BPM and BPEO Assessments
Westlakes Scientific Consulting has a strong track record in assisting a wide variety of clients requiring the design and application of multi-attribute methodologies within a BPEO/BPM context. Typical topic areas include:
- Workshop facilitation;
- Provision of technical advice;
- Identification and characterisation of options;
- Options screening;
- Selection of decision criteria;
- Multi-attribute decision analysis (MADA);
- Options scoring and weighting;
- Identification of the BPEO;
- Integration into decision making;
- Support for the development of integrated waste strategies (IWS);
- Assistance with the production of corporate level policy/strategy documentation;
- Provision of guidance on the development of ‘site level’ strategy documents;
- Radiological dose assessments to support the identification of BPM; and
- Environmental impact assessments to support the identification of BPM.
More information on BPM and BPEO
Best Practicable Means (BPM)
Since 2004, new discharge authorisations issued under the Radioactive Substances Act, 1993 (RSA 1993) require operators within the UK’s nuclear industry to demonstrate BPM to:
(a) minimise the activity of wastes requiring disposal; and
(b) minimise the amount of activity ultimately discharged to the environment.
BPM is intended to apply the principle of ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) to radiation exposure of the public from the creation and disposal of radioactive waste.
Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)
A BPEO study is a specific type of options appraisal in which, given that waste creation has already been minimised (e.g. through the application of BPM), a waste disposal option is sought that achieves the minimum impact on the environment (land, air or water) of the waste created. The aim of the process is to allow the proper identification and evaluation of a suite of alternative options in order to ensure that the BPEO is chosen. Such studies are produced as part of the support for proposed waste management and disposal strategies, both for continuing operations and decommissioning projects.
Contact
For more information about assistance with BPEO and BPM studies or how we could provide you with the specific services you need, please contact the Environmental Science Administration Office: esadm@westlakes.ac.uk or via our Contact page.
