Radiation levels in Oman within normal range: MECA
(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat-
Readings by the National Radiation Monitoring
Network and Early Warning System of the Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs (MECA) during 2015 show that radiation levels across Oman are within normal range.
After evaluating data for the year 2015 registered at its eight monitoring stations the ministry found that rate of radiation level varies at different stations at different times. 'The highest level of radiation (0.077 micro Sievert/hour (uSv/h) was recorded in September at the monitoring station on the ministry's premises in Al Khuwayr while the lowest level (0.027 uSv/h) was recorded in the months of March September and December at a station in Dibba. However these rates are within normal level' the ministry stated. The ministry updated the monitoring stations in early 2015 and currently has eight across Oman which are connected to the hub in Al Khuwayr. The stations in Al Khuwayr and Al Bustan in Muscat and Taqah in Dhofar have two sensors while the other stations in Barka Sohar Sur Dibba and Bukha in Musandam have only one sensor. MECA is also planning to expand its early warning system for radiation monitoring. It signed a pact with the Canadian company International Safety Research last year to implement the first stage of the project. The first stage includes a study to identify new sites to construct stations covering all governorates including islands in order to choose the best sites for monitoring. The stage will also include preparation of technical specifications for the system designing the stations and offering the specifications to prepare a complete tender document for the second phase. The second stage comprises building arranging operating and maintaining the warning stations and offering services for operating and maintenance programme and providing training to employees.