Pilot Scale Contamination and Decontamination of Urban Structure

Tender description

The clean-up after a large, uncontrolled release of radioactive caesium (e.g. caesium-137) in an urban environment is an inherently complex process, as was the case with the Chernobyl and Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power station accidents in 1986 and 2011, respectively. These incidents highlighted the lack of effective methods for performing wide area clean-up of an urban environment. It is expected that similar challenges would also be encountered following a radiological terrorism incident in a major city. In an effort to resolve these uncertainties, this project aims to better understand the pilot scale contamination and decontamination characteristics of caesium-137 on two urban structures, bitmac and concrete. These materials are ubiquitous in the built environment and would likely form a major source of contamination following a radiological terrorism incident. The work proposed in the project will help inform the selection of appropriate decontamination methodologies during incident recovery and will provide a framework for establishing remediation strategies in future policy development. Additional information: Please note that Defra procurement uses an E-tendering system for Procurement activities. This is currently provided by Bravo Solutions. To access appropriate tendering and contractual documents, please access the E-Tendering portal at https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk", ensuring that your registration includes "Defra". If you have any problems with this system, please contact Bravo on their telephone helpline number 0800 368 4850 or by emailing them at help@bravosolution.co.uk."