By Aileen Robertson

THE MINISTRY of Defence has been told to investigate radioactive contamination in residents’ gardens in Dalgety Bay.

A survey carried out for the MoD found radium-226 in the gardens of two homes in The Wynd, and more could be affected.

Consultants Enviros, who searched for soil contamination in the area a year ago, have recommended the MoD further investigates the gardens found to contain radioactive material, as well as four other properties in The Wynd, one in The Spinneys and two in Sealstrand.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) urged the MoD to extend its investigation to the beach area, the scene of “more significant contamination.”

Yesterday residents at some of the properties involved were reluctant to speak about the findings, but neighbours played down the risk posed by the radiation.

The community has known about the presence of radioactive particles at the foreshore for years and has in the past said beach warning signs were unnecessary.

The Enviros report said the risk to the public at the sailing club and coastal path due to radiation was low.

Although radiation has been linked to cancers, the rate of such illnesses in Dalgety Bay is understood to be in line with national averages.

However the report said, “Site investigation data have confirmed the presence and distribution of radioactive contamination on land belonging to Dalgety Bay Sailing Club.

“Contamination has also been confirmed as present on a section of the coastal path.

“In addition, contamination has been identified in the gardens of two private residential properties on The Wynd and may be present on four other adjoining properties.

“The results of the preliminary risk assessment... indicate that residents... may be exposed to doses in excess of the health protection criterion.”

The contamination originates from luminous paint which was used to coat aircraft dials during the second world war.

When they were no longer needed, the dials were incinerated and the ash was tipped out along the coast.

Rosyth dockyard owner Babcock discovered radiation at the beach in 1990 while routinely monitoring the coastline.

Dalgety Bay councillor Bob Eadie said he understood why residents might be reluctant to go public with their concerns.

He said, “They might think this is something that would have an impact on their house prices, but I have to say the radiation has been known about for 27 years and house prices in Dalgety Bay have steamed ahead of many other towns and villages.”

Mr Eadie said the residents may have to continue to live with the radiation.

He said, “I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to say we’ve found every molecule of luminous dial that has even been deposited in the River Forth.

“I think the nature of the problem means it is something we’ll always have to be vigilant about. I would like to think we could get closure on this but for some people there will never be complete closure.

“But as I understand it, during their various investigations, they have never said here is something that represents a serious health risk and must be tackled immediately. Everything has been done as a precaution, which is a good thing.”

Allan Reid of SEPA welcomed the report, which was presented to a meeting of the Dalgety Bay Forum on February 14, when, he said, the MoD pledged to carry out further work.

He added, “SEPA remains concerned that the MoD has not yet committed to extend this work to the more significant contamination on the foreshore and would encourage them to undertake work in this area as soon as practically possible.”

An MoD spokesman added, “The MoD is currently working closely with SEPA to investigate any contamination issues associated with the former Donibristle airfield.”