THE GEOLOGY AND HYDROGEOLOGY OF THE SELLAFIELD AREA - DEVELOPMENT OF THE WAY FORWARD

This paper summarizes the way in which Nirex has used knowledge of the Sellafield site gained through experience to establish a forward stra tegic programme of work. The use of iteration between data collection and model refinement in order to ensure the programme remains focused on key uncertainties is discussed. These iterations are described as c ycles of site characterization. A broad framework for site characteriz ation activities is discussed, which identifies the work under three b road headings; potential repository zone (PRZ) studies, regional studi es and hydrochemical studies. Work performed under previous cycles of site characterization is summarized and activities planned for the nex t cycle of site characterization are presented. These are placed in co ntext with the uncertainty which they are designed to address. The pap er concludes by restating the need for the programme of site character ization undertaken by Nirex to be flexible, and to evolve as necessary to ensure new understanding is accommodated, and used to redefine str ategy on a regular basis.