Tritium Leak at Dounreay, following chemical reaction in Sodium Tank

Posted: 23rd April 2022

Emergency crews were called to the prototype fast reactor of the former nuclear facility at around 8pm after reports of a leak from the sodium storage tanks in the building. The leak is believed to have been caused by a planned reaction of material inside one of the tanks. This resulted in the release of a small amount of process chemicals and tritium, which presents a low radiological hazard. The Scottish Environment ProtectionAgency (Sepa) were notified of the incident shortly after midnight on Thursday, with specialist officers stationed at the scene overnight. Dounreay, near Thurso, was the UK site for the development of fast reactor research from 1955 to 1994. Press & Journal 21st April 2022  https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/highlands-islands/4197167/dounreay-chemical-leak/ Investigation launched after emergency response to chemical leak at Dounreay. A formal investigation is under way following a chemical leak at Dounreay on Wednesday night. Energy Voice 22nd April 2022  https://www.energyvoice.com/renewables-energy-transition/nuclear/405119/investigation-launched-after-emergency-response-to-chemical-leak-at-dounreay/