Corporate report

Sellafield Ltd Annual Review of Environmental Performance 2022/23

Published 7 November 2023

© Crown copyright 2023

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1. Introduction

Following publication of the 50th edition of Sellafield Ltd Discharges and Environmental Monitoring Report last year, we have revised the format of this report. 

This new format publication outlines the variety of ways in which Sellafield Ltd. monitor our impacts on the environment, providing more balanced information across a range of impact types. 

2. Carbon footprint 2022/23

The Sellafield Ltd corporate carbon footprint for 2022/23 is in the region of 230,000 tonnes of CO2e. This includes approximately 172,000 tonnes of CO2e associated with electricity, steam, fuel consumption and process emissions (scope 1 and 2 emissions).

The remaining emissions are associated with a small proportion of our scope 3 emissions.

In common with other businesses, our reporting of scope 3 emissions is under development to increase the quality of data reported within the annual corporate carbon footprint to support our understanding of progress against our long-term carbon reduction targets.

Previously business travel and commuting have been reported annually; for this financial year well to tank, transmission and distribution and homeworking are also included.

Whilst we are still developing the quality of data in the remaining scope 3 categories, we have previously estimated the totality of our scope 3 emissions to be approximately 600,000 tonnes of CO2e.

It is anticipated that external verification of the corporate carbon footprint for 2022/23 will be completed in the summer of 2023/24.

3. Non-radiological impacts of discharges and monitoring of non-radiological pollutants in the environment 2022 (Calendar year)

The Installations Environmental Permit includes a requirement for a non-radiological monitoring programme.

Compared to the radiological environmental monitoring programme, its scope is limited and comprises local air sampling on the Sellafield site, water sampling from the rivers Calder and Ehen and seawater sampling from local beaches.  

A more comprehensive summary of non-radioactive releases to air, controlled waters, land and off-site transfers of waste is given in the pollution inventory supplied to the Environment Agency each year and is available from their website.

Measurements of Nitrogen Dioxide concentrations in air (using passive diffusion tubes) are made at 5 locations on the Sellafield site.  Air sampling results show very low concentrations well within the UK Air Quality Standard [1].

Water samples are obtained from the rivers Calder and Ehen at locations both upstream and downstream of the Sellafield site. The downstream samples are taken above the confluence of the 2 rivers, and at times which minimise contamination with seawater.

Seawater samples are obtained from the shoreline areas and confirm that the liquid discharges from Sellafield are not causing the Environmental Quality Standards and Environmental Assessment Levels [2] to be exceeded and therefore are of negligible impact.

Sellafield Ltd is committed to minimising the use of ozone depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases and transitioning to more environmentally friendly alternatives where appropriate.

Routine releases are estimated from the amounts of refrigerants used to top-up systems on site. Releases from Sellafield Ltd between 2018 and 2022 of ozone depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases are summarised in appendix A.

4. Monitoring of Sellafield’s landfill sites 2022 (Calendar year)

The waste management licences for the north landfill site and Calder floodplain landfill extensions require that environmental monitoring be carried out in the vicinity of the 2 sites.

The monitoring comprises water sampling from the River Calder and New Mill Beck upstream and downstream of the landfills and gas monitoring over their surfaces.

The results confirm that the impact of Sellafield’s landfill sites remains negligible.

5. Radiological dose impacts 2022 (Calendar year)

This report provides a summary of the comprehensive data that are available for inspection by members of the public on the public registers maintained by the Environment Agency.

There were no instances in 2022 of non-compliance with the numerical limits of permits regulating discharges and disposals of radioactive wastes at Sellafield. 

Radioactive discharges (aerial and liquid) were well below the permitted limits and were generally lower than those in 2021.

The estimated radiological doses to members of the public in 2022 are summarised in the table below.  

Doses to adult members of the marine critical group were estimated as 72 µSv, which is slightly higher than the dose estimated for 2021 (60 µSv) but in line with that in 2020 (70 µSv).

The most significant radionuclides contributing to this dose are plutonium-alpha and americium-241, with the environmental concentrations of these radionuclides being mostly due to historic discharges and therefore changes in dose year on year reflect natural environmental variations.

Critical group doses from operations at Sellafield (µSv)
Pathway 2021 2022
Marine critical group (adults)    
seafood consumption 24 28
aerial pathways 1.5 1.6
external radiation from beach occupancy (marine) 35 42
Total dose to marine critical group (adults) 60 72
Terrestrial critical group (adults)    
inhalation 0.52 0.6
immersion 0.03 0.005
external radiation from beach occupancy (terrestrial) 2.9 2.9
terrestrial foodstuff consumption 4.7 4.6
marine foodstuff consumption 0.58 0.55
direct radiation 2.9 3.0
Total dose to terrestrial critical group (adults) 12 12

The estimated dose in 2022 due to the consumption of terrestrial foodstuffs was about 5 µSv. Inclusion of dose contributions to this group from inhalation, immersion, external radiation from beach occupancy and marine. 

The total dose to the terrestrial critical group (adults) was estimated as 12 µSv which is unchanged from the dose reported for 2021.

The range of doses estimated herein are comparable to those from regulators’ programme and consistent conclusions are made that doses are well below the legal limit of 1000 µSv [3].

The distributions of caesium-137 and americium-241 activities for particles and larger objects recovered by the beach monitoring programme in 2022 were within the ranges previously observed and considered in the health risk assessment associated with public beach occupancy.

Independent environmental monitoring programmes and dose assessments are carried out and reported by government agencies and other groups [4 – 7].

Sellafield Ltd has contributed to a number of initiatives that developed criteria for the protection of the natural environment and carried out assessments of exposure against the guidelines given in national and international publications. 

On the basis of work to date there is no reason to believe that radioactive discharges from Sellafield Ltd are harming the natural environment and the dose assessments presented herein focus on the protection of human health.

The following visual is included as it is illustrative of the comparable dose impacts of Sellafield discharges versus various other sources of radiation exposure by the general public in the UK.

The measurements in this report relate to environmental radioactivity that is mainly attributable to discharges from the Sellafield site.  

However, natural radioactivity makes an appreciable contribution to the reported values in some instances and it is important to recognise that natural radioactivity is the dominant source of radiation exposure to the population as a whole, including individuals living close to nuclear establishments.

In addition, the widespread radioactive fallout from the testing of nuclear weapons and from the Chernobyl accident make small contributions to overall doses.

The subject has been reviewed comprehensively by the UK Health Security Agency [8,9] and others [10]. 

Where corrections to account for background radiation are made they have been noted.

Summary

The impacts of radioactivity in the environment local to the Sellafield site remain low, as per recent years, with only a small portion of this already low impact attributable to present operations on the site. 

In contrast to earlier points in the site’s history, the primary value of this extensive programme of environmental monitoring (in particular with respect to radioactivity in the environment) has moved on from measuring the impacts of the site’s ongoing activities to:

  • providing reassurance to both the public and other stakeholders
  • demonstrating compliance with both international obligations and our (Environmental Permitting Regulations) permits - which directly place requirements on our environmental monitoring programme
  • providing reassurance monitoring to Sellafield Ltd ourselves, by allowing the detection of any abnormal or fugitive releases to the environment.

6. Monitoring for radioactivity in the environment 2022 (Calendar year)

Statutory environmental monitoring programme

The Statutory Environmental Monitoring Programme (SEMP) provides public and stakeholder assurance that the environmental impacts of the Sellafield site are minimized according to the principles of Best Available Techniques (BAT).

In terms of radiological protection the SEMP has the following remit:

  • to take account of the most important pathways of radiation exposure to the public
  • conduct appropriate sampling and analysis relevant to those pathways
  • to combine monitoring and habits data to yield estimates of radiation doses to the public

The results of the Sellafield Ltd environmental monitoring programme for 2022 are presented within this report alongside supplementary data published by the Food Standards Agency (from 2021) [11]. Detailed data from the monitoring programme are presented in Appendix A.

The main pathways identified by Sellafield Ltd, the Environment Agency and Food Standards Agency as relevant to calculating radiological doses from discharges from the Sellafield site are:

  • internal exposure from the high rate consumption of seafood (particularly crustaceans and shellfish) and of local agricultural produce
  • external gamma radiation from exposed intertidal sediments, particularly the silts and muds of estuaries and harbours
  • inhalation of, and exposure to, airborne radioactivity

The locations sampled by the SEMP are also shown in figures 1 – 3 of Appendix A.

Marine monitoring

Concentrations of radionuclides in seafoods (fish, molluscs and crustaceans) were very low and comparable to previous years data.

The slight increases in actinide concentrations in seafood are due to historically discharged material that associates with fine silts and sediments.

Concentrations of radioactivity in seaweed, seawater and in sediments were broadly similar to those of recent years.

Gamma dose rate surveys are carried out in the areas most often frequented by members of the public and the site perimeter and the surrounding district.

Particular attention is paid to areas where silt or mud accumulates, such as in harbours or estuaries, where dose rates tend to be higher because of the presence of finely-divided sediments.

In general gamma dose rates are declining towards background levels and are consistent with the radioactive decay of key gamma emitting radioisotopes (cobalt-60, ruthenium-106 and caesium-137).

Water samples are collected from rivers (Calder and Ehen), lakes and domestic supplies.

The results are all very low and rarely above the limits of detection, except for strontium-90 which is generally present in rainwater and surface water at levels typical of those throughout the UK.

Higher strontium-90 concentrations are measured in the River Calder at Sellafield due to seepage of groundwater from site to the river.

This radioisotope is thought to be present due to historic leaks to ground and measurements have determined that elevated concentrations in the river occur immediately upstream of the statutory sampling point.

There is no evidence of any elevated levels of strontium-90 in any other environmental media (seawater or seafoods) and the contribution of strontium-90 to external doses is minimal.

Hence, the overall public dose consequences of these elevated levels would be insignificant.

Nevertheless, a watching brief will be kept on the situation to ensure that these conclusions remain valid. 

Beach monitoring

The beach monitoring programme for 2022 conducted a total of 117 ha of beach monitoring against the programme target of 105 ha.

A total of 49 particles and 7 larger objects were detected, recovered, and analysed. Of these, 46 were alpha rich particles (where radioactivity was dominated by Am-241); 2 were beta rich particles (where radioactivity was dominated by Cs-137) and 1 other particle was found to be dominated by Co-60.

All the 7 beta rich larger objects were recovered from Sellafield beach). Find rates and radioactive contents in 2022 did not required any form of intervention through the Environment Agency notification and intervention protocol [12].

Terrestrial monitoring

High volume air samplers (HVAS), located close to the site perimeter and in nearby centres of population, are used to measure particulate radionuclides.

Levels on site were generally similar to previous years although slightly higher concentrations of caesium-137 and plutonium-alpha were recorded at the met station location. 

These data were used as part of an investigation into the contamination of ventilation system inlet filters where total activity above the normal range was detected, identified to correspond to a period of elevated arisings at the HVAS.  

Following investigation all filters have been classified as very low level waste and the worst case dose calculated to be <1% of the site total through gaseous pathways.  

Off-site data were generally below the limit of detection, with most positive values reflecting sea to land transfer from marine discharges.

Total deposition collectors are located in the vicinity of each of the 5 high volume air samplers close to the Sellafield site perimeter.

Higher activity concentrations for beta-emitters (Strontium-90 and Caesium-137) were measured at the Sellafield site north gate, reflecting its close proximity to the open ponds and were also considered as part of the inlet filters investigation.

Sampling for atmospheric krypton-85 is conducted at the Sellafield Meteorological Station on the edge of Sellafield site.

Concentrations averaged 2.2 Bq m-3

with global background accounting for approximately 1.6 Bq m-3 and the discharges from the site accounting for approximately 0.6 Bq m-3. This is equivalent to an immersion dose due to krypton-85 discharges from Sellafield of 0.005 µSv per year for the adult age group. 

These results are so low, in fact, that the monitoring and reporting Kr-85 will cease from this point onwards.

The milk results for 2022 are broadly similar to, or lower than, those observed for previous years, with many analyses at the limit of detection. 

Concentrations in soil are similar to previous years whilst there was some evidence of enhanced grass concentrations and these data were used for the contaminated inlet filter investigation. 

Measured concentrations were very low and typical of data from recent years.

Direct radiation

Dose rates at the Sellafield site perimeter, corrected for natural radiation, averaged 0.02 µGy per hour, which is slightly elevated over natural background.  

Dose rates in the surrounding district were consistent with natural terrestrial background radiation and did not show a significant contribution from the Sellafield site.

An assessment of the maximum theoretical direct shine offsite dose to members of the public illustrated that doses could be approximately 3 µSv per year to people living and working adjacent to the site boundary.

Impacts on local groundwater

Sellafield Ltd undertakes groundwater monitoring to characterise and monitor groundwater quality and the environmental fate of in-ground contamination across the Sellafield site. 

The groundwater monitoring network, in various configurations, has been in place for over 40 years and a considerable baseline dataset is available. 

In addition, groundwater monitoring is undertaken in order to comply with Sellafield site Environmental Permits.  The management of groundwater is underpinned by a Best Available Technique assessment. 

The groundwater monitoring network for 2022 included 250 sample points across the site and adjacent land, targeting both bedrock (sandstone – principal aquifer) and superficial deposits and was designed to meet the monitoring objectives and provide targeted sampling in areas of interest. 

In terms of spatial distribution of groundwater contaminants the routine groundwater monitoring results in 2022 (calendar year) were broadly similar to those reported in recent years.

Following the notification of a leak to ground from Magnox Swarf Storage Silo (MSSS) in late 2019, it was recognised that the release of silo liquor would likely be identified by an increase in the concentration of specific radionuclides in groundwater samples around the silo, particularly those radionuclides that have a low sorption to soil minerals, such as Tritium (H-3), Technetium (Tc-99), Chlorine (Cl-36) and Carbon (C-14). 

In December 2019 an enhanced groundwater monitoring programme was introduced.

This included monitoring arrays of 15 monitoring wells in close proximity to MSSS, 8 slightly further away in the vicinity of the redundant settling tanks (RST) along the buried channel pathway and 4 to the south of the separation area on the Sellafield site.

This enhanced monitoring aimed to observe any changes in the physical and chemical properties of groundwater both spatially and temporally.

The initial enhanced monitoring programme involved monthly sampling for broad analysis (i.e., gross beta, gross alpha, tritium) and quarterly detailed analysis with speciation of specific radionuclides and inorganic parameters.

Following observed rising trends of tritium and identification of specific radionuclides attributed to the current leak in the late Spring/early Summer 2021, routine monitoring of the borehole array closest to MSSS was further enhanced to incorporate a monthly detailed analysis.

Monitoring of the next distal array of wells out from MSSS was also enhanced from quarterly to monthly from Summer 2021. 

Work is ongoing to review and optimise the enhanced groundwater monitoring programme, based on analysis of the monitoring data collected since the start of the current leak to ground, and embed the programme within the routine sitewide groundwater monitoring programme.

The groundwater sampling programme provides crucial information on the impacts of site activities to groundwater, including identifying the contaminants of concern, the direction of contaminant migration, the dimensions and shape of the emerging/historical plumes and which groundwater pathways drive the highest risk. 

Monitoring results may also be used to understand the prevailing geochemical processes and support any assessment required to evaluate environmental risk, including the potential for natural attenuation.

A summary of information on groundwater monitoring at the Sellafield site can be found in the Triennial Groundwater Reports, the first of which was published in 2021 and covers activities between 2017 and 2019. 

The second iteration, covering 2020-2022, will be published in October 2023.

Impacts of solid waste dispositions 2022/23

Ensuring that the BAT waste route is used and diverting waste from the Low Level Waste Repository continues, the waste operating unit have reduced the accumulation of waste being stored on the Sellafield site by transferring radioactive waste to either an interim store, an onsite landfill, sent offsite for treatment, incineration or if there are no other routes, for the waste to be consigned to the repository.

Remediation completed a clean-up operation on the external areas of the Sellafield site.

This led to equipment such as barriers, road signs and fencing being reused by infrastructure and projects which has kept these items being used as part of the circular economy principles by these items not becoming waste.

The recycling rate for non-radioactive waste was 94% which was an increase of 3% from the previous year. This reduces our impact on the environment by utilising the waste management hierarchy by diverting waste from landfill sites.

The collation of data on the carbon footprint for non-radioactive waste vehicles moves was initiated in 2022/23 and further developments in capturing this data will continue in 2023/24.

7. References

[1] HMSO (2010). The Air Quality Standards Regulations. Available online at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2010/1001/contents/made

[2] Environment Agency (2022). Risk assessments for your environmental permit.  Available online at:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/risk-assessments-for-your-environmental-permit

[3] Cmnd 2919 (1995). Review of radioactive waste management policy: Final conclusions. HMSO, London.

[4] McKay W A and Stephens B A (1990). A survey of fish and shellfish radioactivity levels in Cumbrian near- shore waters, 1989. AEA-EE-0041, Harwell.

[5] McKay W A and Walker M I (1990). Plutonium and americium behaviour in Cumbrian near-shore waters. J. Environ. Radioactivity 12: 49-77.

[6] Walker M I and McKay W A (1991). Radionuclide distributions in seawater around the Sellafield pipeline. Est. Coast. Shelf Sci. 32: 385-393.

[7] Isle of Man Government Laboratory (2011).  Radioactivity monitoring on the Isle of Man 2010.

[8] Watson S J, Jones A L, Oatway W B and Hughes J S (2005). Ionising radiation exposure of the UK population: 2005 Review. UK HSA Report HPA-RPD-001, HMSO, London.

[9] Hughes J S and Shaw K B (1996). Radiation doses from natural radiation. NRPB Report M748.

[10] Saunders P (1990). Radiation and you. Banson.

[11] Environment Agency, Food Standards Agency, Food Standards Scotland, Natural Resources Wales, Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Scottish Environment Protection Agency (2022). Radioactivity in food and the environment, 2021. RIFE-27. EA, FSA, FSS, NRW, NIEA and SEPA; Preston, London, Aberdeen, Cardiff, Belfast and Stirling.

[12] Environment Agency (2020). Sellafield radioactive objects notification and intervention plan, Penrith: Environment Agency. Available online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sellafield-radioactive-objects-notification-and-intervention-plan/sellafield-radioactive-objects-notification-and-intervention-plan

8. Appendix A

Figure 1. Marine environmental monitoring around Sellafield

Figure 2. - Terrestial environmental monitoring around Sellafield

Figure 3. - Environmental monitoring at the Sellafield site

8.1 Discharge data tables

Table 1 - Radioactive discharges to the Irish Sea, 2018 - 2022.

Radionuclides Annual discharge (TBq) 2018 Annual discharge (TBq) 2019 Annual discharge (TBq) 2020 Annual discharge (TBq) 2021 Annual discharge (TBq) 2022 Permitted Limits (all sources)
Tritium 1,300 420 190 180 130 3,000/700 (b)
Carbon-14 2.9 2.8 1.2 1.3 0.85 13/5.1 (b)
Cobalt-60 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 2.5
Strontium-90 1.3 1.2 1.4 2.4 1.8 14
Zirconium-95 0.03 0.03 0.03 - 0.02 -
Niobium-95 0.03 0.02 - - 0.01 -
Technetium-99 0.93 0.94 0.62 0.48 0.35 7.5/4.5 (b)
Ruthenium-106 0.54 0.46 0.27 0.17 0.16 3.1
Iodine-129 0.30 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.32
Caesium-134 0.04 0.02 0.03 - - -
Caesium-137 4.4 1.6 2.5 1.4 1.3 17
Plutonium-alpha 0.14 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.07 0.29
Plutonium-241 1.9 1.2 1.1 0.83 0.73 6
Americium-241 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.14
Total alpha (a) 0.16 0.13 0.12 0.09 0.08 0.34
Total beta (a) - 6.8 7.1 7.4 6.5 63
Uranium (kg) 310 260 180 130 110 -

a. ‘total alpha’ and ‘total beta’ are control measures relating to specified analytical determinations. They do not reproduce precisely the contributions from all individual isotopes.

b. Upper tier of permitted limit in force until the completion of Magnox reprocessing. Lower tier limits for tritium, carbon-14 and technetium-99 applied from October 2022 onwards following agreement with the Environment Agency.

Table 2. Total airborne radioactive discharges, 2018 – 2022 (TBq)

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Permitted Limits
(all sources)
Tritium 90 56 38 39 15 370/170 (ᵃ)
Carbon-14 0.43 0.25 0.13 0.07 0.09 2.3/0.38 (ᵃ)
Krypton-85 65,000 7,800 4,300 4,300 2,500 70,000

a. Upper tier of permitted limit in force until the completion of Magnox reprocessing. Lower tier limits for tritium and carbon-14 applied from October 2022 onwards following agreement with the Environmental Agency.

Table 3. Total airborne radioactive discharges, 2018 – 2022 (GBq)

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Permitted Limits
(all sources)
Strontium-90 0.01 0.009 0.01 0.004 0.003 0.50
Ruthenium-106 0.49 0.56 0.55 0.55 0.61 2.8
Antimony-125 1.3 1.5 1.1 0.53 0.41 30
Iodine-129 10 3.2 2.1 1.8 1.8 42/13 (ᵃ)
Caesium-137 0.05 0.07 0.08 0.05 0.04 4.8
Plutonium-alpha 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.009 0.006 0.13
Americium-241 + Curium-242 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.009 0.009 0.08
Total alpha 0.10 0.08 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.66
Total beta 0.66 0.64 0.74 0.70 0.90 32

a. Upper tier of permitted limit in force until the completion of Magnox reprocessing. Lower tier limits for iodine 129 applied from October 2022 onwards following agreement with the Environmental Agency.

Table 4. Solid low level waste arisings from Sellafield, 2018 - 2022

Low level waste (LLW) arisings (m3) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Low level waste produced on Sellafield site which has been reused, recycled or disposed of 9,000 9,400 5,100 12,000 8,200
LLW metal waste recycled 3,100 2,900 1,700 140 800
Combustible LLW treated 2,200 2,100 2,500 2,100 2,400
LLW disposed of directly to landfill (as LLW, HV-VLLW or exempt waste but excluding waste that is out of scope of regulation) 580 850 210 400 320
LLW disposed of on site 2,300 3,100 600 9,300 4,000
Volume of LLW disposed of at LLWR 880 (ᵃ) 520(ᵃ) 80 300 600

a. Volume includes volume of compactable Low Level Waste

Table 5. Non-radioactive aqueous waste discharges (kg), 2018 - 2022

Substance Release points 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Annual Limit (ᵃ)
               
Chromium Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant (SIXEP), Segregated Effluent Treatment Plant (SETP), Enhanced Actinide Removal Plant (EARP) 40 5.6 14 4.1 13.7 1,200
N as NO ² and NO ³ SETP, EARP 1,000,000 1,000,000 410,000 590,000 311000 4,080,000
N as NO ² and NO³ Thorp-C14 Removal Plant 4,600 420 110 260 55 26,900
Glycol SETP, SIXEP, EARP,  Lagoon 1,500 7,600 2,000 3,400 9,800 12,000

a. Annual mass limits reported under the Installations environmental permit

Table 6. Non-radioactive gaseous waste discharges (tonne), 2018 - 2022

Substance Release points 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Annual Limit (ᵃ)
Oxides of nitrogen (as NO²) Vitrification Test Rig 33 40 43 48 26 1,000
Oxides of nitrogen (as NO²) National Nuclear Laboratory Central Laboratory 14 11 5.4 7.3 2.2 500
Particulate matter Fellside Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHP) (as PM10) 360 230 190 160 324 -

a. Annual mass limits reported under the Installations environmental permit

Table 7. Non-radioactive gaseous waste discharges (tonne), 2018 – 2022

Substance Release points (ᵃ) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Oxides of nitrogen (as NO²) Site Total 330 250 180 83 90
Carbon dioxide Site Total 320,000 260,000 260,000 137,000 156,000
Carbon monoxide (b) Site Total 42 0.03 17 6.94 14.26
Non-Methane Volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) Site Total 63 32 23 23 22
Methane Site Total 17 0.01 14 10 7.99

a.  Site total includes Fellside Combined Heat and Power Plant.

b. Environment Agency agreed reporting value as carbon monoxide discharges significantly below reporting threshold (BRT) values.

Table 8. Discharges of ozone depleting substances and fluorinated greenhouse gases (kg), 2018 - 2022

Substance (ᵃ) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
R22 HCFC - 4 - - 0.5
R134A HFC 70 1000 320 203 1284
R407C HFC 19 50 100 70 39.4
R404A HFC 5.3 3.6 - 7 2.1
R410A HFC 12 82 42 56 80

a. HCFCs are ozone depleting substances and HFCs are fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Note: the range of substances discharged varies each year depending on which equipment is topped up with refrigerants. No annual mass limits apply.

Table 9. Non-radioactive solid waste arisings from Sellafield, 2018 – 2022

Non-Radioactive Waste Arisings (te) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Non-Hazardous Waste Arisings Non-hazardous waste produced on site 38,000 92,000 43,000 22,000 24,000
Non-Hazardous Waste Arisings Non-hazardous waste reused or recycled 9,300 2,800 30,000 21,000 24,000
Non-Hazardous Waste Arisings % of non-hazardous waste reused or recycled 24 % 3.1 % 69% 94% >99%
Hazardous Waste Arisings Hazardous waste produced on site 1,200 1,100 2,900 1,700 1,400
Hazardous Waste Arisings Hazardous waste reused or recycled 500 99 170 290 135
Hazardous Waste Arisings % of hazardous waste reused or recycled 42 % 9.2 % 5.8% 17% 9.8%

Whilst every effort is made to centrally record all non-rad waste arisings, some sub-contractors may not provide this information, so the actual quantity produced may be higher than the centrally recorded figure.

Note that no annual mass limits apply.

8.2 Environmental Monitoring Data

Table 10. Radioactivity in fish (Bq kg-1 wet weight), 2022

Species Location Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight) 14 Cᵃ Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight) 99 Tc Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight) 137 Cs Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight) Pu (α) Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight) 241 Am
Cod Seascale landed 33 <0.31 2.5 <0.003 <0.003
Cod Whitehaven landed 31 <0.26 2.9 <0.004 0.006
Plaice Seascale landed 39 1.5 0.99 0.006 0.006
Plaice Whitehaven landed 38 1.9 0.93 0.008 0.007

a. 14 C data include natural background

Table 11. Radioactivity in molluscs (Bq kg-1 {wet weight}), 2022

Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight)

Species Location Total Alpha Total Beta 14 Ca 60 Co 90 Sr 99 Tc 106 Ru 129 I 137 Cs U(α) 237 Np Pu(α) 238 Pu 239+240 Pu 241 Pu 241 Am Cm (α)
Mussels SCAN – A - - 67 - 0.26 10 - - - 0.76 - 2.5 0.38 2.2 8.8 5.4 -
Mussels SCAN - 12 51 - 0.48 - - <0.64 - 1.1 - - - - - - 5.0 -
Mussels SCAN – 22 67 - 0.36 - - <0.88 - 0.76 - - - - - - 5.1 -
Mussels SCAN 17 59 67 0.42 0.26 10 <0.76 - 0.93 0.76 - 2.5 0.38 2.2 8.8 5.2 -
Mussels WH - Al - - 40 - 0.13 11 - - - 0.79 - 1.9 0.28 1.6 5.8 3.3 -
Mussels WH - Bl 9.5 43 - 0.07 - - <0.57 - 0.51 - - - - - - 1.7 -
Mussels WH - Bl 8.8 57 - <0.08 - - <0.76 - 0.92 - - - - - - 3.8 -
Mussels WH Ave. 9.2 50 40 <0.08 0.13 11 <0.67 - 0.72 0.79 - 1.9 0.28 1.6 5.8 2.9 -
Mussels SCA Ave. 13 55 54 0.25 0.20 11 <0.71 - 0.82 0.78 - 2.2 0.33 1.9 7.3 4.1 -
Winkles SCAN - - - 44 - - - - <0.16 - - - - - - - - -
Winkles SCAN – Q 48 110 - 0.43 2.0 39 <0.88 - 6.6 2.7 0.02 12 1.7 9.9 39 22 <0.11
Winkles SCAN – Q 52 96 - 0.58 0.98 16 <0.91 - 5.9 2.0 0.01 11 1.6 9.4 36 19 0.04
Winkles SCAN – Q 18 90 - 0.37 1.3 10 <0.75 - 2.8 1.3 0.007 5.2 0.70 4.5 17 9.5 <0.08
Winkles SCAN – Q 14 60 - 0.31 0.58 22 <0.76 - 1.5 1.3 0.005 3.5 0.46 3.0 10 6.8 0.03
Winkles SCAN  Ave 33 89 44 0.42 1.2 22 <0.83 <0.16 4.2 1.8 0.01 7.9 1.1 6.7 26 14 <0.07
Winkles SCAS – A - - 69 - - - - <0.14 - - - - - - - - -
Winkles SCAS – Q 27 86 - 0.45 0.44 50 <0.67 - 1.5 2.7 0.007 5.5 0.74 4.8 19 8.6 <0.05
Winkles SCAS – Q 40 100 - 0.58 0.89 66 <0.85 - 3.8 3.0 0.01 9.6 1.5 8.0 33 14 <0.05
Winkles SCAS – Q 18 82 - 0.48 0.64 19 <1.1 - 1.8 1.7 0.005 4.3 0.59 3.7 15 9.0 <0.06
Winkles SCAS – Q 31 83 - 0.48 0.68 32 <1.0 - 1.6 2.2 0.006 5.1 0.79 4.3 17 8.4 0.03
Winkles SCAS Ave. 29 88 69 0.50 0.66 42 <0.91 <0.14 2.2 2.4 0.007 6.1 0.91 5.2 21 10 <0.05
Winkles SCA Ave. 31 88 57 0.46 0.94 32 <0.87 <0.15 3.2 2.1 0.009 7.0 1.0 6.0 23 12 <0.06

Notes: SCA – Sellafield Coastal Area; N – North, S- South, A – Annual sample, B – Biannual sample, Q – Quarterly sample, Ave.- Average.

Table 12. Radioactivity in crustaceans (Bq kg-1 wet weight), 2022

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1 {wet weight}

Species Location 14 Ca 60 Co 90 Sr 99 Tc 129 I 137 Cs U(α) Pu(α) 241 Am
Edible Crab SCA (north) - Early 50 - 0.04 3.3 - 0.44 0.15 0.13 0.65
Edible Crab SCA (north) - Late 84 - 0.10 5.6 - 0.41 0.29 0.27 0.99  
Edible Crab SCA (north) Average 67 - 0.07 4.5 - 0.43 0.22 0.20 0.82
Edible Crab SCA (south) - Early 63 0.20 0.10 7.0 - 0.54 0.23 0.16 0.78
Edible Crab SCA (south) - Late 72 - 0.09 4.2 - 0.42 0.28 0.19 0.65
Edible Crab SCA (south) Average 68 0.20 0.10 5.6 - 0.48 0.26 0.18 0.72
Edible Crab SCA Average 67 0.20 0.08 5.0 - 0.45 0.24 0.19 0.77  
Edible Crab WL - Early 72 - <0.07 5.0 - 0.48 0.13 0.16 0.66
Edible Crab WL - Late 70 - 0.10 3.6 - 0.48 0.29 0.20 0.85
Edible Crab WL  - Average 71 - <0.09 4.3 - 0.48 0.21 0.18 0.76
Lobster SCA (north) - Early 54 - - 45 <0.15 0.51 0.03 0.08 0.56
Lobster SCA (north) - Late 44 - - 15 <0.18 0.60 0.07 0.16 0.72
Lobster SCA (north) Average 49 - - 30 <0.17 0.56 0.05 0.12 0.64  
Lobster SCA (south) - Early 64 - - 48 <0.15 0.67 0.02 0.10 0.64
Lobster SCA (south) - Late 27 - - 14 <0.20 0.18 0.03 0.01 <0.11  
Lobster SCA (south) Average 46 - - 31 <0.18 0.43 0.03 0.06 <0.38
Lobster SCA Average 47 - - 31 <0.17 0.49 0.04 0.09 0.51  
Lobster WL – Early 65 - - 51 <0.17 0.63 0.02 0.07 0.58
Lobster WL – Late 41 - - 32 <0.20 0.38 0.07 0.07 0.46
Lobster WL - Average 53 - - 42 <0.19 0.51 0.05 0.07 0.52
Nephrops (Scampi) SCA – Annual 47 - 0.06 - <0.18 - - - -
Nephrops (Scampi) SCA – Early - - - 20 - 1.0 - 0.58 1.9
Nephrops (Scampi) SCA – Lateᵇ - - - 12 - 0.51 - 0.25 1.0
Nephrops (Scampi) SCA Average 47 - 0.06 16 <0.18 0.76 - 0.42 1.5
Nephrops (Scampi) WL – Annual 49 - 0.11 - <0.25 - - - -
Nephrops (Scampi) WL – Early - - - 22 - 1.4 - 0.93 2.9
Nephrops (Scampi) WL – Lateᵇ - - - 17 - 0.46 - 0.33 1.4
Nephrops (Scampi) WL - Average 49 - 0.11 20 <0.25 0.93 - 0.63 2.2

Notes: 14C data include natural background; SCA – Sellafield coastal area; WL – Whitehaven Landed

Table 13. Radioactivity in seaweed, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1 wet weight)

Species Location Total α Total β 14 Ca 60 Co 90 Sr 99 Tc 106 Ru 129 I 137 Cs U(α) Pu(α) 241 Am
Fucus vesiculosis Nethertown 19 210 18 0.27 0.50 320 - <0.47 2.3 5.5 7.5 3.9
Fucus vesiculosis Drigg Barnscar 25 210 35 0.22 0.56 410 - <0.57 1.8 6.4 10 4.0
Fucus vesiculosis Walney Island 18 210 19 - 0.31 290 - <0.48 1.4 7.1 5.4 2.3
Porphyra umbilicalis St Bees 14 120 33 - 0.36 0.93 <0.50 - 1.4 0.41 3.4 6.3
Porphyra umbilicalis Braystones 11 150 32 - <0.17 1.8 <0.60 - 0.89 0.40 3.1 4.4
Porphyra umbilicalis Sellafield 13 130 41 - 0.17 2.3 <0.53 - 0.89 0.38 2.4 4.3
Porphyra umbilicalis Seascale Neb 16 140 39 0.05 0.13 1.4 <0.46 - 0.93 0.42 2.9 5.0
Porphyra umbilicalis St. Bees - Selker (Av) 14 140 36 0.05 0.21 1.6 <0.52 - 1.0 0.40 2.9 5.0

a.  14 C data include natural background

Fucus vesiculosus is collected because it accumulates many radionuclides (particularly technetium-99) and is sensitive to fluctuations in their concentrations in seawater.

Porphyra umbilicalis is also collected and monitored as an indicator species particularly due to its historical exposure pathway role for ruthenium-106.

Table 14. Radioactivity in coastal samples of seawater from the Irish Sea, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq l-1)

Location Total α Total β 3 H 14 C 90 Sr 99 Tc 129 I 137 Cs U(α) 237 Np Pu(α) 241 Pu 241 Am
St Bees filtrate <2.8 8.8 <5.3 0.61 0.02 <0.03 <0.03 <0.03 0.09 <0.0004 0.002 <0.05 0.0007
St Bees solids 0.13 0.17 - - 0.006 - - 0.01 0.002 0.00002 0.02 0.08 0.04
Sellafield filtrate <2.9 8.5 5.4 0.49 0.05 <0.03 <0.02 <0.03 0.08 <0.0004 0.003 <0.04 0.001
Sellafield solids 0.13 0.13 - - 0.003 - - 0.01 0.002 0.00003 0.02 0.09 0.04
Seascale Neb filtrate <3.0 11 4.1 <0.69 0.03 <0.02 <0.02 0.03 0.09 <0.0003 0.003 <0.05 0.001
Seascale Neb solids 0.19 0.19 - - 0.005 - - <0.02 0.003 0.00005 0.04 0.15 0.07
Drigg Barnscar filtrate <3.0 9.8 <3.9 0.46 0.03 <0.03 <0.03 0.04 0.09 <0.0004 0.003 <0.04 0.001
Drigg Barnscar solids 0.09 0.14 - - <0.003 - - <0.008 0.001 0.00001 0.01 0.05 0.03

Table 15. Radioactivity in sediment from the West Cumbrian Coast, 2022

Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq kg-1 dry weight)

Location Total α Total β 60 Co 90 Sr 99 Tc 137 Cs U-α Pu-α 241 Pu 241 Am
Sand St Bees 590 370 0.27 - - 41 - 94 - 95  
Sand Braystones 590 370 0.17 - - 26 - 95 - 100  
Sand Sellafield 490 400 0.14 - - 35 - 92 - 97  
Sand Seascale Neb 880 470 0.15 - - 21 - 92 - 94  
Sand Drigg Barnscar 460 440 0.16 - - 16 - 69 - 76  
Silt Ravenglass Ford 1,100 820 <1.9 12 16 63 49 200 610 300  
Silt Ravenglass Garth 450 330 <1.6 <0.84 3.5 12 28 92 270 150  
Silt Ravenglass Opp Raven Villa 1,100 380 <1.6 9.5 14 63 51 140 510 280  
Silt Eskmeals, R Esk south bank downstream of viaduct 1,200 690 <0.92 9.1 12 59 44 180 510 250  
Silt Eskmeals Newbiggin Marsh 1,300 1,000 <1.3 75 25 130 49 350 990 570  
Silt R Esk Muncaster Rd Bridge; Downstream 2,600 1,100 <1.4 50 35 250 57 460 1,400 880  
Silt Whitehaven Outer Harbour (south) 580 510 <0.83 0.80 8.4 190 27 98 240 130  
Silt Silt from R Calder 490 710 <1.2 4.0 3.0 57 37 95 230 90  
Silt Silt from R Ehen 1,500 1,200 <1.7 14 11 140 69 230 610 350  
Silt Waberthwaite 1,600 1,100 <1.3 20 19 160 59 340 1,000 570  

Table 16. Mean gamma dose rates measured in air in intertidal and other coastal areas of Cumbria, 2022

Area of survey Description Nature of ground N (b) Mean dose rate (µGy h-1) (a)
Whitehaven  Harbour (north) outer harbour mud/silt 4 0.14
St Bees (groynes) groynes pebbles/rocks 1 0.14
St Bees Seamill Lane car park car park 1 0.14
Coulderton grassed areas/beach bungalows grass banks 1 0.16
Nethertown beach pebbles/shingle 1 0.16
Braystones beach pebbles/shingle 1 0.15
Sellafield Beach beach   1 0.14
Sellafield Dunes dunes   1 0.13
Sellafield pipeline 3 sand 12 0.09
Sellafield pipeline 4 sand 12 0.10
Factory Sewer outfall rocks / boulders / sand / shingle 4 0.14
Seascale Beach south of pipeline rocks/sand 4 0.12
Drigg Beach beach sand 1 0.14
Ravenglass Raven Villa saltmarsh 1 0.12
Ravenglass small boat area firm silt / pebbles 1 0.14
Ravenglass Salmon Garth (saltmarsh) sand / firm silt 1 0.15
Eskmeals Viaduct saltmarsh saltmarsh 1 0.14
Newbiggin saltmarsh saltmarsh 4 0.16
Muncaster Road Bridge riverbank grass 1 0.17
Hall Waberthwaite saltmarsh saltmarsh turf 1 0.14

a. Figures include contributions from natural background, typically 0.05 μGy h-1 over sandy areas and 0.07 μGy h-1 over silt.

b. Number of observations

Table 17. Mean gamma dose rates measured in air at Sellafield site perimeter, 2022

Area of survey Number of locations Mean dose rate (µGy h-1) (a)
North 4 0.01
East 5 0.02
South 3 0.008
West 4 0.04
River Ehen 2 0.01
River Calder 12 0.002
Critical Group 1 0.04
Mean annual average - 0.02

a. Figures exclude contribution from natural background (approximately 0.06 μSv h-1).

Table 18. Mean gamma dose rates measured in air in the vicinity of Sellafield, 2022

Location Mean dose rate (µGy h-1) (a)
Calderbridge 0.06
Seascale 0.05
Ravenglass 0.04
Braystones 0.05
Whitehaven 0.04
Gosforth 0.05
Brow Top 0.05

a. Figures include contribution from natural background (approximately 0.06 μGy h-1).

Table 19. Radioactivity in air in the vicinity of Sellafield - Site Perimeter Locations, 2022

Mean concentration (mBq m-3)

Radionuclide Calder Gate Met. Station North Gate West Ring Road South Side
Total Alpha 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.03
Total Beta 0.28 0.34 0.34 0.29 0.27
90 Sr 0.003 0.008 0.01 0.002 0.002
106 Ru <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.04 <0.03
125 Sb <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01 <0.01
137 Cs 0.01 0.06 0.04 <0.006 <0.008
Pu 0.0006 0.001 0.0007 0.0003 0.0003
241 Pu <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02 <0.02
241 Am 0.0005 0.0006 0.0006 0.0003 0.0004
235 U 0.00002 0.00001 0.00002 0.00001 0.00001
238 U 0.0003 0.0003 0.0006 0.0003 0.0003

Table 20. Radioactivity in air in the vicinity of Sellafield - Residential Locations, 2022

Mean concentration (mBq m-3)

Radionuclide Brow Top Braystones Calderbridge Gosforth Ravenglass Seascale Whitehaven
90 Sr 0.0002 0.0003 0.0006 0.0002 0.0004 0.0005 0.0002
137 Cs <0.005 <0.005 <0.004 <0.005 <0.005 <0.005 <0.003
Pu 0.00008 0.0002 <0.0002 <0.0002 0.0002 0.001 0.0001
241 Pu <0.02 <0.04 <0.03 <0.03 <0.04 <0.03 <0.03
241 Am 0.0001 0.0002 0.00008 0.00007 0.0001 0.002 0.00009
235 U 0.000007 0.00001 0.000006 0.00001 0.00001 0.00002 0.000008
238 U 0.00009 0.0002 0.0001 0.0002 0.0002 0.0004 0.0001

Table 21. Radioactivity in milk from farms near Sellafield, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq l-1)

Location Total α Total β 3 H 14 C (a) 14 C (b) 90 Sr 129 I 13 1I 137 Cs
Farm A <0.19 41 2.3 14 <0.55 0.02 <0.01 <0.04 0.06  
Farm B (c) <0.14 43 <2.2 15 <0.58 0.02 <0.01 <0.04 <0.04  
Farm C <0.18 40 <2.4 18 <0.73 0.03 <0.01 <0.04 0.07  

a. Including natural background.

b. Excluding natural background.

c, Milk from Farm B has been used in the radiological assessment.

Table 22. Radioactivity in potatoes and rabbits from farms near Sellafield, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1)

Sample 3 H 14 C(a) 14 C(b) 137 Cs
Potatoes - Early 7.7 14 <0.60 0.15
Potatoes - Late 6.5 14 <0.50 0.15
Potatoes - Average 7.1 14 <0.55 0.15
Rabbit - - - 3.6

a. Including natural background.

b. Excluding natural background.

Table 23. Radioactivity in total deposition, 2022

Mean radionuclide concentration (Bq m-3)

Location Total α Total β 3 H 90 Sr 137 Cs Pu- α 241 Am
Calder Gate 20 <160 <4,700 4.2 13 0.44 0.31
Met Station 26 300 4,100 30 95 1.1 1.5
North Gate 32 1,900 (a) 6,300 1,200 (c) 1,000 (b) 0.22 0.94
South Side 22 150 4,200 2.7 <6.0 0.23 1.1
West Ring Road 26 190 <4,300 14 16 0.68 1.6

a. Total Beta is measured Monthly, the elevated Total Beta corresponds with high beta results from the inlet filter event during August – October.

b. 137 Cs is measured quarterly, elevated 137 Cs is likely to correspond with elevated results from the inlet filter event.

c. 90 Sr is measured annually, elevated 90 Sr is likely to correspond to the inlet filter event

Table 24. Radioactivity in grass, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1 {wet weight})

Location Total α Total β 3 H 14C (a) 14C (b) 90 Sr 99 Tc 106 Ru 125 Sb 134 Cs 137 Cs U- α Pu- α 241 Am
Calder Gate 4.0 96 6.3 28 1.2 2.2 - - 0.52 - 4.4 0.23 0.17 0.21
Met Station 7.1 110 8.1 23 <0.90 8.4 - - - - 8.7 0.14 0.27 0.14
North Gate 4.5 150 12 28 1.1 23 - - - - 42 0.20 0.40 0.26
South Side 5.2 120 4.3 22 <0.83 0.72 - - - - 0.97 0.29 0.06 0.09
West Ring Rd 2.2 95 <5.9 21 <0.83 1.2 - - - - 2.4 0.22 0.19 0.20

a. 14 C data includes background.

b. Excluding natural background calculated assuming 218 Bq natural 14C per kg carbon.

Table 25. Radioactivity in soil, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1 {wet weight})

Location Total α Total β 3 H 14 Ca 14 Cb 90 Sr 106 Ru 125 Sb 134 Cs 137 Cs U- α Pu- α 241 Am
Calder Gate 840 630 <3.5 5.5 1.5 3.0 - - - 60 58 29 17
Met Station 720 590 4.5 5.8 0.71 13 - - - 200 65 86 45
North Gate 810 690 4.3 5.0 1.4 21 - - - 190 63 130 31
South Side 720 910 2.8 11 <0.50 1.8 - - - 47 73 13 6.3
West Ring Road 680 680 2.0 5.2 <0.20 4.6 - - - 68 84 44 32

a. 14 C data includes background.

b. Excluding natural background calculated assuming 218 Bq natural 14 C per kg carbon.

Table 26. Radioactivity in local waters, 2022

Mean concentration (Bq l-1)

Location Total α Total β 3 H 90 Sr 99 Tc 137 Cs Pu (α) Am+Cm
River water: R. Calder at Sellafield <0.01 0.27 <4.5 0.10 <0.03 <0.005 <0.001 -
River water: R. Calder at Calderbridge <0.01 <0.10 <4.0 0.003 <0.03 <0.005 <0.001 -
River water: R. Ehen, 5m upstream of Factory                     Sewer outfall <0.02 0.21 4.5 0.004 0.03 <0.006 <0.001 -
River water: R. Ehen, 100m north of pipeline <0.01 0.11 <4.6 0.003 <0.03 <0.005 <0.001 -
Lake water:    Ennerdale Water <0.01 <0.12 <4.9 0.002 - <0.005 <0.002 -
Tap water: Calderbridge <0.02 <0.09 <3.6 0.001 - <0.005 - -
Tap water : Sellafield <0.01 <0.08 <3.7 0.001 - <0.005 - -
Tap water: Ravenglass <0.01 <0.08 <4.6 0.001 - <0.005 - -
Tap water: Seascale 0.01 <0.08 <3.6 0.001 - <0.005 - -
Tap water: Whitehaven <0.02 <0.08 <4.7 0.001 - <0.006 - -
Spring water: Sellafield Beach (South) a - - 73 1.0 2.1 0.64 0.04 0.15
Spring water: Sellafield Beach (Maximum) a - - 520 1.0 5.6 0.64 0.04 0.15
Spring water: Sellafield Beach (Average)a - - 160 1.0 2.0 0.64 0.04 0.15

a. Results corrected for seawater content.

Table 27. Non-radioactive monitoring of nitrogen dioxide in air in the vicinity of Sellafield, 2022      

Location Mean concentration (µg m-3)
Calder Gate 6.7
Met. Station 5.9
North Gate 6.2
West Ring Road 7.4
South Side 5.9
Air Quality Limit Value (annual mean) 40

Table 28. Non-radioactive monitoring of nitrate in river waters, 2022

Location pH Mean concentration (mg l-1)
River Calder - downstream of site 7.8 0.65
River Calder - upstream of site 7.6 0.62
River Ehen - upstream of Seaburn outfall 7.9 1.0
River Ehen - upstream of pipebridge 7.8 1.0
National Environmental Quality Standard 6.0 - 9.0 N/A

Table 29. Non-radioactive monitoring of coastal waters, 2022

Location Mean concentration (mg l-1) nitrate Mean concentration (mg l-1) nitrate
St Bees <0.007 0.25
Sellafield <0.007 0.15
Seascale Neb <0.007 0.13
Drigg Barnscar <0.007 0.09

Table 30. Non-radioactive monitoring of surface water around Calder Landfill Extension Segregated Area, 2022

Location BOD (mg l-1) COD (mg l-1) TOC (mg l-1) Dissolved O2 (ppm) NH4+ (mg l-1) SO42- (mg l-1) Conductivity (µS cm-1)
River Calder upstream <1.0 4.4 2.0 11 <0.01 3.9 92
New Mill Beck upstream <1.0 27 7.7 10 0.26 10 220
New Mill Beck overflow drain (a) <1.2 49 17 9.8 0.36 12 220
River Calder downstream <1.0 <5.1 1.9 11 0.02 4.6 110

a. Sample only available under flood conditions.

BOD – Biological Oxygen Demand COD – Chemical Oxygen Demand TOC – Total Organic Carbon

Table 31. Non-radioactive monitoring of gases on Sellafield’s landfill sites, 2022

Gas spike probe monitoring Mean concentration (% volume) CH4 Mean concentration (% volume) CO2 Mean concentration (% volume) O2
Calder Landfill Complex Boreholes 0.09 1.4 19
Calder Landfill Complex Probes 0.04 1.0 20

8.3 Beach Monitoring Data

Table 32. Beach monitoring conducted during 2022

Programme Planned monitoring (ha) Actual monitoring (ha)
Sellafield 52 55
Northern Beaches 32 35
Southern Beaches 16 22
Allonby 5 5
Total 105 117

Table 33. Particle and larger object beach finds recovered during 2022

Programme No. of particles found Alpha rich No. of particles found beta rich No. of particles found other No. of larger objects found alpha rich No. of larger objects found beta rich No. of larger objects found other Total finds
Sellafield 30 2 1 0 7 0 40
Northern Beaches 11 0 0 0 0 0 11
Southern Beaches 5 0 0 0 0 0 5
Allonby 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 46 2 1 0 7 0 56

Particles are less than 2 mm in size; Larger objects are greater than 2 mm in size; “Alpha rich”, higher americium-241 activity than caesium-137 activity; “Beta rich”, where caesium-137 was the major radionuclide;  “other” denotes the principal radionuclide is neither americium-241 activity or caesium-137, for example cobalt-60

Table 34. Total  area  monitored and finds by category, beach and calendar year (2018 - 2022)

Beach Year Area (ha) Alpha rich particle Beta rich particle Beta rich larger object Other finds
Sellafield 2018 81 88 6 17 0
  2019 81 74 5 6 0
  2020 58 48 4 2 0
  2021 57 24 1 4 0
  2022 55 30 2 7 1
Northern Beaches 2018 44 22 1 0 0
  2019 42 31 0 0 0
  2020 30 19 0 0 0
  2021 36 68 0 0 0
  2022 35 11 0 0 0
Southern Beaches 2018 25 10 0 0 0
  2019 25 2 0 0 0
  2020 19 1 0 0 0
  2021 24 1 0 0 0
  2022 22 5 0 0 0
Allonby 2018 10 1 0 0 0
  2019 10 1 0 0 0
  2020 6 0 0 0 0
  2021 5 0 0 0 0
  2022 5 0 0 0 0

Figure 4. Radioactivity of finds classified as alpha-rich particles (upper) and beta rich particles (lower) between  2014 – 2021 (shown in blue) compared to data from 2022 shown in red)

RIFE data used in the Radiological Dose Assessment

Table 35. Radioactivity in animal produce from farms near Sellafield, 2021 (data From RIFE27)

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1 {wet weight}) (a)

Species 3H (b) 14C (b) 14C(c) 60Co 90Sr 99Tc 106Ru 125Sb 129I 134Cs 137Cs 238Pu 239+240Pu 241Pu 241Am
Bovine muscle <2.7 46 9.0 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.41 <0.10 <0.02 <0.05 0.41 0.00004 0.0001 <0.34 0.0002
Bovine liver <3.6 29 3.0 <0.05 <0.04 <0.05 <0.37 <0.10 <0.03 <0.05 0.23 0.0003 0.002 <0.19 0.003
Bovine kidney <3.7 33 7.0 <0.04 <0.10 <0.04 <0.43 <0.14 <0.03 <0.05 0.34 <0.0003 0.0002 <1.5 0.001
Ovine muscle <5.5 41 - <0.05 <0.04 <0.04 <0.41 <0.10 <0.03 <0.04 1.0 <0.00006 0.0002 <0.38 0.0003
Ovine kidney/ liver <13 48 22 <0.05 0.06 <0.04 <0.34 <0.09 <0.02 <0.04 0.31 0.0003 0.003 <0.42 0.003
Deer <3.4 26 - <0.04 <0.05 <0.08 <0.29 <0.08 <0.03 <0.04 0.41 <0.0001 0.00007 <0.35 0.0002
Duck <4.9 41 - <0.04 <0.04 - <0.34 <0.10 <0.02 <0.06 0.10 <0.00007 0.0001 <0.42 0.0002
Pheasant <6.4 46 14 <0.06 <0.04 <0.05 <0.46 <0.17 <0.04 <0.08 0.15 0.00004 0.00006 <0.68 0.0002
Wild wood pigeon <6.8 46 14 <0.07 <0.04 - <0.55 <0.13 <0.03 <0.06 0.44 0.00003 0.0001 <0.34 0.00005
Rabbit <3.5 24 - <0.04 0.04 <0.08 <0.30 <0.09 <0.03 <0.02 0.07 <0.00007 <0.0001 <0.25 0.00004
Eggs - Chicken <5.7 37 5.0 <0.04 <0.03 - <0.37 <0.10 <0.04 <0.03 <0.04 <0.0001 <0.0001 <0.59 0.00007

a. Values shown in pale blue boxes are from measurements performed by the FSA.

b. Including natural background.

c. Excluding natural background (values taken from RIFE). Measured concentrations that are smaller than background value are indicated by a hyphen.

Table 36. Radioactivity in fruit and vegetable produce collected near Sellafield, 2022 (Data From RIFE27)

Mean concentration (Bq kg-1 {wet weight})a

Species 3H(b) 14C(b) 14C(c) 60Co 90Sr 99Tc 106Ru 125Sb 129I 134Cs 137Cs 238Pu 239+240Pu 241Pu 241Am
Potato - - - <0.07 <0.04 -   <0.12 <0.03 <0.06   0.0001 0.001 - 0.002
Cabbage <2.0 5.8 - <0.06 0.04 - <0.43 <0.12 <0.03 <0.03 <0.05 <0.00008 0.00008 - 0.0001
Broccoli <2.6 17 10.0 <0.07 <0.06 - <0.55 <0.09 <0.02 <0.07 <0.06 <0.0001 <0.0002 - 0.0001
Cauliflower (d) <2.1 9.2 2.2 <0.10 - - <0.68 <0.16 <0.04 <0.07 <0.07 - - - -
Carrots <2.0 11 4.3 <0.07 0.02 - <0.54 <0.14 <0.03 <0.08 0.08 - - - -
Beetroot <2.1 3.0 - <0.03 0.06 <0.05 <0.25 <0.07 <0.02 <0.04 0.11 - - - -
Onion - 14 7.0 <0.06 0.20 - <0.29 <0.10 <0.04 <0.05 0.07 - - - -
Runner beans (d) <2.0 17 - <0.06 0.33 - <0.52 <0.11 <0.06 <0.06 <0.06 <0.0001 0.0003 - 0.0007
Mushroom <2.1 8.5 4.5 <0.03 0.02 - <0.26 <0.07 <0.03 <0.03 4.3 0.005 0.04 0.20 0.06
Apple <2.5 16 8.1 <0.02 0.10 <0.05 <0.21 <0.05 <0.03 <0.04 0.35 <0.00009 0.0002 - 0.0003
Blackcurrants (d) <4.0 17 9.0 <0.20 0.08 - <1.2 <0.30 <0.02 - 0.11 0.0002 0.0005 - 0.002
Strawberries (d) <2.0 15 7.0 <0.06 0.14 - <0.64 <0.16 <0.05 <0.07 <0.06 <0.0001 <0.0003 - <0.0002
Blackberries <2.0 17 9.0 <0.02 0.09 - <0.21 <0.06 <0.03 <0.02 <0.04 <0.0001 0.0002 - 0.0003
Elderberries (d) <2.0 26 18.0 <0.11 0.04 - <0.52 <0.18 <0.08 <0.08 0.14 0.001 0.004 - 0.008
Honey (d) - 78 11.0 <0.02 <0.04 - <0.31 <0.08 <0.02 <0.03 <0.06 <0.0002 <0.0002 - 0.0001
Swede(d) - 5.4 - <0.06 0.05 - <0.47 <0.13 <0.02 <0.06 <0.06 - - - -

a. Values shown in pale blue boxes are from measurements performed by the FSA.

b. Including natural background.

c. Excluding natural background (values taken from RIFE). Measured concentrations that are smaller than background value are indicated by a hyphen.

d. Year sampled - cauliflower (2013); runner beans (2013); blackcurrants (2012); strawberries (2013); elderberries (2013); honey (2014); swede (2017)

Radiological Dose Assessment Data Tables

The radiological  dose assessment presented herein takes account of research studies carried out both nationally and internationally.

In addition, the guidance of the UK Health Security Agency, the National Dose Assessment Working Group and the most recent dose coefficients in the International Commission for Radiological Protection (ICRP) publication 119 are adopted where available and appropriate.

In general, default values recommended by the ICRP for each radionuclide are assumed for the purpose of dose calculations unless specific studies indicate that an alternative is appropriate.

Table 37. Summary of doses associated with seafood (µSv), 2022

Radionuclide Cod adult Cod child Cod infant Cod foetus Plaice adult Plaice child Plaice infant Plaice foetus Lobsters adult Lobsters child Lobsters infant Lobsters foetus Crabs adult Crabs child Crabs infant Crabs foetus
Carbon-14 (a) 0.11 0.03 0.01 0.15 0.29 0.08 0.04 0.41 0.20 0.06 0.03 0.28 0.24 0.07 0.03 0.33
Cobalt-60 - - - - - - - - - - - - 0.007 0.004 0.003 0.004
Strontium-90 - - - - - - - - - - - - 0.02 0.01 0.004 0.04
Technetium-99 0.003 0.001 0.001 0.002 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.30 0.12 0.11 0.22 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.02
Ruthenium-106 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Iodine-129 - - - - - - - - 0.28 0.10 0.03 0.11 - - - -
Caesium-137 0.54 0.08 0.02 0.24 0.34 0.05 0.02 0.15 0.10 0.01 0.004 0.04 0.06 0.009 0.003 0.02
Neptunium-237 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Plutonium-alpha 0.01 0.003 0.001 0.0005 0.05 0.01 0.004 0.002 0.34 0.07 0.03 0.01 0.46 0.10 0.04 0.02
Plutonium-241 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Americium-241 0.01 0.003 0.001 0.0002 0.04 0.008 0.003 0.0005 1.5 0.34 0.14 0.02 1.5 0.33 0.14 0.02
Curium-alpha - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Total 0.68 0.12 0.04 0.39 0.75 0.16 0.07 0.58 2.8 0.70 0.34 0.68 2.3 0.53 0.23 0.46
Radionuclide Nephrops adult Nepthrops child Nepthrops infant Nepthrops foetus Winkles adult Winkles child Winkles infant Winkles foetus Mussels adult Mussels child Mussels infant Mussels foetus Total adult Total child Total infant Total Foetus
Carbon-14 (a) 0.09 0.02 0.01 0.12 0.13 0.04 0.02 0.18 0.10 0.03 0.01 0.14 1.2 0.33 0.15 1.6
Cobalt-60 - - - - 0.009 0.006 0.004 0.005 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.02 0.01 0.009 0.01
Strontium-90 0.01 0.005 0.002 0.02 0.17 0.07 0.03 0.26 0.03 0.01 0.005 0.05 0.23 0.10 0.04 0.37
Technetium-99 0.07 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.12 0.05 0.05 0.09 0.04 0.01 0.01 0.03 0.59 0.23 0.22 0.43
Ruthenium-106 - - - - 0.04 0.02 0.01 0.002 0.03 0.01 0.009 0.001 0.07 0.03 0.02 0.003
Iodine-129 0.13 0.05 0.01 0.05 0.10 0.03 0.01 0.04 - - - - 0.51 0.18 0.05 0.20
Caesium-137 0.07 0.01 0.003 0.03 0.25 0.04 0.01 0.11 0.05 0.008 0.003 0.02 1.4 0.21 0.06 0.61
Neptunium-237 - - - - 0.006 0.001 0.0006 0.0002 - - - - 0.006 0.001 0.0006 0.0002
Plutonium-alpha 0.70 0.15 0.06 0.03 4.2 0.91 0.35 0.16 2.8 0.61 0.24 0.11 8.6 1.9 0.73 0.33
Plutonium-241 - - - - 0.26 0.06 0.02 0.006 0.18 0.04 0.01 0.004 0.44 0.10 0.03 0.01
Americium-241 2.0 0.44 0.19 0.03 5.8 1.3 0.53 0.08 4.2 0.92 0.39 0.06 15 3.3 1.4 0.21
Curium-alpha - - - - 0.05 0.01 0.006 0.05 - - - - 0.05 0.01 0.006 0.05
Total 3.1 0.71 0.30 0.33 11 2.5 1.0 0.98 7.4 1.6 0.68 0.41 28 6.3 2.7 3.8

Background corrected values for carbon-14 in fish, molluscs and crustaceans have been used in the assessment of radiation doses to critical groups.

For these marine foodstuffs, the natural concentration of carbon-14 of 218 Bq carbon-14 per kg carbon has been taken from data published by the Environment Agency and the Food Standards Agency.

Table 38. Summary of doses to terrestrial critical group from terrestrial foodstuffs and inhalation (µSv), 2022

Radionuclide Milk adult (not shaded) Milk child (not shaded) Milk infant (not shaded) Milk foetus (not shaded) Beef muscle adult Beef muscle child Beef muscle infant Beef muscle foetus Beef offal adult Beef offal child Beef offal infant Beef offal foetus Sheep muscle adult Sheep muscle child Sheep muscle infant Sheep muscle foetus
Total tritium 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.01 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.003
Carbon-14 (a) 0.04 0.06 0.15 0.06 0.08 0.11 0.04 0.11 0.008 0.006 0.004 0.01 - - - -
Cobalt-60 - - - - 0.003 0.008 0.004 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.002 0.001 <0.001
Strontium-90 0.09 0.22 0.36 0.13 0.02 0.05 0.01 0.03 0.006 0.007 0.003 0.009 0.01 0.01 0.003 0.01
Technetium-99 - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Ruthenium-106 (b) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Antimony-125 - - - - 0.002 0.003 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Iodine-129 0.10 0.21 0.29 0.04 0.03 0.06 0.01 0.01 0.009 0.009 0.003 0.004 0.03 0.02 0.005 0.01
Iodine-131 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Caesium-134 - - - - 0.01 0.01 0.002 0.007 0.003 0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.006 0.002 <0.001 0.003
Caesium-137 0.09 0.08 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.06 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.004 0.002 0.004 0.10 0.04 0.01 0.05
Plutonium-alpha - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Plutonium-241 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Americium-241 - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Total 0.33 0.59 0.95 0.28 0.23 0.31 0.08 0.21 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.04 0.15 0.08 0.03 0.08
Radionuclide Sheep offal adult Sheep offal child Sheep offal infant Sheep offal foetus Poultry adult Poultry child Poultry infant Poultry foetus Eggs adult Eggs child Eggs infant Eggs foetus Game adult Game child Game infant Game foetus
Total tritium 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.003 0.003 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.002
Carbon-14 (a) 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.05 - - - - 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.006 0.02
Cobalt-60 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.001 0.003 0.005 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.001 <0.001
Strontium-90 0.005 0.006 0.003 0.008 0.01 0.01 0.007 0.02 0.008 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.008 0.01 0.003 0.01
Technetium-99 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 - - - - - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Ruthenium-106 (b) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Antimony-125 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.003 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Iodine-129 0.006 0.006 0.002 0.002 0.02 0.02 0.009 0.009 0.04 0.05 0.04 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.006 0.009
Iodine-131 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Caesium-134 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01 0.005 0.002 0.005 0.005 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.005 0.003 <0.001 0.002
Caesium-137 0.01 0.005 0.002 0.005 0.01 0.006 0.002 0.006 0.004 0.003 0.002 0.002 0.02 0.008 0.002 0.007
Plutonium-alpha 0.002 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Plutonium-241 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Americium-241 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Total 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.07 0.06 0.05 0.03 0.05 0.08 0.11 0.11 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.03 0.06
Radionuclide Honey adult Honey child Honey infant Honey foetus Mushroom adult Mushroom child Mushroom infant Mushroom foetus Potato adult Potato child (not shaded) Potato infant (not shaded) Potato foetus (not shaded) Root veg. adult Root veg. child Root veg. infant Root veg. foetus
Total tritium - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.05 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 0.001
Carbon-14 (a) 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.02 0.008 0.005 0.004 0.01 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.05 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.03
Cobalt-60 <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.03 0.07 0.07 0.02 0.002 0.004 0.007 0.001
Strontium-90 0.003 0.005 0.007 0.005 0.002 0.002 0.001 0.003 0.15 0.22 0.13 0.22 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04
Technetium-99 - - - - - - - - - - - - <0.001 <0.001 0.001 <0.001
Ruthenium-106 (b) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Antimony-125 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.007 0.001 0.001 0.003 <0.001
Iodine-129 0.006 0.008 0.009 0.002 0.01 0.009 0.004 0.004 0.40 0.48 0.23 0.16 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.01
Iodine-131 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Caesium-134 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.14 0.07 0.03 0.06 0.01 0.005 0.005 0.005
Caesium-137 0.002 0.001 0.001 <0.001 0.17 0.06 0.03 0.07 0.23 0.13 0.06 0.10 0.01 0.005 0.005 0.005
Plutonium-alpha <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.001 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.001 - - - -
Plutonium-241 - - - - 0.003 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 - - - - - - - -
Americium-241 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.04 0.02 0.01 <0.001 0.05 0.04 0.03 <0.001 - - - -
Total 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.27 0.12 0.07 0.10 1.1 1.1 0.66 0.67 0.11 0.11 0.12 0.10
Radionuclide Green veg. adult Green veg. child Green veg. infant Green veg. foetus Domestic Fruit adult Domestic Fruit child Domestic Fruit infant Domestic Fruit foetus Wild Fruit adult Wild Fruit child Wild Fruit infant Wild Fruit foetus Legumes adult Legumes child Legumes infant Legumes foetus
Total tritium 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.009 0.008 0.01 0.01 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 0.003
Carbon-14 (a) 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.35 0.32 0.45 0.48 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.08 - - - -
Cobalt-60 0.004 0.005 0.007 0.002 0.02 0.05 0.09 0.01 0.002 0.002 0.002 <0.001 0.004 0.005 0.005 0.002
Strontium-90 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.25 0.35 0.35 0.37 0.01 0.01 0.006 0.02 0.20 0.17 0.09 0.30
Technetium-99 - - - - 0.002 0.003 0.008 0.002 - - - - - - - -
Ruthenium-106 (b) <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Antimony-125 0.002 0.002 0.003 <0.001 0.01 0.02 0.04 0.006 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.002 0.002 0.002 0.001
Iodine-129 0.05 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.28 0.32 0.26 0.11 0.04 0.03 0.01 0.02 0.13 0.09 0.04 0.05
Iodine-131 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Caesium-134 0.02 0.005 0.003 0.007 0.08 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.007 0.002 <0.001 0.003 0.02 0.007 0.003 0.01
Caesium-137 0.01 0.004 0.003 0.005 0.17 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.008 0.003 0.001 0.004 0.02 0.005 0.002 0.007
Plutonium-alpha <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.008 0.006 0.007 <0.001 0.005 0.002 0.001 <0.001 0.002 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Plutonium-241 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Americium-241 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.01 0.009 0.01 <0.001 0.006 0.003 0.002 <0.001 0.003 0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Total 0.15 0.09 0.08 0.12 1.2 1.2 1.3 1.1 0.13 0.09 0.05 0.13 0.38 0.28 0.15 0.38

Table 38. Summary of doses to terrestrial critical group from terrestrial foodstuffs and inhalation (µSv)(a), 2022 Cont.

Radionuclide Drinking water adult Drinking water child Drinking water infant Drinking water foetus Inhalation adult Inhalation child Inhalation infant Inhalation foetus Total dose adult Total dose child Total dose infant Total dose foetus
Total tritium 0.10 0.08 0.12 0.14 - - - - 0.18 0.15 0.22 0.25
Carbon-14 (b) - - - - - - - - 0.74 0.70 0.85 1.00
Cobalt-60 - - - - - - - - 0.07 0.16 0.20 0.05
Strontium-90 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.05 0.001 0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.84 1.2 1.1 1.2
Technetium-99 - - - - - - - - 0.008 0.009 0.01 0.008
Ruthenium-106 - - - - 0.01 0.009 0.008 <0.001 0.03 0.03 0.02 0.02
Antimony-125 - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.05 0.06 0.09 0.03
Iodine-129 - - - - - - - - 1.2 1.4 0.97 0.47
Iodine-131 - - - - - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001
Caesium-134 - - - - <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.32 0.16 0.08 0.15
Caesium-137 0.04 0.02 0.02 0.02 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.99 0.53 0.33 0.44
Plutonium-alpha 0.13 0.08 0.09 0.005 0.18 0.10 0.05 0.003 0.33 0.19 0.12 0.02
Plutonium-241 - - - - 0.18 0.09 0.04 0.002 0.18 0.09 0.04 0.003
Americium-241 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 <0.001 0.15 0.08 0.05 <0.001 0.29 0.17 0.11 0.02
Total 0.30 0.22 0.27 0.22 0.52 0.28 0.15 0.01 5.18 4.77 4.12 3.69

a. Calculated using background corrected activity concentrations (see Monitoring chapter).

b. Derived from standard modelling techniques.

Doses determined from RIFE data (Tables 35 and 36) are shaded.

Doses assessed as being less than 0.001 µSv have been presented as “<0.001”.

Foodstuff consumption rates used for 2022 are summarised later in this section. The 2 food groups assigned “high consumption rates” in 2022 were domestic fruit and potatoes.

The doses from ruthenium-106 in all terrestrial foodstuffs were assessed using standard modelling techniques. 

These are based on knowledge of the transfer of these radionuclides through the food chain.

This is considered to be more realistic than using the limits of detection from the radiochemical analysis.

Table 39. Modelled concentrations of Ru-106 in terrestrial foodstuffs (Bq kg-1 or Bq l-1) in 2022

Milk Beef Mutton Liver Green Veg. Root Veg. Fruit Poultry Eggs
2.37E-07 1.28E-04 1.86E-04 1.86E-04 8.12E-04 7.34E-06 7.09E-05 5.91E-08 5.06E-08

Table 40. Summary of doses to the terrestrial critical group from seafood consumption (µSv) in 2022

Radionuclide Adult Child Infant Foetus
Carbon-14 (a) 0.13 0.03 0.02 0.17
Technetium-99 0.01 0.004 0.004 0.007
Caesium-137 0.37 0.06 0.02 0.16
Plutonium-alpha 0.02 0.005 0.002 0.0009
Americium-241 0.02 0.004 0.002 0.0003
Total 0.55 0.11 0.04 0.35

a. Calculated using background corrected activity concentrations

Table 41. Summary of doses to the terrestrial critical group (µSv), 2022

Pathway Adult Child Infant Foetus
Terrestrial food consumption 4.6 4.5 4.0 3.7
Marine food consumption 0.55 0.11 0.04 0.35
Inhalation 0.60 0.32 0.17 0.01
Immersion (krypton-85) (a) 0.005 0.004 0.004 0.005
External (beach) 2.9 1.4 0.09 2.9
Total 8.6 6.4 4.3 7.0

a. Kr-85 doses were determined using modelling and dosimetry data published by the EU and the ICRP.

Table 42. Critical group doses from operations at Sellafield (µSv)

Pathway 2021 2022
Marine critical group (adults)    
seafood  consumption 24 28
aerial pathways 1.5 1.6
external radiation from beach occupancy (marine) 35 42
Total dose to marine critical group (adults) 60 72
Terrestrial critical group (adults)    
inhalation 0.52 0.6
immersion 0.03 0.005
external radiation from beach occupancy (terrestrial) 2.9 2.9
terrestrial foodstuff consumption 4.7 4.6
marine foodstuff consumption 0.58 0.55
direct radiation 2.9 3.0
Total dose to terrestrial critical group (adults) 12 12

Table 43. Collective doses from Sellafield’s discharges, 2022

Collective Dose (manSv)

Radionuclide Aerial Discharges UK Aerial Discharges Europe Aerial Discharges World Marine Discharges UK Marine Discharges Europe Marine Discharges World
Tritium 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.00006 0.0002 0.005
Carbon-14 0.02 0.09 1.1 0.17 0.56 5.8
Krypton-85 0.01 0.04 0.63 - - -
Technetium-99 - - - 0.0009 0.003 0.003
Iodine-129 0.08 0.38 0.54 0.0003 0.0009 0.004
Caesium-137 0.001 0.005 0.005 0.02 0.06 0.10
Plutonium-alpha 0.009 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.07
Americium-241 0.001 0.002 0.002 0.01 0.04 0.04
Other nuclides 0.0002 0.0004 0.0004 0.02 0.07 0.07
Total 0.13 0.55 2.3 0.25 0.78 6.0

Collective doses have been calculated, using a 500 year integration period, based on the most recent European Union methodology.

Representative Persons Dose Assessment

Table 44. Summary of representative person dose calculations for various age groups. 2022.

Highlighted entries denote top 2 dose contribution pathways per age and source category.

Pathway Adult Dose (microSv) total Adult Dose (microSv) marine Adult Dose (microSv) terrestrial Child Dose (microSv) total Child Dose (microSv) marine Child Dose (microSv) terrestrial Infant Dose (microSv) total Infant Dose (microSv) marine Infant Dose (microSv) terrestrial
Crustacean Consumers 10.7 9.8 0.9 4.5 3.6 0.9 1.7 0.8 0.9
Occupants for Direct Radiation 6.7 3.4 3.3 4.9 1.6 3.3 3.4 0.1 3.3
Egg Consumers 2.3 0.2 2.1 2.1 0.1 1.9 2.1 0.0 2.1
Freshwater Fish Consumers 1.6 0.0 1.6 1.5 0.0 1.5 1.1 0.0 1.1
Sea Fish Consumers 11.5 11.1 0.4 5.2 4.8 0.4 1.0 0.5 0.4
Domestic Fruit Consumers 6.4 3.5 2.9 4.6 1.7 2.9 3.7 0.1 3.6
Wild Fruit and Nut Consumers 2.3 0.4 1.9 1.9 0.1 1.8 1.9 0.0 1.8
Occupants over Saltmarsh 30.5 30.5 0.0 15.2 15.2 0.0 0.9 0.9 0.0
Occupants over Sediment 41.1 *shaded 40.7 *shaded 0.4 20.6 *shaded 20.2 *Shaded 0.4 1.7 1.3 *shaded 0.4
Honey Consumers 1.6 0.0 1.6 1.5 0.0 1.5 1.1 0.0 1.1
Marine Plants and Algae 15.2 15.2 0.0 7.3 7.3 0.0 0.6 0.6 0.0
Cattle Meat Consumers 2.6 0.1 2.5 2.4 0.1 2.3 2.0 0.0 2.0
Game Meat Consumers 2.9 1.3 1.5 1.4 0.4 1.0 0.7 0.2 0.6
Poultry Meat Consumers 21.7 18.9 2.7 11.8 9.4 2.4 2.9 0.6 2.3
Sheep Meat Consumers 2.6 0.0 2.6 2.3 0.0 2.2 2.1 0.0 2.1
Wildfowl Consumers 1.7 0.9 0.8 1.0 0.5 0.6 0.4 0.0 0.4
Milk Consumers 1.2 0.1 1.2 1.4 0.0 1.4 2.0 0.0 2.0
Mollusc Consumers 48.1 *shaded 48.1 *shaded 0.0 17.9 *shaded 17.9 *shaded 0.0 3.1 3.1 *shaded 0.0
Mushroom Consumers 3.4 0.8 2.7 2.9 0.4 2.5 2.5 0.0 2.5
Occupants In Water 1.3 1.3 0.0 0.6 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0
Occupants On Water 2.3 2.3 0.0 0.7 0.7 0.0 0.3 0.3 0.0
Local Inhabitants (0 - 0.25km) 4.7 0.2 4.5 *shaded 4.4 0.1 4.3 *shaded 4.1 0.0 4.1 *shaded
Local Inhabitants (0.25 - 0.5km) 5.0 0.0 5.0 *shaded 4.6 0.0 4.6 *shaded 4.5 *shaded 0.0 4.5 *shaded
Local Inhabitants (0.5 - 1km) 5.3 1.5 3.8 4.5 0.7 3.8 3.8 0.0 3.7
Green Vegetable Consumers 10.0 6.3 3.7 6.6 3.1 3.5 3.8 0.2 3.6
Other Domestic Vegetable 10.2 6.8 3.4 6.7 3.4 3.3 3.6 0.2 3.4
Potato Consumers 2.3 0.0 2.3 2.3 0.0 2.3 2.1 0.0 2.1
Root Vegetable Consumers 10.2 6.3 3.9 6.9 3.1 3.7 4.2 *shaded 0.2 4.0

Dosimetric considerations for individual and collective doses

Data identifying critical groups and their habits by pathway have been provided by the Food Standards Agency, Environment Agency and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, or their predecessors, based on published survey work.

Worked example of committed effective dose calculation for an individual member of a critical group

Table 45 - CED received by an adult member of the seafood consuming critical group from Am-241 in winkles

Parameter Value Location in report
A Am-241 activity concentration in winkles 12 Bq kg-1 Table 11
B Consumption rate of winkles by adults 6 kg y-1 Table 46
C Committed effective dose per unit intake value for ingestion for Am-241 in Cumbrian winkle consumed by an adult 8.0E-08 Sv Bq-1 Table 49

CED received by an adult member of the seafood consuming critical group from Am-241 in winkles is:

CED  =   A x B x C in units of Sv per year;

CED  =   12 Bq kg-1 x 6 kg y-1 x 8.0E-08 Sv Bq-1 = 5.8E-06 Sv y-1,

This approach is repeated for all radionuclides of interest in each seafood species of interest, through the incorporation of the appropriate consumption rates and committed effective dose per unit intake values.

Care is needed in using the correct dose per unit intake values for Cumbrian winkles as a specific set of data for transuranic radionuclides are available.

Table 46. Seafood consumption rates from people associated with marine discharges (2017 – 2021 average data)

Consumption rates (kg y-1) (2017 – 2021 average)

Seafood Critical group (Sellafield fishing community) (a) Consumers associated with Whitehaven fishery (b) Typical seafood consumers (Whitehaven) (b)
Fish:      
Cod 15.4 20 7.5
Plaice 27.4 20 7.5
Crustacea:      
Crabs 9.7 0 0
Lobsters 15.1 0 0
Nephrops 6.7 9.7 0
Molluscs:      
Winkles 6.0 0 0
Mussels 5.1 0 0

a. CEFAS, 2022. Radiological Habits Survey: Sellafield, 2021.

b. RIFE-27.

Table 47. Consumption rates of critical group consumers associated with aerial discharges

Foodstuff (a) Consumption rate (kg y-1) (b,c) adult Consumption rate (kg y-1) (b,c) child Consumption rate (kg y-1) (b,c) infant
milk 95 110 130
beef 15 15 3
beef liver 2.75 1.5 0.5
mutton 8 4 0.8
poultry 10 5.5 2
game 6 4 0.8
fish (cod + plaice) 15 3 0.75
leafy vegetables 15 6 3.5
potatoes 120 85 35
root vegetables 10 6 5
legumes 20 8 3
domestic fruit 75 50 35
wild fruit 7 3 1
mushrooms 3 1.5 0.6
honey 2.5 2 2
eggs 8.5 6.5 5

a. Based on UKHSA and FSA recommendations.

b. Consumption rates for foetal exposure taken to be same as those of adults.

c. Domestic fruit and potatoes as high rate consumers

Table 48. Parameters for calculation of plume immersion and inhalation doses

Adult Child Infant
Occupancy (%) 100% 100% 100%
Time Indoors (%) 50% 90% 90%
Cloud Shielding Factor 0.2 0.2 0.2
Ground Shielding Factor 0.1 0.1 0.1
Breathing rate (m3 a-1) 9,860 5,600 1,900
Drinking Water (l a-1) 600 350 260

Foetal dose is calculated from the adult dose multiplied by the ratio of the foetus to the adult dose conversion factors.

Table 49. Committed effective doses per unit intake for ingestion

Radionuclide f1 (a) Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) foetus Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) 1 year old Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) 10 year old Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) adult
H-3 organic 1E+00 6.3E-11 1.2E-10 5.7E-11 4.2E-11
C-14 1E+00 8.0E-10 1.6E-09 8.0E-10 5.8E-10
Co-60 1E-01 1.9E-09 2.7E-08 1.1E-08 3.4E-09
Sr-90 3E-01 4.6E-08 9.3E-08 6.6E-08 3.1E-08
Zr-95 1E-02 7.6E-10 8.8E-09 3.0E-09 1.5E-09
Nb-95 1E-02 3.7E-10 3.2E-09 1.1E-09 5.8E-10
Tc-99 5E-01 4.6E-10 4.8E-09 1.3E-09 6.4E-10
Ru-106 5E-02 3.8E-10 4.9E-08 1.5E-08 7.0E-09
Ag-110m 5E-02 2.1E-09 1.4E-08 5.2E-09 2.8E-09
Sb-125 1E-01 4.7E-10 6.1E-09 2.1E-09 1.1E-09
I-129 1E+00 4.4E-08 2.2E-07 1.9E-07 1.1E-07
I-131 1E+00 2.3E-08 1.8E-07 5.2E-08 2.2E-08
Cs-134 1E+00 8.7E-09 1.6E-08 1.4E-08 1.9E-08
Cs-137 1E+00 5.7E-09 1.2E-08 1.0E-08 1.3E-08
U-234 2E-02 1.5E-08 1.3E-07 7.4E-08 4.9E-08
U-235 2E-02 1.4E-08 1.3E-07 7.1E-08 4.7E-08
U-238 2E-02 1.3E-08 1.5E-07 7.5E-08 4.8E-08
Np-237 5E-04 3.6E-09 2.1E-07 1.1E-07 1.1E-07
Pu-238 5E-04 9.0E-09 4.0E-07 2.4E-07 2.3E-07
Pu-239 5E-04 9.5E-09 4.2E-07 2.7E-07 2.5E-07
Pu-240 5E-04 9.5E-09 4.2E-07 2.7E-07 2.5E-07
Pu-241 5E-04 1.1E-10 5.7E-09 5.1E-09 4.8E-09
Am-241 5E-04 2.7E-09 3.7E-07 2.2E-07 2.0E-07
Cm-242 5E-04 4.7E-10 7.6E-08 2.4E-08 1.2E-08
Cm-243 5E-04 1.5E-07 3.3E-07 1.6E-07 1.5E-07
Cm-244 5E-04 2.2E-09 2.9E-07 1.4E-07 1.2E-07
Pu-238 (winkle only) 2E-04 3.6E-09 1.6E-07 9.6E-08 9.2E-08
Pu-239 (winkle only) 2E-04 3.8E-09 1.7E-07 1.1E-07 1.0E-07
Pu-240 (winkle only) 2E-04 3.8E-09 1.7E-07 1.1E-07 1.0E-07
Pu-241 (winkle only) 2E-04 4.4E-11 2.3E-09 2.0E-09 1.9E-09
Am-241 (winkle only) 2E-04 1.1E-09 1.5E-07 8.8E-08 8.0E-08

a. The gastro-intestinal absorption factor does not apply to neonates or infants aged below about one year.

Table 50. Committed effective doses per unit intake for inhalation

Radionuclide Lung absorption type f1 (a) Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) foetus Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) 1 year old Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) 10 year old Dose per unit intake (Sv Bq-1) adult Basis for choice of lung absorption type
H-3 organic V 1E+00 6.3E-11 1.1E-10 5.5E-11 4.1E-11 Organically bound
C-14 M 1E-01 6.6E-11 6.6E-09 2.8E-09 2.0E-09 ICRP default
Co-60 M 1E-01 1.2E-09 3.4E-08 1.5E-08 1.0E-08 ICRP default
Sr-90 M 1E-01 1.0E-08 1.2E-07 5.4E-08 3.8E-08 ICRP default
Zr-95 M 2E-03 4.6E-10 2.1E-08 9.0E-09 6.3E-09 ICRP default
Nb-95 M 1E-02 1.6E-10 5.2E-09 2.2E-09 1.5E-09 ICRP default
Tc-99 M 1E-01 8.3E-11 1.3E-08 5.7E-09 4.0E-09 ICRP default
Ru-106 M 5E-02 4.1E-10 1.1E-07 4.1E-08 2.8E-08 ICRP default
Ag-110m M 5E-02 1.5E-09 2.8E-08 1.2E-08 7.6E-09 ICRP default
Sb-125 M 1E-02 2.6E-10 1.6E-08 6.8E-09 4.8E-09 ICRP default
I-129 F 1E+00 1.5E-08 8.6E-08 6.7E-08 3.6E-08 ICRP default
I-131 F 1E+00 8.1E-09 7.2E-08 1.9E-08 7.4E-09 ICRP default
Cs-134 F 1E+00 3.0E-09 7.3E-09 5.3E-09 6.6E-09 ICRP default
Cs-137 F 1E+00 2.0E-09 5.4E-09 3.7E-09 4.6E-09 ICRP default
U-234 M 2E-02 4.9E-08 1.1E-05 4.8E-06 3.5E-06 ICRP default
U-235 M 2E-02 4.5E-08 1.0E-05 4.3E-06 3.1E-06 ICRP default
U-238 M 2E-02 4.4E-08 9.4E-06 4.0E-06 2.9E-06 ICRP default
Pu-238 M 5E-04 1.1E-06 7.4E-05 4.4E-05 4.6E-05 ICRP default
Pu-239 M 5E-04 1.2E-06 7.7E-05 4.8E-05 5.0E-05 ICRP default
Pu-240 M 5E-04 1.2E-06 7.7E-05 4.8E-05 5.0E-05 ICRP default
Pu-241 M 5E-04 1.4E-08 9.7E-07 8.3E-07 9.0E-07 ICRP default
Am-241 M 5E-04 3.2E-07 6.9E-05 4.0E-05 4.2E-05 ICRP default
Cm-242 M 5E-04 5.1E-08 1.8E-05 7.3E-06 5.2E-06 ICRP default
Cm-243 M 5E-04 3.1E-05 6.1E-05 3.1E-05 3.1E-05 ICRP default
Cm-244 M 5E-04 2.6E-07 5.7E-05 2.7E-05 2.7E-05 ICRP default

a. The gastro-intestinal absorption factor does not apply to neonates or infants aged below about one year.

b. No default inhalation class recommended – most restrictive value cited by ICRP used.

Table 51. Collective dose commitment (man Sv per Bq discharged, integrated to 500 years): atmospheric discharges

Radionuclide UK EU World
H-3 6.7E-16 1.2E-15 1.5E-15
C-14 2.0E-13 1.0E-12 1.3E-11
Kr-85 4.3E-18 1.5E-17 2.6E-16
Sr-90 1.9E-12 8.8E-12 8.8E-12
Ru-106 3.1E-13 4.2E-13 4.2E-13
Sb-125 1.2E-13 1.7E-13 1.7E-13
I-129 4.5E-11 2.1E-10 2.9E-10
I-131 7.8E-13 4.8E-13 4.8E-13
Cs-137 1.8E-12 6.1E-12 6.1E-12
Pu-239 & Pu-240 1.7E-10 2.4E-10 2.4E-10
Pu-241 3.0E-12 4.4E-12 4.4E-12
Am-241 1.4E-10 2.0E-10 2.0E-10

European Union is defined as the population of the EU12 member states, 360 million

Table 52. Collective dose commitment (man Sv per Bq discharged, integrated to 500 years): liquid discharges

Radionuclide UK EU World
H-3 4.6E-19 1.9E-18 3.5E-17
C-14 2.0E-13 6.6E-13 6.8E-12
Co-60 6.7E-14 1.9E-13 2.4E-13
Sr-90 7.0E-16 1.8E-15 3.0E-15
Zr-95 7.3E-17 1.5E-16 1.6E-16
Nb-95 1.7E-17 3.5E-17 3.8E-17
Tc-99 2.5E-15 7.6E-15 9.5E-15
Ru-106 1.9E-14 5.1E-14 5.6E-14
I-129 1.9E-14 5.7E-14 2.2E-13
Cs-134 1.3E-14 3.0E-14 4.6E-14
Cs-137 1.6E-14 4.1E-14 7.1E-14
Ce-144 6.9E-17 1.8E-16 2.0E-16
Pu-239 & Pu-240 3.0E-13 8.4E-13 9.8E-13
Pu-241 2.5E-14 7.1E-14 7.9E-14
Am-241 1.3E-12 3.6E-12 3.9E-12
Cm-242 2.3E-15 6.1E-15 6.8E-15
Cm-243 & Cm-244 4.3E-14 1.1E-13 1.2E-13

The collective dose factors include the contribution from the first decay product where appropriate.

European Union is defined as the population of the EU12 member states, 360 million

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