The 11th meeting of the Dounreay Particles Advisory Group (DPAG) will take place at 10am on Monday 11 March at the Royal Society of Edinburgh. The purpose of this particular meeting is to discuss, in depth, a number of technical issues and it will last for around 6 hours. The meeting is open to the public.

The aim of the group is to provide impartial expert scientific advice on the current UKAEA research programme into particles in the Dounreay local environment. The group makes recommendations to UKAEA about ways it can improve its monitoring and research programmes for particles in local Dounreay sediments.

DPAG was convened by SEPA in May 2000. Its members are from universities, National Radiological Protection Board, health boards and fisheries science, and it is chaired by a SEPA director. The formation of the group followed recommendations made by SEPA to the Scottish Office (now the Scottish Executive) in December 1998.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. The next update from DPAG will be after the meeting in Caithness on May 16.

2. The purpose of the meeting next week is to discuss a number of technical issues and there will be formal communication from the meeting (ie Q and A session or news release).

3. A copy of the agenda will be available from Friday afternoon on SEPA's website. Copies of the previous meetings' minutes are also available. The approved minutes of the 10th meeting will appear on the website by Wednesday 13 February.

www.sepa.org.uk/regulation/radioactivity/dpag/dpaghome.htm

4. SEPA is responsible for regulating disposal of radioactive waste from nuclear sites and other premises such as industrial, hospital and research premises under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993. SEPA also regulates the keeping and use of radioactive material.

5. Contact details for Royal Society of Edinburgh: (t) 0131 240 5000, (f) 0131 240 5024. The address is 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh.