Wiluna radiation levels are ok

A state government commissioned survey has found little evidence Lake Way near Wiluna was not adequately rehabilitated after uranium exploration in the 1970.

A qualified Radiation Safety Officer completed a study of the area yesterday.

"The survey found background radiation levels consistent with an area known to have naturally occurring near-surface and outcroppings of uranium ore," said Mines Minister Norman Moore.

"Further, the survey results indicate that background radiation levels at one metre above ground level - which is the recognised height to take such readings - did not exceed approximately one microSieverts per hour. Readings at most sites were less than 0.5 microsieverts per hour.

"By comparison, typical background readings in the Perth hills would be around 0.6 microSieverts per hour because of the granite in the Darling Scarp.

"The levels can be compared with activities such as air travel, where exposures in the order of one to five microSieverts per hour are common, depending on the altitude reached," said Mr Moore.

Mr Moore said the survey refuted claims by Greens MLC Robin Chapple that the radiation readings at the site were too high.