A resolution to the problem of radiation on Dalgety Bay beach will not come before September.
That is when the Ministry of Defence will meet up again with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to discuss the way ahead.
Meanwhile, the MoD has given a commitment to commissioning the final phase of the investigation plan. SEPA met with the MoD last week to discuss how to progress the situation with radioactive contamination on the Fife town’s foreshore.
At the meeting, SEPA’s risk assessment, which named the ministry as the polluter, were discussed.
Discussion around these issues will continue but yesterday SEPA remained confident in the conclusions contained in both reports.
The MoD has committed to the identification of long-term management and/or options for the site.
SEPA agrees with the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment’s view that the continuing programme of monitoring at the site is not a long-term viable solution.
It also said remediation work to clean up the area should start as quickly as possible. The agency hopes the MoD will continue with the “co-operative approach” showed at last week’s meeting.
SEPA executive director, Calum MacDonald, said: “Both parties have agreed to meet again in September to review the options put forward.
“SEPA has committed to consider how best to engage with all interested parties.”