RSR Permit meaning

An RSR permit authorises radioactive substances activities in England and Wales, including the controlled discharge of radioactive wastes to air, water or sewer, and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive waste. It is industry shorthand (not a defined statutory term) for a permit granted by the environment Agency under Schedule 23 of the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 (as amended). It is a core operational permit for nuclear licensed sites (including nuclear power stations) and is also used for other sectors that generate radioactive waste. An RSR permit typically sets radionuclide-specific limits and conditions based on Best Available Techniques (BAT), imposes monitoring, sampling and reporting requirements, governs transfers of radioactive waste, and includes improvement, notification and record-keeping duties. Variations, transfers and surrender follow the EPR 2016 procedures, and breach is a criminal offence enforceable by the Environment Agency. Jurisdictions: the term is specific to England and Wales. In Scotland, comparable authorisations are issued by SEPA under the Environmental Authorisations (Scotland) Regulations 2018. In Northern Ireland, NIEA regulates under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 (as amended). In Ireland, the EPA grants licences for radioactive practices under radiological protection legislation; the expression “RSR permit” is not used.