The Sellafield discharges

The Sellafield reprocessing plant is accused of contaminating the Irish Sea and the Cumbrain coastline to dangerously high levels as a result of a combination of routine discharges and accidental releases from the plant. The way this happens is discussed and some facts and figures quoted. In particular the effects on local seafood and the sheep grazing on the contaminated saltmarshes, are considered. The exposure to harmful radiation of critical groups (eg local fishermen) is also considered. The amounts of radioactive discharge are queried. It is suggested that the official levels given are much lower than the actual levels. These discrepancies are discussed. (U.K.)