Dounreay particles research

This page introduces the research work commissioned by SEPA into the issue of irradiated nuclear fuel particles in the environment around Dounreay.

SEPA commissioned the work in a series of modules and has published the results of each of these as they have become available. Please read these notes before referring to the documents below. The final module in the series (module 6pdf link 255k) draws together all of the findings from the previous modules.

Background

In 1998, SEPA commissioned research from the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) about the ways in which a member of the public might be exposed to a particle and what effect it may have. The research report concluded that it was unlikely that a particle would be ingested (e.g. eaten) or otherwise come into contact with a member of the public. However, if a member of the public did come into contact with a particle, then various outcomes were possible.

SEPA decided in November 2000 to commission more detailed research following a review of this report and to take account of further information being gathered on the number of particles detected in areas accessible to the public. The aim of the research was to consider the potential health effects and concentration (number per unit area) of radioactive particles, so that SEPA could make a more informed decision about the potential for exposure to the public.

The research covers:

  • a revised assessment of the hazard from ingesting or having contact with a particle;
  • an assessment of the potential concentration (in terms of number per unit area) of particles on areas where particles occur and where there is public access.
  • All of the research reports which will enable SEPA to make an informed decision about the potential for exposure to the public these are provided below. These include:
  • an assessment of the ability of the Groundhog Mark 1 apparatus which was used to monitor for radioactive particles until 2002
  • an assessment of Groundhog Evolution
  • Work on the composition of particles
  • Estimated numbers of fuel fragments
  • The assessment of the hazard.

The research module evaluating the sensitivity of Groundhog Evolution beach monitoring system at Sandside Beach, Brims Ness and Crosskirk presents a technical studypdf link (224k) published by SEPA and undertaken by the National Radiological Protection Board (now the Radiation Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency (HPA-RPD)) on behalf of SEPA. This report draws upon more comprehensive material supplied by HPA-RPD that contains commercially sensitive information.

Work on the composition of particles has been undertaken in two stages March 2003 and January 2004. The data collected from these studies provided the data for a revised assessment of the hazard from particles.

Module 6pdf link (255k) provides information on the potential for a member of the public to encounter a particle at Sandside Bay, and if they were to do so the possible effects that encounter may have on health.

For the research reports which enable SEPA to make informed decisions about the potential for exposure to the public, visit: RS publications