Other Public Services News
11/3/2009
End Of Plutonium Criticality Cell Marks Another Step In Decommissioning
A stump of concrete and steel is all that remains standing of one Britain's most historic nuclear research facilities from the 1950s. Demolition contractor John Gunn is in the final stages of clearing away the reinforced shield that once surrounded the plutonium criticality cell pressure vessel.
4/3/2009
Working together for the North Highland water environment
Protecting and enhancing the natural waters of the North Highland area is a huge task involving many organisations and communities, and Scotland's environment watchdog is urging all those with an interest to get involved. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is asking interested local communities and businesses to read the draft River basin management plans (RBMP) and Local area management plans (AMP) and feed back whether they think the plans are comprehensive enough, how they can help to achieve the aims of the plans, and how we can all work together to achieve them.19/2/2009
Hi-tech "Worm" Probes Subterranean Pipeline
A hi-tech "worm" is probing a subterranean pipeline used to discharge radioactive effluent from Dounreay between 1957 and 1992. The £100,000 pipe crawler has sent back video and radiation readings during its five-day journey some 45 metres underground.
17/2/2009
New environmental regulations needn't be costly
In the current economic climate it is essential businesses are prepared for new regulations, as failure to comply could lead to increased costs. NetRegs (www.netregs.gov.uk) is a free UK website offering environmental guidance for businesses and is delivered in partnership with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).17/2/2009
Scotland's recycling rate continues to rise
Scotland's recycling and composting rate continues to make steady progress. Figures released today (Friday 13 February), by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), show that Scotland's annual recycling and composting rate rose to 32.9% for the year October 2007 to September 2008.21/1/2009
NORTH-EAST FARMER FINED FOR RIVER POLLUTION
A north-east farmer was fined £2000 for allowing diesel to enter surface water drains and into a tributary of the River Ythan causing pollution of the river. Mr Roger Glennie from the Hillhead of Ardo Farm, Methlick, Ellon pled guilty today (21 January 2009) to a contravention of legislation designed to protect the water environment.21/1/2009
New approach to improving the future health of Scotland's water
Scotland's environment watchdog has found that 57% of Scotland's water is in good condition, or better. This provides an excellent basis for our future livelihoods, economy and recreation.31/12/2008
CAITHNESS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE APPOINTS CHIEF EXEC
The Caithness Chamber of Commerce has recruited a chief executive to ensure a strong united business voice for the future. Trudy Morris, who currently lives in Inverness, will take up her new appointment on Monday 5th January 2009.
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
