The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has said it would have considered closing the British Nuclear submarine at Faslane base if it had the power.

The statement comes following revelations that there have been a series of leaks of radioactive coolant from nuclear submarines over the past few years.

The nuclear submarine base on the Clyde at Faslane, is home to Britain's fleet of ballistic missile armed Trident submarines (SSBNs). In addition a fleet of nuclear-powered (Hunter- Killer) submarines (SSNs) armed with conventional weapons is based there.

Three times, in 2004, 2007 and 2008, radioactive coolant leaked from nuclear submarines into the Firth of Clyde.

In August 2007, the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Superb discharged water, potentially contaminated with radioactive Tritium and Cobalt-60, directly into Gare Loch. Although the matter was raised formally with the MOD in February 2008, it happened again.

The new disturbing revelations are sure to re-open controversy about the basing of nuclear submarines in Scotland.

Meanwhile the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are attempting to play down the incidents saying that:

"The discharges into the Gare Loch (Clyde) had no environmental consequences."

A spokesman went on:

"The MoD is a responsible nuclear operator and informed the appropriate regulatory authorities."

However, such high profile censure by SEPA of the operational safety record of the base is likely to lead to the MOD and British government be pressed further on this issue.

J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League

27/04/09

• Emmanuel Grégoire et l’abbé Macron  par David Grosclaude le 23/11/2024
• Pays de Redon. La Bogue d’or, rendez-vous du « génie populaire » par Le blog de paul Molac le 05/11/2024
• Catherine Vautrin en Corse : Régions et Peuples Solidaires appelle l’Etat à enfin aboutir sur l'autonomie par RPS le 25/10/2024
• Gouvernement Barnier : des nominations inquiétantes par RPS le 24/09/2024
• Quelle future gouvernance en France ? par Marcel Berrou le 08/07/2024
• Après deux cycles de trois ans du Parlement de Bretagne réveillé, voici venir le troisième cycle ! par KAD le 01/07/2024
• Résolution pour la Réunification de la Bretagne à la XIXème Assemblée Générale de l'UNPO à Munich, les 11 et 12 mai 2024 : par KAD le 07/05/2024
• TER Nouvelle Aquitaine : quelle honte !   par David Grosclaude le 18/04/2024
• Les Braises de la Rencontre, le 5 mai 2024, sur le parc de sculptures mémorial de MAB Koad Sav Pell ! par MAB, Musée Archipel Breton le 16/04/2024
• Koun Breizh s’indigne : Non ! les festoù-noz ne sont pas des lieux réservés aux « attardés » ! par Koun Breizh - Bertaign Tenant - Mémoire-de-Bretagne le 07/01/2024