The Ministry of Defence has come under fire again after ”shocking revelations” about radiation at Dalgety Bay.
Mid Scotland and Fife SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing has demanded answers about revelations that Ministry of Defence scientists refused to analyse radioactive contamination from Dalgety Bay beach because of fears about potential health risks.
According to the minutes of a Dalgety Bay Risk Assessment Group meeting of March 2009, MoD analysts were ”not particularly keen” to come into contact with particles found at the beach because of ”concerns over dose rates from high-activity samples”.
The MoD described cost as ”an issue”.
Ms Ewing said: ”We must have urgent action and answers from the MoD over these shocking revelations that contradict assurances over the seriousness of this hazard.
”The MoD has consistently played down the possibility of health effects on members of the public from this contamination, but the department’s own scientists do not seem to share that confidence.
”Getting to the root of this hazard must be the first priority, but given this extraordinary admission by scientists in 2009, the MoD needs to explain why action was not taken much earlier.
”This should not be an issue of cost, but an issue of public safety. The MoD cannot wash its hands from its clear responsibility to remove this contamination and the new defence secretary must establish the facts and take action.”
Radioactive material is thought to be washing up on the beach as a result of Dalgety Bay’s military past.
Aircraft from the Royal Navy repair yard at Donibristle, which closed in 1959, are believed to have been broken up and dumped in the headland near Dalgety Bay Sailing Club, and as the land erodes more contamination is released.
The contamination is from radioactive radium-226 used during the second world war to make aircraft dials luminous so they could be seen at night.
Last week, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) cordoned off a section of shore beside the sailing club after a piece of radioactive metal 10 times stronger than anything found at the site was dug out of the sand.
More contamination has subsequently been found.
Radioactive material has been periodically removed from the site since it was first discovered in 1990.
However, the potential dose of radiation that could be delivered by last week’s discovery prompted SEPA to take decisive action.
Until last week, the only safety measure was warning signs urging the public not to take items from the beach.
Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath Labour MP Gordon Brown called for an inquiry.
When contacted, the MoD simply release the same statement as last week.
A spokesman said: ”MoD has been working with SEPA and the Dalgety Bay Forum to resolve the issues at Dalgety Bay.
”We have supported SEPA’s 2011 headland investigation and continue to support SEPA in disposing of any recovered items.
”The work undertaken to date represents MOD’s serious commitment to assisting the Dalgety Bay Forum in finding a longer-term strategy for dealing with the radioactive contamination on the foreshore.
”MoD will continue to work with SEPA, the Scottish Executive and the Dalgety Bay Forum to identify the likelihood of residual risks posed and requirement for any remedial action once the details of the most recent SEPA findings are published.
”Should significant risks present themselves in the interim, SEPA has the necessary statutory powers to address these.”