Offshore survey not the cause of rise in radioactive particles, says PFOWF
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THE survey work carried out at the Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm (PFOWF) has not led to any increase in radioactive particles being found on the Dounreay foreshore.
That was said in response to concerns by Caithness West Community Council which claimed "the most likely cause of increased radioactive particle finds" is from the disturbance of seabed sediments by support operations carried out for the offshore wind farm.
A PFOWF spokesman says the limited survey activities associated with the development were not responsible for the rise in the particles found between February and March last year. He also stressed that no work will take place "in or around" the two-kilometre fishing exclusion zone near the Dounreay site if risk assessments or analysis shows there to be an increased risk to the local community or environment. The exclusion zone was imposed as particles from operations at the plant in the 1960s and ‘70s were found in the area.
The spokesman said: "All relevant permits and mitigations were in place and risk assessments were undertaken ahead of the works commencing. We communicated extensively with the regulating authorities and stakeholders before and during the surveys. In addition, the soil samples, and the equipment used to collect the samples, were all tested for the presence of radioactive material – and none was detected at any point." He said most of the surveys took place at the wind farm site – over 7.5km from shore and 6km away from the fishing exclusion zone. "The only survey conducted within the exclusion zone which involved direct contact with the seabed was undertaken in September 2022 – six months after the increase in particles was detected. It had very limited interaction with the seabed at two locations.
"As the relevant surveys in the fishing exclusion zone were undertaken approximately six months after the increase in particles, we consider it to be highly unlikely that the surveys undertaken have contributed to these findings of radioactive particles." He pointed out that the only work planned in the exclusion zone is for the installation of the export cable. "This has been comprehensively assessed – including movement of suspended sediment – in the Environmental Impact Assessment Report which has been submitted to Marine Scotland and no significant impacts were identified.
"Otherwise, the wind farm works will be located within the wind farm site itself which is least 7.5km offshore . This will be the location for any drilling and dredging activities associated with anchor installation. The surveys undertaken to date have found no radioactive particles in the wind farm site. This is an unrestricted area of seabed where routine marine activities such as vessel transit, recreational activities and fishing are permitted. Based on the analysis and proposed location and activities of the development, it is our view that the project will not lead to any increase in particle finds on the Dounreay Foreshore or Sandside Beach." The spokesman described the risk in relation to radioactive particles as "extremely low". He said the project will be developed in " a safe and sustainable way" and make a positive contribution to the local economy.
"We will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure the risk to the public and the environment is minimised and have ongoing communication with all relevant regulating authorities and stakeholders."
As previously reported, Caithness West community councillors wrote to Marine Scotland highlighting their concerns and pointed out that the number of radioactive particles found on the Dounreay foreshore in February and March last year were the highest for 26 years.
