Radioactive Waste Management

8920190

Building 329, Thomson Avenue

Didcot

OX11 0GD

UK

Contact person: Barry Purdy

E-mail: barry.purdy@nda.gov.uk

Main address: https://www.gov.uk/government/case-studies/shared-services-alliance-ssa-for-nuclear-decommissioning-estate

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at:  

Additional information can be obtained from

the abovementioned address:  

Body governed by public law

Other activity:  Nuclear Decommissioning

Marine Shallow Water Seismic Survey

Reference number:  RWM552

RWM wishes to procure Seismic Services in support of the site evaluation and characterisation activities in relation to its proposed programme for the siting and construction of Geological Disposal Facility for Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for radioactive waste.

RWM aims to acquire two or more seismic surveys, with potential locations at inshore Allerdale District and Theddelthorpe (E. Lincolnshire). At this stage a broad search area has been identified within which RWM will undertake focussed 3D surveys of around 100km2. Whilst the actual survey area has not been agreed as yet, the broad characteristics of the surveys area can be described as follows. Allerdale district would involve acquisition within a tidal estuary environment within the English waters of the, Solway Firth with water depths ranging from 0-14m. Theddlethorpe would involve a marine acquisition in the inshore region (0-12nm) located between approximately between the Humber Estuary and The Wash. Water depths for Theddlethorpe are anticipated to be potentially between 0-20m. Both areas are anticipated to have tidal ranges between 4-7m as well as potentially high tide-related currents. RWM would aim to acquire both surveys within a suitable “weather window” to minimise adverse weather-related impacts on productivity.
The objective of undertaking this work is to enable RWM to confirm the overall geological setting, geometry of geological features and rock volumes, to a sufficient level that they will be able to confirm the overall potential for the site to proceed to detailed characterisation and the positioning of early boreholes. The surveys will comprise both 2D and 3D elements. The 3D will be focused on the GDF footprint area with 2D used to tie in boreholes and provide a broader understanding of the regional geological setting.
The depth range of interest for the GDF is 200m-1000m depth but we want to achieve the best imaging across the depth ranges from surface to approximately 1500m depth. It is anticipated that the geology will comprise Lower Strength Sedimentary rocks, comprising sandstones, mudstones, limestones and evaporites, potentially overlying basement rocks at depth.
The information required by RWM will be integrated into the geological understanding for the GDF a major engineering project comprising underground tunnels and openings. Demonstrating our geological understanding and providing confidence in it will be a major part of the Environmental safety case which will demonstrate the long-term safety of the facility. Understanding the geological structure and presence of discontinuities to the highest possible resolution is a goal. We would want to work with the Contractors to develop the optimum survey design and equipment configuration to meet our ambitions for this survey.
This Prior Information Notice is to signal an intention to commence market engagement with those within the relevant professional services market and to alert the market to potential forthcoming tender exercise(s).
RWM intends to hold market engagement sessions through December 2021 and January 2022 with industry experts and suppliers interested in potentially bidding for the resulting commercial agreement(s).

A specification is attached at https://sharedsystems.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=SELLAFIELD. Click on Current tender opportunities and search for this PIN. If this does not work please e-mail barry.purdy@nda.gov.uk for a copy.