Wednesday 19 March 2003


SECOND DPAG REPORT PUBLISHED

The Dounreay Particles Advisory Group (DPAG) has published its second interim report. The report summaries the issues considered by the group over the last two years.

DPAG welcomes the large amount of work which is currently being undertaken to improve the information available about particles. There are many complex and difficult challenges in researching particle issues, but more information is essential to help DPAG provide better advice.

The main conclusions are:

• More particles have been released into the environment, and for a longer period of time, than previously thought.
  
  
• It is likely that there are a number of separate groups (discrete populations) of particles offshore. The movement of these particles means that the populations are unlikely to have come from a single source at Dounreay.
  
  
• The monitoring system which was being used on some publicly accessible beaches around Dounreay is unlikely to have achieved the requirements set by SEPA under all circumstances. The monitoring systems used to detect particles on beaches and in the marine environment need further development.
  
  

Overall, the report indicates that understanding of the particles issues has improved considerably, but some important areas remain unresolved. It acknowledges that all of the parties involved have made progress, but stresses that there is still a great deal to do. The second report is based on the best information available, and the position will be updated as more details become available.


Recommendations

• The requirements set by SEPA for monitoring and detecting particles on local beaches reviewed to reflect particle activities that may pose a significant risk to health.
  
  
• SEPA and UKAEA should provide information on the typical depths of sand which are disturbed through the progression of a seasonal cycle.
  
  
• Particles that are still contained in the non-active drains on the Dounreay site should be analysed.
  
  
• There should be a further review of the historic practices at Dounreay, which may indicate further potential sources of particles entering the environment.
  
  
• UKAEA should ensure that all current and historic drainage systems are checked to determine if they currently contain particles.
  
  
• Information should be obtained on the possible contamination of filters on the low-active drainage system.
  
  
• Studies to help establish a reliable estimate of the particle population should be continued.
  
  
• There should be a direct approach to searching for potential offshore springs to determine whether they are capable of carrying particles.
  
  
• The work into the movement of particles should be continued beyond the area of the fishing ban, and should also consider the potential uptake by marine life.
  
  
• There should be more work on the disturbance of particles in and around the diffuser.
  
  

ENDS

Notes to editors

A summary of the report is available from www.sepa.org.uk/dpag

• The next DPAG meeting will be at 13.30pm on Thursday 20 March in the Carlton hotel, Edinburgh. A copy of the agenda is available on SEPA's website. Copies of the previous meetings' minutes are also available from www.sepa.org.uk/dpag
  
  
• 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 currently 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.
  
  
• 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.
  

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