becoming a location for instrument calibration services and the east end becoming a laundry facility. Finally all the laundry equipment was removed and the east end of the building ended its working life as a joinery workshop.
The end of Zebra....
29 April 2010
The acceleration of the project to demolish the office block associated with Winfrith’s former research reactor, ZEBRA (Zero Energy Breeder Reactor Assembly) was made possible when RSRL seized the opportunity of funding released under the NDA’s portfolio management scheme.
The final days of B521
05 October 2011
As reported previously, demolition work on Building 521 started in June this year. The final part of the above-ground structure was removed by the demolition contractor, KDC, on 1 September. As is often the case with demolition projects, the demolition phase seems to pass very quickly, although this represents the culmination of almost a year of preparation work. The fact that the project has run safely to time and schedule is a credit to the team of people from across RSRL and our contractors that have cooperated to deliver the work.
The final shipment of GLEEP graphite
28 August 2009
The final shipment of GLEEP graphite was dispatched for offsite treatment by high temperature calcination on 28th August 2009. The graphite was the reflector and moderator material used to construct the GLEEP (graphite low energy experimental pile) reactor which was housed in Hangar 8.
The National Operating Experience and Learning Group (OELG)
29 March 2010
RSRL Harwell recently hosted a two day meeting of The National Operating Experience and Learning Group (OELG). It is the first time that the recently formed OEFL Team have met with the OELG which, amongst others include all the SLC’s, MOD, AWE, Royal Navy, NDA and Urenco. The OELG meet on a quarterly basis to establish contact and exchange Learn experiences.
The NDA publish Draft Business Plan 2012-2015
13 December 2011
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has published a draft Business Plan 2012-2015 for consultation. The consultation will run from 12 December and close on 3 February 2012. The Business Plan reflects the NDA Strategy published last March and sets out their key objectives and plans for delivering their priorities over the next three years.
Trade Union Safety representatives visit Winfrith
29 November 2009
Trade Union Safety representatives from Dounreay/Harwell/ Culham and UKAEA Ltd visited Winfrith recently for a sharing of best practice exercise. They took part in safety walk rounds of the Waste Encapsulation Treatment Plant and the Treated Radwaste Store.
TRAIN benefits from a donation from RSRL
09 March 2010
TRAIN an organisation, based in Didcot, who provides support and educates young people aged 11 to 18 who are either homeless or otherwise in necessitous circumstances, has benefited from a donation from Research Sites Restoration Ltd.
Transformation of Harwell site
14 February 2007
The programme to clean up the Harwell site and transform it into a world-class centre for excellence in science and innovation entered a new era in February.
U3A visit to Winfrith
14 March 2011
A group of 14 members of the Dorset Villages U3A visited Winfrith on the 1 March. They were given a guided tour of the Dragon reactor Building by Tony Smith and Andy Philps.
UK and Ukraine International Collaboration on Radiological Security
20 November 2008
Sixteen delegates representing Ukraine’s RADON enterprises for Radioactive Waste Storage, the Ministries of Emergencies and Health, and the State Nuclear Regulatory Committee visited UKAEA’s Harwell site on Friday 14 November.
UK Atomic Energy Authority Restructures to Meet Decommissioning Strategy
01 April 2008
With effect from 1 April, the UK Atomic Energy Authority has formed new subsidiaries to continue its leading role in nuclear decommissioning in the UK and overseas.
UKAEA helps support Harwell Church Tower Appeal
30 July 2007
St Matthew’s Church is a Grade 1 listed building dating from 1190 and sits in the small community village of Harwell in the South Oxfordshire countryside. The main tower constructed around 1200 survives today only because of the care that it has been given by the Harwell community over the centuries. From the top of the tower, on a clear day, you can see in the distance the spires of the City of Oxford.
UKAEA Ltd hosts visit to Winfrith
04 November 2009
UKAEA Ltd hosted a visit to Winfrith, this was funded by EBRD (European Bank of Reconstruction & Development)
UKAEA Winfrith site end state exhibition
06 February 2007
An exhibition will be presented to the local community in early February about various proposals for the end state of the site. This exhibition is part of a consultation about the condition and the state of land at UKAEA-Winfrith following decommissioning. It will give the local community a chance to have their say in how they consider the land should be left at the end of decommissioning.
UKAEA Winfrith sponsor youth cricket
10 July 2007
UKAEA Winfrith (on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority) have recently sponsored the youth section of Dorchester Cricket Club which has enabled them to purchase a bowling machine.
Visit to Winfrith by the JAEA
12 August 2008
On the 30th July the JAEA (Japan Atomic Energy Authority) visited Winfrith, a visit requested by the NDA. The visit concentrated on decommissioning achievements to date in particular that of SGHWR, it also gave an opportunity to exchange information.
WEATHER CONDITIONS - HARWELL
05 January 2010
Heavy overnight snowfalls are forecast for tonight, Tuesday 5th January, for the Harwell and Winfrith sites.
WEATHER CONDITIONS - WINFRITH
05 January 2010
The weather forecasts for southern England for the next 24 hours are poor, with a combination of snow, sleet and very cold temperatures. Following a review of these conditions the current advice from RSRL is as follows:
WETP’s work is done
26 October 2011
The Waste Encapsulation Treatment Plant (WETP) at RSRL Winfrith has now completed its mission. The plant was specifically designed and built by the contractor, Nuvia, to receive and process sludge from the SGHWR (Steam Generating Heavy Water Reactor). It took more than five years to empty the tanks and stabilise the sludge in cement in 500-litre stainless steel drums.
Winfrith Counter Terrorism Exercise
10 November 2010
A Counter Terrorism exercise took place at Winfrith on the 10th November. The regulator found the exercise to be acceptable and the actions taken met the security requirements.
Winfrith Counter Terrorism Exercise “Cuckoo”
12 November 2009
Exercise Cuckoo was an annual site exercise to review the Counter Terrorism Plan and tests all on-site aspects of the company CT Plan including evacuation, containment and communications. Such exercises are aimed specifically at exercising the function, effectiveness and interactions involved between the various operational teams working in the field. Dorset Constabulary also took part in the exercise; the exercise was based on the introduction of a vehicle carrying explosives onto the Winfrith Licensed Site.
Winfrith host open evening for local stakeholders
02 July 2009
On a very warm evening in early July Winfrith opened its doors and welcomed 55 members of the local community for a visit around SGHWR, a presentation on the A59 project and a site tour. The feedback was very positive, with many guests who had not visited the site for years, commenting on the immense changes and progress to date. The evening finished with a buffet and drinks which gave an opportunity for individual questions and reminiscing!
Winfrith host visit from the Japanese Atomic Energy Authority (JAEA)
01 September 2009
Winfrith recently hosted a visit from the Japanese Atomic Energy Authority (JAEA). Tsutomu YANAGISAWA and Masahiro SUZUKI were on a fact finding mission as they have a reactor very similar to SGHWR, which they are in the process of decommissioning.
Winfrith News
23 November 2010
EAST - The first man entry into Tank 3 has been made and a radiological survey completed. This is a significant milestone in the project, being the first entry into the tanks since they went operational in the late 1960s. Diamond wire cutting of the tanks is continuing with the first access to Tank 4 and the pipe corridor now complete. A second access is currently being formed into Tank 4 in preparation for removal of the tank roof. Decontamination of blocks being removed is continuing.
Winfrith Project News
20 April 2010
SGHWR and DRAGON The SGHWR and Dragon team have successfully completed two projects under the NDA’s portfolio management scheme during the reporting period. The first was the decommissioning of 597 fission chambers which were degassed in the Dragon complex. The second project was the decommissioning of the 12 Dragon reactor tanks, all of which were successfully size reduced and passed through the Winfrith Abrasive Cleaning Machine unit.
Winfrith Project Up-date
15 June 2010
WETP & East All sandy material from EAST Tank 2 has now been encapsulated into drums with a total of 180 drums produced for low level waste disposal. Washing of Tank 2 has been completed and the contents transferred to the Sludge Filtration Vessel for settling prior to final disposal of the liquid to ALES. Preparations for commencing post operational clean-out of EAST are underway. The ongoing removal of redundant pipework from the process area of WETP is proceeding well.
Winfrith Projects WETP and EAST
17 March 2010
WETP and EAST: Encapsulation of the final quantities of sludge in WETP is nearing completion. Once completed final washing out of the tanks and pipework in WETP can take place and post operational clean out will commence in WETP.
Winfrith site - project update
16 May 2011
Dragon & SGHWR - Decommissioning of the first Dragon fission product delay bed is proceeding with removal of the non active pipes nearing completion. This will then allow access to the active pipes for removal. Doses to members of the operational team are being monitored in real time and are consistent with estimated doses for the task. Analysis results for the outer vessel are awaited to allow final disposal.
Winfrith Site News
02 November 2010
SGHWR Building Assessment: Work has started on the building assessment.
Winfrith site project up-date
13 December 2010
EAST - The second access into Tank 4 has been completed and the diamond wire cutting of access into Tank 2 has commenced. Decontamination of blocks removed is continuing in parallel.
Winfrith Site Stakeholder Group Meeting
23 April 2009
The Winfrith Site Stakeholder Group was held on Thursday 23rd April at the Winfrith village hall. Presentations were given by Andy Staples (RSRL), Andrew Davies (NDA), David Hanratty (NII) and David Prescott (EA). An informative DVD was shown, which explained the operation of the WETP (Waste Encapsulation Treatment Plant) at Winfrith. Sandra Ellis chair of the meeting explained "this meeting gives stakeholders and local neighbours the opportunity to be informed about what is happening on the site and to ask questions directly to all of those involved with day to day operations".
Winfrith Site Stakeholder Group visit Arish Mell
18 August 2009
Representatives from the Winfrith Site Stakeholder group recently enjoyed a visit to the beach at Arish Mell, where annual maintenance work was in progress on the stretch of effluent pipeline from the beach to discharge point.
Winfrith sponsors Children’s Safety Education Resources
29 July 2009
Children at Bovington Middle School were recently sponsored by Research Sites Restoration Ltd who supplied them with ‘Play, Stay and Keep Safe’ resource books, issued by the Children’s Safety Education Foundation.
You dig it!
16 August 2010
Advanced excavation technology being used by RSRL could revolutionise the safety of projects that require digging near underground services.
Youngsters helped with lifestyle choices
18 January 2010
Pupils at Wantage CE Primary School have received one of the most valuable lessons in life – thanks to Research Sites Restoration Ltd (RSRL). The school has played host to the Life Education Centres mobile classroom which teaches youngsters the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a scheme partly funded by a donation from RSRL’s local Harwell site.
