Back to Guidance and supporting documents

  • Particle Retrieval Advisory Group 2025 report

Particle Retrieval Advisory Group 2025 report into fragments of irradiated nuclear fuel in the Dounreay offshore environment

Table of contents
Select a section to jump to:
Select a section to jump to:

Foreword

The Particles Retrieval Advisory Group (Dounreay) (PRAG(D)) was formed by SEPA in 2009 following completion of the work by the Dounreay Particles Advisory Group (DPAG) which was set up by UKAEA and SEPA in 2000 to provide independent scientific advice to UKAEA and SEPA on fragments of irradiated nuclear fuel (particles) around Dounreay, Caithness. PRAG(D) was formed to provide advice to SEPA and Dounreay and review information relating to the voluntary offshore recovery programme undertaken by the site following a public consultation on the Best Practicable Environmental Option. The Group has been focused on the effectiveness of the recovery programme and its impact on the occurrence of fragments of irradiated nuclear fuel on local beaches.

PRAG(D)’s first three reports considered the findings of all recovery work, provided advice on the optimisation of further work and considered the implications for future monitoring of fuel fragments in the environment. This publication provides an overview of the health risks from fragments generated at Dounreay; consideration of movement of fragments in the offshore environment; reviewing the numbers of fragments found through the beach monitoring programme and outlines potential numbers of fragments remaining in the environment. Additionally, the report outlines support to maintain the Food and Environment Protection Act Order, ongoing monitoring and sets out concerns in relation to plans to install high-voltage cables in the Dounreay offshore environment.

It is likely that this will be the final report from the group, however SEPA may elect to seek further advice in light of any change in the situation. SEPA is grateful for the advice provided over many years by all members of the group, both past and present.

Following publication of this report SEPA will consider how best to take forward work of the Group by using its national environmental radioactivity monitoring task team which oversees all national radiological monitoring undertaken in Scotland and has representation from Food Standards Scotland, Food Standards Agency (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), Nature Scot, United Kingdom Health Security Agency, Scottish Government and SEPA.

Full report