UKAEA have informed SEPA that a large fragment of irradiated nuclear fuel has been recovered from the sediment 300 m offshore at Dounreay. The particle is approximately 6mm x 6mm x 2mm and was buried 35cm in the seabed.

The caesium-137 activity is estimated by UKAEA to be 100 million Becquerels. This is in excess of the range (a few hundred to 20 million Becquerels) of previous finds from the offshore sediments. Historically fragments of similar activity have been retrieved from the foreshore in front of the Dounreay site.

The fragment was retrieved as part of a periodic survey of the seabed. SEPA and the National Radiological Protection Board have previously reported on the health implications (1998) of fragments and this fragment is at the highest end of the range of fragment activity considered in the report. Nevertheless, although this find is potentially important because of its activity it does not on its own change the interpretation that serious health implications from the offshore fragments are very unlikely. Fishing restrictions continue to apply to the area where the fragment was retrieved.

SEPA has written to UKAEA requesting that they consider the implications of this find on their forward research programme which is currently being considered by the Dounreay Particles Advisory Group.

In addition a further particle was recovered from Sandside bay on 26 June. The particle find is within the normal range of previous finds.

ENDS