Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd

Environmental monitoring

In order to comply with the Radioactive Substances Act, DSRL are required to undertake an environmental monitoring programme. The purpose of this programme is to ensure that the local environment is not being harmed by the discharges from Dounreay.

Nuvia Ltd, on behalf of DSRL, undertake the in-field sampling programme. The programme is split into marine and terrestrial samples.

The marine sampling programme includes collection of seawater, sludge, spume, and with the help of a trawler, fish, crabs and lobsters.

The terrestrial sampling programme involves Nuvia carrying out gamma surveys, collecting sheep faeces, goat’s milk, grass and rootmat and soil.

As well as undertaking the statutory monitoring programme, DSRL also undertake a supplementary monitoring programme. The purpose of this programme is for reassurance monitoring and it is not governed by statute.

When Nuvia bring any samples back to the Site, DSRL Chemistry Support Services (CSS) carry out pre-determined analysis in compliance with the requirements of the Authorisation. The analysis results are forwarded to the Environmental Compliance Team who are responsible for ensuring that they are reported to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) as per the requirements of the Authorisation.

The Environmental Compliance Team are available to answer any questions, and to give advice, on all aspects of compliance with the site’s discharge Authorisations.

The results from environmental monitoring at Dounreay and other locations in Scotland are published annually by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency in its "Radioactivity in Food and the Environment" series of reports. These reports confirm that the levels of radioactivity found in the vicinity of Dounreay are within the limits laid down in law.

Latest RIFE reports