The United Kingdom government is being pressed by the Celtic League to explain why levels of technetium-99 (Tc-99) in the Irish sea seem to have stabilised at levels four times above those which existed prior to 1995.
Last week the League criticised the latest Manx government report into technetium levels for referring to "lower concentrations of Tc-99 found in 2006". We pointed the imbalance between current level of Tc-99 and those found in 1995 and said figure the 1995 is the comparator which should be aimed for.
There was a surge in Tc-99 pollution in the Irish sea in the late 1990s but subsequently following International pressure on the British discharges of the pollutant were curtailed and levels started to decline.
However three years ago levels showed a slight increase and although subsequently a reduction was noted the decline seems in levels of the pollutant appears to have halted.
In correspondence to the Food Standards Agency the Celtic League seeks explanation and also asks why International scrutiny of the monitoring of radiation pollution in the Irish Sea via the International Atomic Energy Agency has not been put in place.
N H Wood Radiological Monitoring Branch Emergency Planning, Radiation and Incidents Division Food Standards Agency Room 715B Aviation House 125 Kingsway London WC2B 6NH
Dear Sir,
Technetium-99 concentrations in the Irish Sea
I write with reference to your correspondence to the Celtic League in April 2006 (Ref: RSU 39/97).
Recent monitoring by both the Isle of Man government and the RPII seem to indicate that the decline in levels of Technetium-99 has stabilised at levels which are still over four times the pre 1995 level.
I note from your earlier correspondence that the FSA were engaged in research into this matter spanning the period 2005-2008 and I wondered if there were as yet any preliminary results to indicate why this radioactive pollutant is not dissipating.
I also am aware from correspondence (in 2006) with the IAEA that they would be prepared to assist with technetium monitoring programmes in the Irish Sea area 'if so requested by Member States'. Can I ask if the UK government via the FSA is aware of this offer and if so why has the opportunity to have a Independent and Internationally reputable body involved not been availed of.
Finally on a related point the FSA may be unaware that research is currently underway to investigate the viability of aggregate extraction in the North East Irish sea (in the area between the Cumbrian coast and Maughold Head on the Isle of Man). Given the comments in para 4 of your letter to us (7 April 2006) can you advise if such aggregate extraction might exacerbate re-mobilisation factors which cause increased technetium levels?
Yours sincerely
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League"
See also earlier Celtic News reports at:
(voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site) (voir le site)
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
28/07/07
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