The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a study to determine how much damage the radioactive contamination of Dalgety Bay beach has caused.
Earlier this year it agreed a £10 million plan to clean up the beach contaminated by radium residues left over from military aircraft incinerated and buried there after the Second World War.
Yesterday it said the survey work is essential in drawing up a plan to manage contamination levels on the beach.
The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) the MOD’s property and services provider has commissioned experts to carry out ecology and bird surveys, which will be completed by March next year, to support the environmental impact assessment required by Fife Council.
DIO chief operating officer, Colin Wood, said: “We are committed to supporting the Dalgety Bay community by following the clear plan as set out in the Dalgety Bay Management Strategy. This long-term solution sees the MoD working in partnership with the Dalgety Bay Implementation Group.”
The Dalgety Bay Management Strategy recommends a number of measures, including the removal of radioactive material and the reinforcement, replacement and extension of coastal rock armour.