As we all know Dreadnought is at present "awaiting disposal" in Rosyth. The original proposal was to dump her at sea as can be seen from an extract of the project report printed below:

F.1       PROJECT PROPOSAL

Aim:   To investigate the nuclear submarine disposal methods available within the United Kingdom, produce appropriate radiological source terms for a typical nuclear submarine about to undergo decommissioning and dismantling, and to prepare that element of an Environmental Impact Statement/Assessment (EIA/S) that is required to produce the statement of a Radiological Impact that would accompany any necessary planning application (or similar notification) to dismantle a nuclear submarine.

Background:   After HMS Dreadnought was decommissioned in 1982 and following De-fuel, De-equip and conduct of Lay-up Preparation (DDLP), it was intended to dump the submarine at sea.  However, in 1972, the London Sea Dumping Convention prohibited the dumping of radioactive waste at sea, which along with American concerns over the compromise of nuclear technology, in accordance with the 1958 agreement between the USA and the United Kingdom, led to the deferral of HMS Dreadnought’s disposal.  Current policy is for each DDLP submarine to be stored afloat, for at least 30 years, prior to the disposal of the ILW in the National Waste Management Facility when it becomes available.  This policy allows the radiation levels within the Reactor Compartment to decay prior to dismantling of the Primary Plant, reducing the radiation dose rates to workers and also the quantity of ILW requiring final disposal.  With increasing numbers of submarines due to be decommissioned, this option was chosen until a permanent, more acceptable disposal method becomes available.  There are currently 12 decommissioned submarines in afloat storage and it is expected that the UK will have 27 decommissioned nuclear submarines awaiting final disposal by 2030.  Current afloat storage arrangements will be at maximum practical capacity by 2012 and there are significant disadvantages in developing further MoD afloat storage capacity.  Hence, before 2012 a facility must be available to commence processing the submarines in afloat storage with the aim of eventual final disposal.  In 1998 the Secretary of State for Defence directed a study should be carried out into the Interim Storage Of Laid-Up Submarines (ISOLUS).