Research by CORE (Cumbrians Opposed to a Radioactive Environment) has revealed that, 5 years after start-up, THORP is not only well behind BNFL’s orignal reprocessing schedule but also faces continuing operational problems which put their target of reprocessing 7000 tonnes in 10 years (the ‘baseload’ contract period) completely out of reach. CORE’s research reveals the major stumbling block of excess tritium gas which, since 1995 has been unexpectedly produced in THORP’s Vessel Ventilation Duct system (VV). Despite BNFL’s efforts to convert the gas to a liquid state and drive it into the sea discharge system, the company’s most recent tritium discharge figures show their efforts have failed. Discharge data extracted from the Public Register shows that during the only four months of operation in 1998, when 450 tonnes were reprocessed [1] as against BNFL’s target of 900 tonnes, a total of 9 TBq [2]of tritium gas were discharged via the THORP chimney. If this figure is scaled-up from 4 months to a full 12 month period (ie 9 TBq x 3 = 27 TBq) and then scaled-up again for a 900 tonne throughput rather than the 450 tonnes actually achieved (ie 27 TBq x 2 = 54 TBq), THORP’s discharge of tritium gas would have significantly exceeded the current limit of 43 TBq and BNFL would have breached their discharge authorisation. On its fifth birthday (start-up 27th March 1994) THORP remains closed down after a pipe blockage in December 1998. In total, after 5 years of operation, only 1885 tonnes of spent fuel has been reprocessed compared to BNFL’s 1992 forecast of 1780 tonnes in the first three and a quarter years [3]. The remaining 5115 tonnes of the baseload must therefore be reprocessed within the next five years at a rate in excess of 1000 tonnes per year – a rate never envisaged by BNFL for THORP even though the design capacity of the plant is 1200 tonnes per year A CORE spokesperson said today “ Like it or not, BNFL must now know that the required target over the next five years of 1000 tonnes per year or more is just pie in the sky when even 900 tonnes puts them well over the tritium limit. With more demanding fuel still to be tackled, matters can only get worse. Their chances of completing the baseload contracts on time are now nil. Closing THORP now would save BNFL from any further embarassment from this crippled white elephant. “ * A 5-year diary of THORP’s operations, accidents, and shut-downs is available on request. [1] BNFL, SLLC Meeting 15th December 1998 [2] BNFL discharge returns to Environment Agency, Form B(1) August to December 1998 incl. [3] BNFL letter to HMIP, 18th June 1992, response 6.