-Media Statement

7 February 2008

The NNR finds no evidence of radiological contamination in the Wonderfonteinspruit Catchment Area food chain

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) analysis of vegetables, fish and meat samples originating from selected locations in the Wonderfontenspruit Catchment Area, found no evidence of unacceptable levels radiological contamination.

The internationally determined radiological levels and standard used to establish whether food contamination is within or outside the acceptable level is 0.1 Bq/g of radioactivity concentration measured in the samples.

The analysis of food samples comprising spring onions, oats, asparagus, carp, barber, and meat, found the radiological levels to be below the 0.1 Bq/g level.

In line with international standards of radiological protection in case of intervention which is the case with the WCA situation, the public dose limit for normal operation of 1 mSv/a does not apply to determine the whether food contamination is acceptable or not.

The NNR decided to conduct the analysis to establish the extent to which the radiological contamination present in the WCA had manifested itself in the food, and to determine whether the food grown in the area was suitable for consumption.

This analysis follows an earlier NNR study into the radiological impact of the mine water discharges in the Wonderfonteinspruit Catchment Area.

While the last study found that there is no impending danger to members of the public living in the area, the study did nevertheless find that the radiological contamination levels in the area gave rise to calculated doses higher than the regulatory public dose limit.

It was on the basis of this finding and concern about the dose levels, that the NNR thought it prudent to conduct a careful examination of the possible contamination levels in the WCA food chain.

Vegetable, fish, and meat samples from the Mooiriver / Wonderfonteinspruit area were sent to a laboratory for analysis early in September 2007. The samples consisted of spring onions, oats, asparagus, carp, barber, and meat.

The analysis was performed using a high sensitivity gamma detector in accordance to internationally accepted procedures and norms.

While the analysis has found no evidence of unacceptable levels of radioactivity in the food chain, the NNR nonetheless believes remediation of the affected WCA is necessary because of contamination in the environment.

The NNR is working as part of a Regulatory Steering Committee made up of the Departments of Water Affairs and Forestry, Mineral and Energy, Environment and Tourism, and local government, to coordinate the remediation plans.

Additional corrective measures that are and will be implemented with the steering committee include:

- Locations with higher than background levels of contamination will receiving priority in terms of clean-up.

- Experts to be appointment to devise a Remediation Plan for the WCA.

- Actively involving industry in the remediation operations.

At this stage, we believe it is import to state what the study and report DOES NOT say or suggest, and that is:

there is water (contamination) crisis in South Africa;

there is serious problems with the country's water supply, including radioactive contamination, unsafe dams and waste spills;

acid mine drainage has occurred in South Africa nor that waste water from mining operations appears to have seeped into the country’s groundwater system;

South Africa stood on the brink of a water contamination crisis potentially as bad as the electricity fiasco;

The government is no longer able to effectively monitor and manage its vast infrastructure of dams, pipes, pumps and treatment facilities;

43% of dams managed by the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry have safety problems and require urgent repair; and

An estimated R180bn is necessary to replace old water service infrastructure countrywide, including in the major metro areas.

Ends

Contact: Thabo Tselane, Manager: Regulation of Natural Sources

The National Nuclear Regulator

Tel.: (012) 674 7102

Email: ttselane@nnr.co.za

Website: www.nnr.co.za