At a meeting of the Dalgety Bay Forum on Tuesday, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) presented the findings of its latest survey of radioactivity on Dalgety Bay foreshore.

During SEPA's latest survey, in September 2008, further radioactive contamination was found and samples were sent for laboratory analysis. This has allowed an assessment of the hazard to be made. SEPA now has a draft report of the 2008 survey and has presented the findings and its recommendations for action to the Forum.

Colin Bayes, SEPA's Director of environmental protection, said: "In SEPA's view, the most practical solution involves breaking the pathway between the radioactive sources and the public. This could be achieved in a variety of ways, for example erecting clearer signage or concreting the areas where the highest concentrations of particles have been found.

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"The powers to make these things happen rest with a number of the agencies round the table and we are keen to work with them all to help find the right way forward. We will also welcome ideas from Forum members for other ways of resolving the issue."

Defence Estates have committed to respond by 30 January 2009.

In 1990, radioactive contamination was found on the foreshore at Dalgety Bay. Since its inception in 1996 SEPA has undertaken periodic surveys of the beach to determine the potential numbers of items present.

During its 2006 survey, SEPA found and removed contaminated items for analysis. As a precautionary measure, signs were erected by Fife Council at a number of locations to inform the public of the contamination and how the risk of being exposed to the contamination could be reduced.

(GK/JM)