Dounreay says new radioactive particle found on Sandside beach

Dounreay has reported that another radioactive particle has been found as part of the former nuclear plant's environmental monitoring.

The update, made on Monday, shows that a stainless steel particle from the prototype fast reactor cladding was found at Sandside beach on June 1.

It was found at a depth of 15cm and is the second "minor" radioactive particle found at Sandside this year. The first was found on April 14.

Dounreay says that "an important part of the work to close down Dounreay is to address the legacy of radioactive particles in the marine environment around the site".

Beaches on either side of Dounreay are monitored routinely using radiation detection instruments and any particles found are removed. The programme is agreed and independently regulated by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), and funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

The total number of minor particle finds now stands at 262.

The Dounreay website states that the current expert advice is that the risk to the public on local beaches is very low, so there are no restrictions on public use.

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