It is now generally accepted that there is a need to explicitly demonstrate that the environment is protected from authorised discharges of radioactive substances. In response a number of assessment tools (models) have been developed. As the need for environmental assessment increases there is a requirement to ensure that regulators, industry and their representatives are: conversant with assessment objectives; know how to use available tool; can interpret the results; understand the implications of how the tools are used.The Natural Environment Research Council has provide funding, under the Knowledge Exchange programme, to develop training packages (including on-line training materials) on radiological environmental assessment aimed specifically aimed at regulators and industry and those who may conduct assessment on their behalf. The project is lead by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology with collaborators from the England & Wales Environment Agency, Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK.CEN).
The training programme will be focussed towards the use of the ERICA Tool however, we will also consider other approaches.We are intending to run four two day courses although if there is sufficient demand we may be able to arrange more. To date two courses have been held in April and November 2010; the dates for the next course are 12th - 14th October 2011. The closing date for registration for this course is 30th June 2011, see Training courses - schedule & details for further information. If you want to be kept informed of our activities please register to receive our Newsletters (next edition due summer 2011).
As this website (well it's a Wiki really) and training programme develop there will be interactive training materials available. All of the outputs from the EC EURATOM PROTECT project have been moved to this website as have those from the earlier EURATOM projects ERICA, FASSET and EPIC.
What's on the website
A few tips for using the wiki
We realise that some people may be finding this site whilst looking for information on radioactive releases from nuclear power plants in Japan following the earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011. The STAR Radioecology Exchange has a
page with useful links
.
Updated 13/04/2011
The STAR Radioecology Network of Excellence website
(www.star-radioecology.org)
is available. STAR is an EC EURATOM funded project with objectives to integrate radioecology programmes in key European organisations, develop joint training programmes, manage and disseminate knowledge and conduct a focused research programme.
Posted by: Catherine Barnett 13/04/2011
Your views are required by IAEA EMRAS II Biota Modelling Group. The Biota Modelling Group is reviewing the requirements for dynamic modelling within environmental (i.e. wildlife) radiological assessments, together with an overview of available models. To help achieve this we are consulting with colleagues using a questionnaire. The questionnaire can be found here.
Note: Closing date Extended to 18th March 2011.
Posted by: Catherine Barnett
Further information available here.
Posted by: Catherine Barnett
The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is the UK's Centre of Excellence for integrated research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere. The CEH Information Gateway is a new tool for finding, viewing and accessing CEH's data resources including radioecology datasets. To view available radioecological data type Radioecology into the Search box. More data will be added in the future - one of the intial datasets available is that for natural radionuclide concentrations in soil, sediment and water in England and Wales (see England & Wales EA for report Assessment of naturally occurring radionuclides in England and Wales describing these data).
Posted by: Catherine Barnett