MINUTES OF THE SOUTHERN ENGLAND RADIATION MONITORING GROUP MEETING HELD ON THE 14th FEBRUARY 2005

Present

Ian Croudace, University of Southampton (Acting Chair & Project Manager)
Paul Hunt, Portsmouth City Council
Monica Wilsch, Slough Borough Council
John Leach, Exeter City Council
Susan Ajose, Reading Borough Council
Paul Williams, North Cornwall District Council

1. Apologies

Nanaka Ford (Bournemouth)

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 7 September 2004

Minutes agreed.

3. Matters Arising not on the agenda

Ian is working on the draft article describing the work of SERMG for the Environmental Health News or Journal and will discuss with Alan Higgins.

Ian and Alan Higgins attended the annual LARNET meeting in Exeter following an invitation from LARNET. Topics included, dirty bombs, Civil Contingencies Bill, Mobile Phone Masts and the role of the London Fire Brigade in emergencies.

The importance of establishing links with Emergency Planning Officers (EPOs) was emphasised. Ian had met with the EPO for Southampton. Susan suggested inviting Brett Dyson, EPO for Reading, to the next meeting. Another EPO from West Berks Council would be invited to a half-day meeting at Southampton University. Susan was asked to contact Brett Dyson.

The problems of obtaining resources for non-statutory functions such as radiation issues were highlighted. There was no established funding for any actions or clear-up after an initial emergency was over. It was considered that it would be left to local authority environmental health officers to provide response. SERMG clearly has a contribution to make here.

The role of local authorities in dealing with land contaminated by some radioactive materials was highlighted. The Environment Agency would not necessarily deal with these matters.

4. State of new contracts

Ian circulated information on the membership. There are 26 current members although Reading and Plymouth have not yet paid.

Havant and Purbeck are not providing samples at present.

Dorset CC are leaving the Group.

5. Future Options for SERMG

The importance of SERMG could be highlighted by having a stand at the CIEH annual conference in the autumn. Regional Symposia could also be targeted.

The appointment of a new Chairman to replace Alan Higgins was discussed. The Chairman ideally needs to be in a senior LA position to influence various working groups. A suitable individual was named and they will be approached to see if they would be prepared to take the position.

Steering Group members were asked to try to establish links with EPOs in their districts and counties to stimulate interest and involvement in SERMG.

6. RIMNET

There was a brief description of the role and funding of RIMNET for the benefit of new members of the Steering Group.

A problem with RIMNET's emergency cascade system was noted possibly due to out of date contact information.

7. Any other business

The courier (Dash-It) boxes may need to be replaced by local authorities as some have rusted badly. If boxes are replaced the keys will need to sent to Dash It. Wink Janes should be contacted.

Portsmouth City Council are happy to continue providing secretarial assistance in connection with the Steering Group.

DEFRA guidance on air quality strategy suggests that other monitoring could involve radiation monitoring. If radiation monitoring is included in local authorities air quality strategies it could raise the profile of radiation issues with Las.

It is important that member local authorities to have links to the SERMG website (www.sermg.org.uk).

8. Date of the next meeting

Provisionally this will be held on the 13th September 2005.