The non-intrusive marine geophysical surveys off the coast of Copeland, Cumbria, are scheduled to start in the summer of 2022 and will improve our knowledge of the rock structure to guide our search for an appropriate location for a geological disposal facility (GDF).
A vessel carrying specialised acoustic equipment will be deployed between 5 and 20 km from the coast for the data collection programme.
Specialists Shearwater GeoServices, who won a £6 million contract from Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) after a procurement process, will perform the work over the course of three to four weeks.
In order to understand the deep geology beyond the coast, the survey is a crucial first step.
Off the coast of South and Mid Copeland is where this first survey is concentrated.
The technology used from the 92-meter vessel is based on sound waves that are reflected as an echo from various geological layers, much like ultrasound scans used for medical purposes.
This makes it possible to gradually construct a 3D image of the underlying rocks.
The actual seafloor is unaltered. Such surveys are common in the offshore wind, oil, and gas industries.
To inform local communities and marine users of developments, the GDF team will collaborate with marine representative bodies and other stakeholders.
Head of GDF Geosphere Characterization Chris Eldred stated:
Working with the experts at Shearwater GeoServices, we are eager to start the first surveys this summer off the south-west coast of Copeland.
The data we gather will support an informed discussion with the communities who are at the centre of the siting process and assist us in further evaluating the suitability of locations to host a GDF.
It will take about nine months to process and analyse the survey data in-depth before we can decide whether or not we need to conduct additional surveys.
Our geologists and engineers will receive some of the tools they require from the information to start designing and planning the subsequent stages of the search for a suitable site for a GDF.