'Radioactive Source' Found In Dalgety Bay Mussels

Environmental officers have confirmed they've found a 'radioactive source' in a mussel bay in Dalgety Bay.

The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) say it's the first time contamination's been found in the beds, which sit offshore from the beach.

As laws are in place preventing the removal of seafood from Dalgety Bay, it's thought the public aren't at risk.

Fifers are being warned not to pick up items from the beach, and to avoid the contaminated area.

Dr Paul Dale, Principal Policy Officer from SEPA’s Radioactive Substances team, said:

"While carrying out routine monitoring of the Dalgety Bay area this weekend, our Radioactive Substances team found a radioactive source in mussels beds which sit offshore from the beach area. This is the first time that sources have been found in the mussel beds and FSS has been informed of the findings.

"A monthly monitoring and recovery programme by Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s contractors remains in place. SEPA will continue to periodically check this monitoring, and monitor the mussel beds, in order to assess the potential spread of radioactive sources, prior to remediation of the site by the Ministry of Defence and their contractors.

"This find demonstrates the importance of people following the signs, staying off the demarcated area and not picking up items from the beach. We do not believe that at this stage any further actions are required."