Dalgety Bay radiation monitoring area to extend after new finds
19 July, 2012
The area of Dalgety Bay being monitored for radiation might have to be extended after new discoveries beyond the cordoned-off area.
The MoD's contractor and SEPA detected the radioactive particles out with the fenced-off area last month. The radiation was found in a part of the beach that is not often used and is covered over at high tide.
The Dalgety Bay Particles Advisory Group met for the fourth time at Dalgety Bay Sailing Club to discuss the issue. At the meeting, they heard from the MoD and SEPA on the work which has been carried out recently.
Alex Elliott, chairman of Dalgety Bay Particles Advisory Group, said: “We expressed our concerns learning that the estimates of sources recovered from Dalgety Bay by the MoD’s contractor may have underestimated the true activity.
“We have advised that in order to allow any form of basic risk assessment to be undertaken at Dalgety Bay, information is needed on the activity of each of the sources recovered which is accurate.
"In the absence of such information no definitive risk assessment can be undertaken on the current risks to beach users.
“We were also informed that monitoring required to be extended to other areas in the light of recent finds.”
Mr Elliot added that the monitoring area might have to be extended after the new finds. He said: “The group provided recommendations to the MoD contractor about the potential locations for the next phase of the investigation including trail pits.
“We hope that the citing and timing of this work will be undertaken following liaison with the Sailing Club to minimise any disruption to sailing activities."
We have followed the radiation story here on s1dalgetybay for some time now. To read our previous report, click here. For a link to the Community Council’s petition to the MoD, click here. What are your thoughts on the situation? Let us know here at s1dalgetybay.
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