Other Public Services News
24/12/2008
Breeder element removal tool installed in fast reactor
A versatile remotely-operated machine that will cut the heart out of Dounreay's fast reactor has been installed in the sphere. The retrieval cell is a highly engineered tool that will reach down inside the reactor vessel and remove the remaining breeder elements in a delicate and precise operation.
24/12/2008
Shaft clean-up nominated for top award
A ground-breaking project to recover nuclear waste from a shaft beneath Dounreay is in the running for a top award. The project team has already taken a top in-house award for its safety and environmental performance during a three-year operation to divert groundwater from the shaft.
21/12/2008
SEPA cuts red tape in waste regulations
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced further steps to reduce bureaucracy, while still ensuring high levels of environmental protection. Changes have been put in place to how SEPA enforces three sets of regulations; the Producer Responsibility (Packaging Waste) Regulations, the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) and the Trans Frontier Shipment Regulations (TFS).21/12/2008
Climate Change Plan for SEPA published
With the Climate Change Scotland Bill now in parliament, it is important that everyone starts thinking how they will contribute to the ambitious world leading targets set out in the Bill. As Scotland's environment watchdog, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has a key role in addressing climate change and has today (19 December) published its climate change plan for SEPA.25/11/2008
SEPA reveals 10-point plan to support economic activity
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has developed, with Government, a 10-point Plan to support economic activity during the current difficulties. The aim is to help the economy whilst also protecting the environment and the health and well being of communities across Scotland.6/11/2008
The November 2008 issue of Dounreay News is out now
Articles in this month's publication include: A word from Stuart Chalmers, NDA Site Programme Mananger (Dounreay) PFR's electrical strip out Apprentices help Dunnet Forest count its visitors Dounreay's Health and Safety Week 2008 See it at www.dounreay.com/news/2008-11-03/novembers-dounreay-news-out-now.
2/11/2008
SEPA urges everyone to have a safe and happy Bonfire Night
Now that the evenings are getting darker, and colder, many people are starting to think about Autumnal celebrations like Hallowe'en and Bonfire Night. While huddling round a blazing bonfire is an important part of the celebrations, and a good way to keep warm, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is reminding everyone that careful consideration needs to be given to what goes on any pyres.2/11/2008
SEPA's launches flood campaign after Scotland's stormy summer
From soggy summers to wet winters, flooding can be a problem in Scotland at any time of the year. Following on from one of the wettest summers for some parts of Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is launching its annual flood awareness campaign today (27 October).14/10/2008
Caithness Chamber Of Commerce Reinvigorated With £150,000
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce has been reinvigorated thanks to a cash injection from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The funding will be supporting a new Chamber which now plans to appoint a Chief Executive to lead the Chamber forward to ensure a single voice for the Caithness business community and bring individual groups together under one umbrella organisation.14/10/2008
SEPA Waives Sheep Dip Charges
Farmers disposing of spent sheep dip will save money this year, after the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) waived the second instalment of its annual groundwater licence charge. The move is one of the first tangible benefits to emerge from Scotland's Environmental and Rural Services (SEARS), a new partnership between the Scottish Government and agencies such as SEPA.5/9/2008
Local Police Bring In More Officers To Caithness And Tain
Northern Constabulary intends to increase the number of police constables in Thurso, Wick and Tain. Superintendent Ian Arnott, Divisional Commander for Northern Constabulary's North Division said: "Over the last 18 months we have undergone a structural review that has identified a number of savings which the Chief Constable has reinvested in extra officers for our communities.4/9/2008
Dounreay News - September 2008
News From the Dounreay Site Newspaper Click HERE for the full newspaper.
17/7/2008
Scottish Minister Gets Updated On Decommisioning At Dounreay
Scottish Government Minister Richard Lochhead today visited Dounreay to see for himself how waste from the shutdown and clean-up of Scotland's biggest nuclear site is being managed. Richard Lochhead is the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment.
6/7/2008
SEPA - New Scheme For Assessing Licence Compliance
Industries and public bodies in Scotland are being given the opportunity to comment on a new scheme to assess compliance with environmental licence conditions. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is looking to streamline its compliance assessment scheme across four regulatory regimes and is urging operators of power stations, landfills and water & sewerage supply, fish famers and chemical manufacturers to comment on its consultation, published today (7 July).18/5/2008
SEPA seeks views on radioactive waste disposal guidance
The principles and requirements for near-surface disposal facilities dealing with radioactive waste have been set down in a new guidance document being consulted on by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). As Scotland's environmental regulator, SEPA is responsible for ensuring that people and the environment are protected both now and in the future.12/4/2008
Furniture Projects Help Low Income Families Furnish Homes
Study Reveals Social, Economic and Environmental Benefits Scottish furniture reuse projects helped more than 105,000 people - more than half from low income families - furnish their homes last year, according to a major new study from Scotland's national community recycling body. The study, carried out annually by The Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS), revealed that as well helping people to move out of poverty, furniture reuse projects have a host of additional benefits.31/3/2008
UKAEA Today Evolved Into Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd
UKAEA Dounreay today evolved into a site licence company, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd. The site is also changing how it communicates with the media, public and other stakeholders.
31/3/2008
UK Atomic Energy Authority Restructures to Meet Decommissioning Strategy
With effect from 1 April, the UK Atomic Energy Authority has formed new subsidiaries to continue its leading role in nuclear decommissioning in the UK and overseas. A new wholly owned subsidiary, which will trade as UKAEA, formed with established expertise from the existing Business Division, will focus on nuclear decommissioning and environmental restoration management and consultancy in the UK and international markets.
27/3/2008
Dounreay Prepares To Become Site Licence Company
BREAKTHROUGHS IN HAZARD REDUCTION AS DOUNREAY PREPARES TO BECOME SITE LICENCE COMPANY UKAEA is on course to hand over the clean-up of Dounreay to a subsidiary company on April 1 on the back of significant progress during March to reduce the major hazards at the site. The site has reported breakthroughs in all three areas where funds from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority are prioritised towards major hazard reduction.19/3/2008
