Inquiry over Windscale discharges

The Windscale site is within BNFL's Sellafield complex

Pollution experts are scrutinising radioactive discharges from the Windscale site in west Cumbria.

Environment Agency officials want to make sure there is no risk to people who live near the plant.

The site, from which weapons grade plutonium was once extracted, is run by the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), and is part of British Nuclear Fuels' Sellafield complex.

Matthew Emptage, site inspector from the Environment Agency, said: "The site has a history of producing plutonium from the atomic weapons programme.

"It also had a pilot reactor for the second generation nuclear power station, the Windscale Advanced Gas Cooled Reactor.

'Minimising discharges'

"It is very important with radioactive substances that we minimise the effects on the public and the environment.

"Every few years we review the authorisations and ensure they are up to date.

"I can go on to the site to see what they are telling me is correct.

"I am always asking questions on the site to ensure they are minimising the effects of discharges."

The review of discharges will last for nine months, and six months will be spent drawing up a report into the findings.