Radioactive waste discharges from the Sellafield nuclear plant in Cumbria could be sharply cut if new proposals are accepted by the British government.
The Environmental Agency regulates the disposal of nuclear waste in England and Wales. Under its new proposals, the radiation experienced by the most exposed members of the public will be reduced by between 25 and 35 per cent.
It is estimated that the proposed additional sampling, monitoring and analysis will cost up to £40 million sterling.
Restrictions on the current aerial and liquid discharge limits are being sought from individual plants as well as from the site as a whole.
This is only the second major review of the waste disposal processes at the plant by the agency. The proposals are being considered by the British Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Ms Margaret Beckett; the Environment Minister, Mr Michael Meacher; and the Secretary of State for Health, Mr Alan Milburn.
Responding to the proposals, BNFL said "is our view that the overall environmental benefit will be minimal".
The company also said it was "concerned that the additional monitoring and analysis has the potential to increase occupational radiation dose to our employees".
BNFL said it was committed to further reductions where they will have a positive environmental benefit.
