By Henrietta Billings - 31st August 2004
Britain could face unprecedented legal action on Friday for failing to meet strict EU inspection rules on nuclear waste.
The Sellafield Cumbrian plant in Northern England was given until June 1 to deliver an accounting plan on how nuclear waste is processed, but the details submitted have not satisfied EU officials.
The European Commission will decide at its weekly meeting on Friday what action should be taken, a spokesman confirmed on Wednesday.
"Either the UK will be given an extended deadline to come up with more information, or we shall begin legal proceedings at the European Court of Justice," he said.
Brussels has repeatedly asked British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL) to open up access to a facility on the site the so-called "pond" that stores nuclear waste.
Under the terms of the Euratom Treaty, EU inspectors have to check accounting records of the nuclear material and ensure that the material is stored under safe conditions.
EU insiders say energy chief Loyola de Palacio is running out of patience and is pushing for legal action against the UK.
If the decision does result in court action, it would be the first time a member state is called to the European Court of Justice for a nuclear related case.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.