§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what levels of uranium were discharged into Rivacre brook, and from there into the river Mersey, by British Nuclear Fuels plc Capenhurst in each year from 1983 to 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe annual total uranium alpha activity discharged into the Rivacre brook by British Nuclear Fuels plc from its Capenhurst works in each year from 1983 to 1986 is as follows. Data for 1987 and 1988 are not yet available.
Year Annual discharge in mega becquerels 1983 500 1984 800 1985 900 1986 2,000 These levels demonstrate that the discharge represents an insignificant radiological hazard to members of the public.
§ Mr. AltonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment when he will impose an absolute level on discharges of uranium by British Nuclear Fuels plc at Capenhurst; and at what level that will be set.
§ Mr. MoynihanThe certificate of authorisation for the disposal of low level liquid radioactive waste from British Nuclear Fuels plc Capenhurst works into the Rivacre brook, which sets concentration limits on uranium discharges is currently subject to review by the authorising Departments. It is the intention to include limits on total quantities discharged. The review will be completed before the end of the year.