The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published the final report on the safety audit of Dounreay. The audit was carried out by staff from both organisations in June 1998 and interim reports were published in September 1999 and October 2000.

Roger Wilson, the manager of SEPA's Dounreay team said: "We welcome the significant resources UKAEA has committed to progressing the recommendations. We see this as the foundation to achieving the aims of the Dounreay site restoration plan (DSRP) which was published by UKAEA in response to the audit."

To date, 89 of the recommendations have been dealt with. A further 27 will receive attention over the next few years. The final 27 are long term, strategic recommendations.

Mr Wilson added: "SEPA will vigorously progress the environmental issues in the DSRP, which focuses heavily on reducing hazards and safely managing the liabilities on the site. Our aim is to ensure there is efficient and integrated regulation of Dounreay to protect and improve the environment, in line with the government's goal of sustainable development.. We will work closely with the HSE and Highland Council to achieve this."

The HSE will publish the report on its website from noon today at: www.hse.gov.uk/nsd/auditfin.pdf

ENDS