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 three courses have been held in April and November 2010 and October 2011. The next course is to be held in June 2012; see Training courses - schedule & details for further information and to register for future courses. If you want to be kept informed of our activities please register to receive our Newsletters (next edition due Winter 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
If you want to register for our next training course to be held on 27 - 29 June 2012
Please contact :Catherine Barnett
by the end of April
Updated by: Catherine Barnett 12/04/12
We recently ran two 2.5 d courses in Australia. These were attended by 17/18 representatives from organisations such as national and state regulators, the uranium mining industry and consultants. The course were an adaptation of those we have run in the UK with especially the practical exercises being focussed to more local interests.
If you are interested in organising tailored courses then please [email us: emailto:nab@ceh.ac.uk].
Updated by: Nick Beresford 13/04/12
Radiation Monitoring and Radioecology Research in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone 25 Years after the Accident 2011.
Health Physics, Vol.101 No.4.
Updated by: Catherine Barnett 24/10/11
A new version of the ERICA Tool has been released on a new dedicated website www.erica-tool.com
Please go to the download area to download the new version ERICA Assessment Tool June 2011.
http://www.erica-tool.com/erica/download/
Posted by: Catherine Barnett 21/06/11
The wildlife tranfer database is now back on-line.
Your assistance in populating the database with any suitable data on concentration ratios that you may have would be welcomed.
More information can be found here.
Posted by: Catherine Barnett 15/06/11
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. The projects first newsletter is now available.
Updated by: Catherine Barnett 16/06/2011
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 8/06/2011