Particle Clean-up
Radioactive particles were released into the sea during the reprocessing of nuclear fuel at Dounreay.
Surveys have shown that the most radioactive fragments are located in the sediment of the seabed near the site's disused discharge outlet and on the enclosed foreshore beside the site. Fishing is banned in this area as a precaution.
Following public consultation, the site has prepared plans to clean up the most polluted areas of seabed using remotely-operated equipment.
Subject to the necessary agreements, this work is expected to begin in summer 2008. It will be seasonal and scheduled to last for four years.
Meantime, the site continues to monitor a number of beaches used by the public near Dounreay. The criteria for this is regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.
Smaller, less radioactive particles have been found on three beaches used by the public - at Sandside, Dunnet and Murkle. Independent experts have assessed the finds and concluded that the risk to public health is low, so the beaches remain open.
Independent expert advice is provided by Dounreay Particles Advisory Group.
The Groundhog system used to monitor local beaches
Map of offshore finds
Detectors on the front of the vehicle scan the sand for particles
