§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on environmental restoration work carried out at the nuclear power development establishment at Dounreay on radioactive waste seepage from the low-activity waste pits since 1985.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 15 January 1992]: No seepage of liquid containing radioactivity is known to occur from the low activity waste pits and no environmental restoration work is proposed. Leachate from the radioactive waste disposal pits at Dounreay is collected from the pit drainage system and sampled on a regular basis of radioactivity. The leachate is then pumped to the main effluents tanks from where it is discharged to the sea along with other liquid effluents in accordance with the site authorisation.
§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will evaluate the requirement for a programme to renovate the shallow-level radioactive waste disposal pits at the nuclear power development establishment at Dounreay along the lines of the restoration work done at similar disposal trenches at Drigg in Cumbria.
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 15 January 1992]: There is no evidence to suggest that remedial or additional restoration work is required on the four filled pits, or the two pits currently in use.