The Australian Submarine Agency has completed another milestone activity with the release of its first Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program Baseline Assessment for HMAS Stirling.
As responsible stewards of naval nuclear propulsion technology, the Australian Submarine Agency (ASA) is committed to protecting our people, the public and the environment from the harmful effects of ionising radiation.
ASA conducted a radiological environmental monitoring baseline assessment over a 12-month period during 2024 at HMAS Stirling. This assessment establishes the environmental radiological baseline at Stirling prior to the commencement of increased Nuclear-Powered Submarine (NPS) visits by the UK and US under Submarine Rotational Force West (SRF-West).
“I am pleased to release our inaugural Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program baseline assessment for HMAS Stirling. This report is the culmination of 12 months of sampling and analysis to characterise the site (and surrounds) that will be the home of Australia’s Nuclear Powered Submarines. This baseline assessment establishes a clear, evidence-based understanding of existing levels of radioactivity in the local environment. This baseline is a reference point for future comparisons,“ Director General Australian Submarine Agency VADM Jonathan Mead said.
This baseline assessment will be used to inform the continuous Radiological Environmental Monitoring Program at HMAS Stirling. Results collected through this program will be compared on an annual basis to the levels established in the baseline.
The ASA is committed to ensuring that the NPS program meets the highest standards of environmental protection and provides transparency of results to foster confidence in the community.