The new name in nuclear clean-up
Last updated 14:24, Friday, 09 May 2008
THERE is a new name in nuclear clean-up. Since April 1, UK Nuclear Waste Management Ltd has been managing the UK’s repository for low level nuclear waste under a five year contract from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
UKNWM has the responsibility not just of managing the UK’s only site dedicated to the disposal of low level waste but of working with the NDA on a strategy for dealing with the whole of the UK’s low level waste.
The company is a joint operation which brings together some of the most experienced nuclear specialists in the world. It is led by URS’ Washington Division, the market leaders in the US nuclear decommissioning market. It includes AREVA which is responsible for the whole range of nuclear activities in France, Studsvik UK, a market leader in Sweden with its own range of proprietary technology, and Serco Assurance, the UK specialist in regulatory and safety assurance which is a non-equity partner.
A small management team with members from each of the partners has joined the existing staff at the Repository to deliver the promises made in the contract bid to improve operations even further and to make savings for the taxpayer.
The key players include:
DICK RAAZ – Nominated Managing Director of the new operation. He comes to the UK fresh from managing the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant in the New Mexico desert. WIPP is the world’s only licensed deep geologic nuclear waste repository and is owned by the US Department of Energy. Dick, says
“This is an exciting time to be at the centre of the nation’s LLW activities. LLWR has an enviable history of meeting challenges and we look forward to working with everyone on the site, in the surrounding communities and across the country to extending that success story.
“UKNWM brings together a group of companies with world-beating experience in nuclear waste management. We look forward to bringing our experience and technology to bear on the UK’s extensive legacy of low level nuclear waste. We believe that in partnership with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, we can make a real difference. Like the NDA, we are committed to the fullest possible engagement with national and local stakeholders.”
PAUL POINTON – Paul hails from Liverpool and will oversee major project execution at LLWR.
SCOTT ANDERSON – Scott comes to the UK via New Mexico and will oversee operations at the site.
RICHARD CUMMINGS – Richard has vast experience in the UK regulatory arena and will map UK regulatory requirements into programme implementation plans.
DAVID ROSSITER – David brings a wealth of experience in options analysis for treatment proposals and will assist in development of the national strategy and implementation for low level waste.
DENNIS THOMPSON – Dennis has brought his family to the UK from South Carolina. He has lived in many countries and brings an extensive change management expertise to the company.
CHUCK CONWAY – The affable Chuck has managed other national programmes and is very experienced in managing heavy industrial manufacturing endeavours as well as an extensive operations background.
NICHOLAS SOLENTE – Nick has worked all over the world and will focus on bringing new and developing technologies to the national low level waste programme.
TIM HEDAHL – Tim leads the National Strategy Team which will work with the NDA and other stakeholders. His vast experience in managing waste programmes in support of aggressive decommissioning efforts makes him a natural for this new assignment.
