A beach in Dalgety Bay is contaminated with radium and locals have campaigned years for this contamination to be removed. Yesterday it was announced by the Ministry of Defence that a Contract has been awarded to Balfour Beatty.   We hear that it has been agreed with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Fife Council that the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is best placed to remove the contamination. The MOD is doing this on a voluntary basis.

The £10.5-million contract has been awarded to Balfour Beatty, with the first phase of work scheduled until 30 September. Work cannot take place during the winter months as Dalgety Bay is then home to wading birds which stay over near the River Forth in winter. The project will then recommence in April for a further 6 months. This 6 month work schedule will continue until the work is complete.

The project will clear the beach of contaminant material and put a barrier in place to prevent any other material coming to the surface. The jetty and slipway will also be replaced.

Steve Ritchie, DIO’s Project Manager, said:

“Throughout this process, DIO has worked closely with relevant public bodies, including SEPA and Fife Council, as well as local landowners. We’re pleased to be able to make a start on this important work and look forward to its planned completion.’

Calum MacDonald, SEPA Executive Director, said: ‘Every day SEPA works to protect and enhance Scotland’s environment. We welcome the Defence Infrastructure Organisation’s announcement that the contract that will allow remediation at Dalgety Bay to begin has been awarded. This is an important milestone and SEPA will continue to work with all parties to ensure that the remediation work is successful. This will result in a positive resolution for the Dalgety Bay community.’