In the event of an emergency at a nuclear licensed site, the DoE would be responsible for ensuring sup­plies of potable water and for arranging for the dis­posal of any radioactive waste arising from the ac­cident. The DoE has a general interest in any effects such an incident may have on the environment and the Department’s radiochemical inspectors would be available to provide assistance or to give advice.

On the declaration of an emergency standby or alert, the DoE and the local water authorities would be notified by the emergency control organisation of the affected site. A radiochemical inspector would go to the operational support centre and from there would give advice to the water authorities and keep the senior radiochemical inspector in London advised of the situation. The water authority would arrange for duplicate samples of all suspect water sources to be taken, one for analysis by the CEGB and one for analysis by an independent laboratory.