RADIOACTIVE POLLUTION of Scottish Military Firing Range Worsens, Raises Concerns

High levels of depleted uranium detected at Kirkcudbright Training Area

Radioactive pollution of a Scottish military firing range by depleted uranium (DU) has reached the highest level in over a decade, as revealed by a survey conducted for the Ministry of Defence (MoD). Soil in parts of the Kirkcudbright Training Area on the Solway coast has exceeded agreed safety limits, indicating significant contamination. The issue is compounded by corroding DU fragments from misfired shells, causing the contamination to spread.

Scottish Environment Minister Voices Concern

The contamination findings, disclosed in a declassified scientific report obtained by the Scottish Sunday, have raised alarm bells. Scottish environment minister Michael Russell labeled the situation as "very worrying" and expressed his discontent with the lack of consultation by the Scottish government regarding the test firing of DU shells at Kirkcudbright. He reiterated his strong opposition to the testing of such weapons on Scottish soil.

History of DU Shell Firing in Kirkcudbright

Between 1982 and 2004, more than 6000 DU shells were fired at the range near Dundrennan in Dumfries and Galloway. The controversy surrounding DU shell firing resurfaced last month when the MoD test-fired an additional 20 DU rounds over a span of two days. Scientists from the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down have been monitoring the Kirkcudbright range annually.

Findings of the Declassified Report

The latest 46-page report by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory covering 2006 indicates DU contamination in soil samples acquired from three sites within the range. Of particular concern, the highest level recorded was 1384 millibecquerels per gram, surpassing any previous contamination discovered since comparable monitoring commenced in 1996. Two samples breached the agreed "investigation level," with two others bordering the significantly higher "action level."

Contamination at India Target on the range appeared "an order of magnitude higher than results obtained in previous years," according to the MoD report. The report suggested that corroded surface fragments had sunken into the soil, contributing to the increased contamination. Despite extensive searching, efforts to locate DU shells that misfired in the past were unsuccessful.

Environmental Concern and Calls for Change

The MoD was accused of a "shocking disregard" for the environment by London-based environmental policy consultant, Dr David Lowry. He called for a commitment from the MoD to refrain from firing these hazardous shells in the future. While the MoD spokeswoman reassured that DU levels were below thresholds considered harmful to health and the environment, access to the contaminated areas remains restricted.

Main Article Overview:

The main article reports on the alarming rise in radioactive pollution at the Kirkcudbright Training Area in Scotland caused by depleted uranium (DU) from military firing. The contamination breaches agreed safety limits and extends to surrounding areas as corroding DU fragments contribute to the spread. Scottish environment minister Michael Russell expressed concern over the lack of consultation and his staunch opposition to the testing of such weapons in Scotland. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) faced criticism for its environmental disregard and calls were made to cease the usage of DU shells altogether.

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