Full Extent of Nuclear Contamination Revealed: Mcconnell Must Act
Sun., November 07, 2004. 00:00.
Jack McConnell must order an investigation into radioactive waste in Scotland following reports that 18 million cubic metres of soil in the UK is contaminated, Green MSPs said today (1).
The extent of the problem - revealed in a Committee on Radioactive Waste Management report - is compounded by the fact that there are currently no clear plans for dealing with the waste.
Jack McConnell must order an investigation into radioactive waste in Scotland following reports that 18 million cubic metres of soil in the UK is contaminated, Green MSPs said today (1).
The extent of the problem - revealed in a Committee on Radioactive Waste Management report - is compounded by the fact that there are currently no clear plans for dealing with the waste.
This follows McConnell's refusal during First Minister's Questions in parliament on Thursday to instigate a SEPA inquiry into contamination at Hunterston A in Ayrshire following last week's revelation that 81,000 cubic metres of soil are contaminated and that industry officials do not know the exact scale of the problem.
Mr McConnell did not reveal whether he had done anything about it and therefore, Greens argue, failed to react adequately to the legitimate concerns of many people.
Green MSP Chris Ballance, who attended the stake-holder meeting in Ayr where the Hunterston A contamination was revealed, said, 'I was surprised to learn that 81,000 cubic metres were contaminated but this latest report indicates the true scale of the problem and the extent to which the nuclear industry has betrayed the public.
'This raises major questions about secrecy, and suggests that there are many other radiation leaks the public have not been informed of. The cost to the taxpayer of cleaning this up - if that can be done - is anybody's guess.
'The First Minister claimed just a few days ago that all is under control by the relevant authorities. It is now quite obvious that that is not the case.
'The nuclear industry has been playing Russian roulette with public health, public money and the environment. To think there are still some politicians who advocate continuing this dangerous experiment with more nuclear power, quite frankly, beggars belief. The Executive must push ahead in developing renewable energy sources - the nuclear power route has come to a dead end.'
ENDS
For further information call the Green MSPs' press office on 0771 761 8771.
1. http://www.sundayherald.com/45831
Contact the Scottish Greens' press team on 07909 933 074.