|
Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) are becoming increasingly worried over the safety of using beaches for recreational watersport in the surrounding area of the Dounreay nuclear reprocessing plant following the find of a radioactive particle on Dunnet beach this week.
Initial findings believe the particle is a fragment of reactor fuel and is comparable to some of the low level finds at Sandside Bay.
 The Dunnet beach finding is the first to have occurred outside those findings at Sandside Bay. Not unlike Sandside Bay, Dunnet Beach is a popular surfing beach and there others between the two that are well used for recreational water sport.
Whilst SAS support the notion that there is at present only a small risk that a member of the public may come into contact with such a fragment, the find does suggest more particles could be present on a range of local beaches.
SAS is waiting with interest to see the results of a SEPA commissioned study into the health effects of contamination from particles due to be completed later this year. We are also keen to see more evidence that quantifies the degree of particle contamination on the seabed, which maybe of greater benefit and provide better information to recreational water users that regularly use the water for sport.
Richard Hardy, SAS Campaigns Director says, “The finding at Dunnet Beach is another reason why SAS believe our energy needs should in future be met by clean and safe alternatives. Scotland is blessed with a natural wave resource that if harnessed could generate both renewable energy and job opportunities. At a time when the Government is beginning to limit revenue support for this clean but fledgling industry, SAS believes it should be given greater opportunities to develop in order to reduce the health threats posed by the nuclear power industry”.
For further information please contact Tel: 0845 4583001 or 07711 767548
Back
|
Porthtowan Beach Clean
SAS welcome teachers back to school with free primary schools environmental resource
Environmental campaigners celebrate retailer moves to stem tide of cotton bud sticks
Drawing Boards - cutting edge surfboard art for Surfers Against Sewage
SAS finish Barefoot Friendly Beach Litter Tour
Surfers Against Sewage Litter-pick Completed at Brighton
Surfers Against Sewage Litter-pick Completed at Bournemouth
Surfers Against Sewage Litter-pick Completed at Porthcawl
Surfers Against Sewage Litter-pick Completed at Porthtowan
SAS Makes Beaches Barefoot Friendly
SAS celebrate International Surfing Day at the Gold Coast Festival
Covert film exposes plastic pellet's route from factory to beach litter
SAS Co-Founder awarded MBE
How Green a Surf Warrior Are You?
Competitions
Fundraise
SAS Hard Core Fund
Free Animal wallet for all new members
