Table of Contents

Environmental Regulators

When it comes to nuclear, the environmental agencies work closely with the ONR in regulation to make sure there are no conflicting regulatory requirements. Within its five purposes, the ONR’s environmental responsibilities relate to regulating the keeping and use of radioactive materials and the accumulation of radioactive wastes. The environmental regulators govern the disposal of radioactive waste. The environmental agencies are not limited to the nuclear industry, but nuclear sites have to comply with regulations set out by these agencies, just like they do with the ONR. 

Who are the UK regulators?

England

The Environment Agency

“We work to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.”  

(Gov.uk) 

Scotland

Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)

SEPA protects and maintains a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for the people of Scotland, ensures that business and industry is aware of and complies with environmental regulation, and warns and informs the public in the event of environmental incidents.” 

(SEPA.org.uk) 

Wales

Natural Resources Wales

(Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru)

 

Natural Resources Wales ensures the environment and natural resources of Wales are sustainably maintained and used, now and in the future. Natural Resources Wales works with the Welsh Government.” 

(Gov.uk) 

Although there are no nuclear power stations in Northern Ireland, the safe storage, use, discharge and disposal of radioactive material is regulated under the Northern Ireland Executive.

What do they do?

Uphold the laws and rules designed to safeguard the environment and public health. 

Authorise the control and disposal of radioactive waste into the air, water and land. 

Control nuclear installations using the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (EPR) or the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018 (EA(S)R).

Issue consents for non-radioactive environmental activities.

The Environmental Regulators aim to:

Enforcement by the environmental agencies means taking action to ensure regulatory compliance. These may include: