LLLE is a continuous product from current decommissioning and current waste management operations. The LLLE is discharged to sea through a system that was refurbished in 1992 and a LLLE treatment plant (LLLETP) that was brought into operation in 1997 to replace the original one. All discharges have been, and are, authorised by SEPA.

ILW

ILW has been produced from maintenance, waste management and reproc­essing activities associated with the fast reactor research programme. ILW is currently being produced from decommissioning of the facilities. As the fast reactor fuels contained plutonium, there is significant alpha contamina­tion associated with many of Dounreay ILW streams. This leads to specific handling and containment requirements in all waste management and decommissioning operations.