DNWP0016 - WAGR Enabling Works and Strip-out - Sellafield - A2R JV

WAGR Overview and Site Information

The Windscale Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (WAGR), commissioned in 1962, was the prototype for the UK's second-generation Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR) fleet. The facility (Building B50), recognised by its distinctive spherical containment shell, was supported by the fuel assembly building (B52) and turbine hall (B55).

Following reactor core dismantling and removal in 2012, the WAGR Complex entered Care and Maintenance (C&M). The facility is now progressing towards its final phase of decommissioning and demolition. Existing records confirm the presence of Low-Level Waste (LLW) and Intermediate-Level Waste (ILW), resulting in ongoing radiological and contamination hazards.

All buildings within the WAGR area are owned by the Remediation operating unit, remain under active surveillance and maintenance, and are classified as Beta Gamma contamination facilities.

Project Scope

The scope comprises enabling, strip-out, waste management and decommissioning support activities across the WAGR facility, alongside support for wider Windscale decommissioning programmes and emergent operational requirements.

Key activities include (see attachment)

- Strip-out Works: Internal and external removal of fixtures, fittings, equipment and non-structural elements to facilitate future decommissioning and demolition activities.

- Radiological Waste Management: Safe handling, removal and management of LLW and ILW in accordance with site requirements.

- Asset Reinstatement: Delivery of asset reinstatement works and provision of SQEP resources to support successful handover.

- Pre-Construction Information (PCI): Support information gathering and site characterisation where existing PCI is insufficient.

- Surveys: Plan and undertake surveys to assess radiological, hazardous and operational conditions in support of future decommissioning works.

- Project Enabling Works: Design, fabricate, trial and implement enabling solutions, equipment and materials to support project delivery.

- Asbestos Management: Planning, sampling, monitoring and licensed asbestos removal where required.

- Procurement: Procurement of materials, equipment and associated quality documentation.

- Waste Management: Sorting, segregation, consolidation and disposal of current and historical wastes, including completion of documentation for transfer to Sellafield Waste Coordinators.

- Emergent Works: Rapid response support to operations and maintenance teams for safety-critical issues.

- Temporary Works: Management, design and construction of temporary works, including scaffolding, enclosures and other supporting structures.

- Decontamination: Decontamination activities to support area declassification and radiological rollback.

- Plant Modifications: Production of Plant Modification Proposals (PMPs) and associated documentation.

- Scaffolding Services: Provision of scaffolding design, supply and installation resources as required.

Additional information: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a2r-altrad-atkinsrealis-remediation

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/sellafield-ltd-awards-high-hazard-risk-reduction-framework-contract