LONDON: DEFRA QUERIED ON NUCLEAR POLLUTION INCREASE

Rapport publié le 15/01/09 7:07 dans Environnement par Cathal Ó Luain pour Cathal Ó Luain

The Celtic League has pressed the UK Minister for the Natural Environment Wildlife and Marine Affairs (above) about recently announced increases in levels of nuclear pollution in the Irish sea.

The Celtic League has pressed the United Kingdom government about recently announced increases in levels of nuclear pollution in the Irish sea. The move comes following publication of data by the Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland in November 2008:

«Huw Irranca-Davies MP Minister for the Natural Environment, Wildlife and Marine Affairs Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Nobel House 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR

11:01:09

Dear Minister,

Sellafield - Contamination of the Marine Environment - Irish Sea

I note that recent data published by the Radiological Insitute of Ireland shows an increase in the radionuclides Caesium 137 and Technetium 99 in the Irish Sea.

The data can be found at:

(voir le site)

Caesium 137 discharges are shown in Figure 1 (Page 6) Technetium 99 discharges are shown in Figure 2 (Page 7)

Can you advise if current United Kingdom sampling indicates the same level of increase and if so are you able to ascertain why, after several years of decline, levels of radioactive contamination are increasing (albeit by small levels).

I understand that the United Kingdom government has given International assurances that it would reduce discharges from its nuclear reprocessing facility on a year on year basis. Given those assurances these levels of marginal increase should be explained.

Yours sincerely,

J B Moffatt (Mr) Director of Information»