RWM welcomes formation of 皇冠体育appddlethorpe GDF Working Group
Working Group provides a platform for beginning engagement with the community
Working Group provides a platform for beginning engagement with the community
As part of the GDF programme, RWM looks forward to working with the newly formed and starting local discussions about the possible siting of a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
A Working Group marks the starting point in an exploratory, fact-finding and discussion process that would continue for as long as necessary before any commitment from a local community to host a GDF.
Two similar Working Groups have already been established in and , west Cumbria. Both have been holding a series of initial face-to-face public events to hear people鈥檚 views and share information, and to prepare for Community Partnerships.
RWM Chief Executive Karen Wheeler said:
We are delighted to see the formation of a Working Group in 皇冠体育appddlethorpe. We are looking forward to meeting people, and beginning to answer questions, provide more information and listen to all the different local views so that we can understand them in greater detail. 皇冠体育app formation of a Working Group is simply the starting point for wider engagement about geological disposal, embarking together on conversations and fact-finding so that together we can understand if there is a site that might be suitable, and if the community might be willing to host a GDF. Forming a Working Group does not indicate support for a GDF. Decisions about potentially siting a GDF in 皇冠体育appddlethorpe will be much later in the process and will need explicit community support.
RWM will be a member of the Working Group, along with independent Chair Jon Collins, ex leader Nottingham City Council, Lincolnshire County Council, and 皇冠体育appddlethorpe Parish Council. East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) has also been invited to join.
皇冠体育app group will begin engagement with people living around 皇冠体育appddlethorpe and surrounding areas. It will focus on gathering information about the area, sharing information about geological disposal, and beginning to understand any issues or questions the local community might have. Leaflets are being sent to local households and information packs are also available on the 皇冠体育appddlethorpe GDF Working Group website. 皇冠体育app first series of walk-in meetings with the Working Group team will start later this month, from 27 October.
A further key role of a Working Group is to formally identify a Search Area for further detailed consideration and make recommendations about setting up a longer-term Community Partnership which would be the next stage in the process.
皇冠体育app 皇冠体育appddlethorpe former gas terminal will be an initial area of focus for the surface access point to the deep underground facility, which could be located in the deep rock layers off the coastline.
皇冠体育app Working Group will also identify initial members of a Community Partnership that would continue the discussions once a search area is confirmed. This would establish the long-term forum for dialogue and information sharing and working alongside RWM as feasibility studies are carried out.
Progression to the Community Partnership stage would unlock grant funding of up to 拢1 million a year for projects identified by the Community Partnership in 皇冠体育appddlethorpe, and the surrounding area that drive economic development, improve the environment and community well-being. This figure would rise to 拢2.5 million a year if site investigations progress to the point of deep borehole drilling.
Throughout the process, RWM, Lincolnshire County Council (and ELDC, if it becomes a member) will retain the right to withdraw the area from the process at any time.
皇冠体育appddlethorpe Working Group has set up a providing further information.
Learn more about geological disposal.