ESG, the leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services, has entered a three-year framework contract to carry out ad-hoc radioactivity monitoring and analysis works for SEPA (The Scottish Environment Protection Agency).
As part of the new agreement, which commenced in October 2016, ESG’s Energy & Waste Services team will bid to conduct a comprehensive range of responsive radiochemistry services. This will involve testing concentrations of radiation in a variety of samples – including air, sediment, water and food – taken from any areas in Scotland where radiological contamination may have occurred.
SEPA is Scotland’s principal environment regulator and is responsible for regulating the keeping and use of radioactive materials and the accumulation and disposal of radioactive wastes. Every year, it carries out an independent environmental monitoring programme around all nuclear [licenced] sites in the country.
ESG – the only UKAS-accredited (No.1015) provider of radiological sampling and monitoring services – is one of six companies awarded a framework contract following a competitive tender process. The deal was given to ESG due to its commitment to organisational experience and high standards, demonstrated by its state-of-the-art radiochemical laboratories and sampling teams.
Paul Duncan, commercial director for ESG’s Energy & Waste Services commented: “Ensuring safe concentrations of radiation within our food chain is a vital responsibility for the UK’s environment agencies. ESG has been supporting them in the production of the UK Radioactivity in the Food and Environment (RIFE) report for more than 12 years and we’re delighted to expand our radiochemistry offering into Scotland for the first time.
“Our expertise, industry accreditation and extensive experience in the testing of low concentration radioactivity in environmental samples, means we can provide a responsive, flexible and complete service for SEPA. By providing them with a reserve of advanced sampling, monitoring, and testing services, we can give the organisation the support it needs to respond to new unexpected issues as they develop.”
For further information on ESG’ radioactivity monitoring services to the energy and waste industry, please visit, http://www.esg.co.uk/our-services/energy-waste/nuclear-chemistry/ .