Waste disposal
In July 1958, the Scottish Office issued authorisation for the disposal of radioactive wastes to the shaft for a period of one year.
In 1959, the shaft was licensed by the Scottish Office as a disposal facility for radioactive wastes and was routinely used for the disposal of unconditioned intermediate level waste (ILW) until 1970.
Discharges to the shaft were made using a variety of containers known as flasks. Occasionally, waste was added directly to the shaft without the means of flasking.
Flasks were engaged on an adapter at the top of the shaft and their contents discharged directly into the water approximately 13 m below.
Historical records show there was a significant risk of contamination spread at the top of the shaft as a result of the procedures used to dispose of waste. The area was contaminated frequently.
The wet silo - an engineered, concrete-lined bunker - was brought into use as an ILW store in 1971 to allow the shaft to be taken out of routine service. After 1971, the shaft was only used for items that were too large for the silo.
All material consignments to the shaft ceased in 1977 following an explosion in the head-space above the shaft waste column. Although no disposals were made to the shaft after 1977, it remained a licensed disposal facility for ILW.
Dumping of waste in 1960s
Dumping of waste in 1960s
Dumping of waste in 1960s
Dumping of waste in 1960s
Dumping of waste in 1960s
