Plans to dismantle number of electricity towers at Sellafield
The planning application is currently being considered
A number of electricity towers at Sellafield could be dismantled if the plans are approved by planning officers at Cumberland Council.
The project involves a total of 12 overhead electricity transmission towers – eight of which are on the site of the nuclear power station and the other four are in fields to the north of site.
A summary information report states that six of the two towers will be fully dismantled and replaced with new towers while the remaining six would be removed as they are no longer needed.
It is part of the electrical distribution network upgrade project and the report adds:
“The Electrical Distribution Network Project (EDNU) is currently ongoing upgrading the power supply around the Sellafield site.”
The report states that each of the towers is constructed of galvanized steel sections bolted together on a concrete foundation.
It adds: “Upon demolition each of the towers will be removed to foundation level, with the foundation slab remaining in place pending review of future remediation and/or site redevelopment plans.
“Tower analysis has shown that there are a number of members on the existing towers that are over utilised, as a result optioneering was undertaken with the output being the full replacement of the existing towers which will provide Sellafield Ltd with assurance of the lifespan of 30 years.
“All foundation loads are found to be within the original design foundation loads for the existing towers and thereby no foundation strengthening will be required. There was no condition assessment available at the time of analysis, therefore the original foundation designs were assumed to be fit for purpose.”
According to the report, because four of the towers are off-site in a farmer’s field with no special restrictions, they will be felled by cutting the rear legs and pulled over in a controlled manner.
It states: “All other towers will be dismantled piecemeal by use of a crane. Once at ground level the towers will be size reduced and put into skips for removal via the Sellafield Ltd waste route.
“Waste is expected to be not classified as radioactive material but will be subject to survey before release from the Sellafield site. Any waste found to be radiologically contaminated will be embargoed and sentenced to a suitable alternative waste route.
“Waste removal to off‐site disposal and recycling facilities is estimated to require eight HGV vehicle movements over a four-day span. HGVs associated with this demolition will leave Sellafield site via the main gate and will be timed to avoid rush‐hour traffic.
“Dust generation is not expected to be significant; the structure is a steel frame requiring no concrete dismantling. Access roads local to the offsite towers are in good order, however vehicles will be tracking over unmade ground (fields) to remove the offsite towers and install replacements, where required, and this ground will be protected with GRP matting.”
It is expected that the demolition activity hours will be between 7am and 7pm, Monday to Thursday and weekend working may occasionally be required but will be limited to preparatory works for activities such as cable re‐routing and vehicle access.
The planning application is currently being considered by council planning officers at the council.