NNB Generation Company Limited has submitted an application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) for consent to build a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, Somerset.
The company, a subsidiary of EDF Energy, has also applied for permission to build accommodation centres for workers, park and ride facilities and a bypass.
The government will make the final decision on EDF Energy's proposals after considering the recommendation made by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) which is looking at the planning application.
As part of the planning process, the Environment Agency is submitting its views and has advised the IPC on the parts of the application that refer to its remit, particularly flood risk management.
‘We have worked with the applicant over the last two years and made comprehensive comments in response to each of their pre-application consultations. Overall, we are pleased that NNB GenCo has responded positively to many of the matters that we had raised in response to the company’s proposals,’ said Project Manager Brian Payne, for the Environment Agency.
This has allowed the Agency to agree measures with NNB GenCo, including alterations to design and construction, use of best practice and adequate environmental monitoring and response .
There are still a number of important issues relating to flood risk that we have yet to resolve with NNB GenCo. These include the flood risk modelling that underpins some Flood Risk Assessments. However, the Agency is pleased that NNB GenCo has committed to continue to engage with it so these matters can be resolved.
‘Some improvements in NNB GenCo’s proposals are still needed to protect the environment, and in most cases these can be simply overcome by a suggested solution that we have recommended. We are continuing to work with the company to overcome the outstanding concerns,’ added Brian Payne.
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Note to Editors:
• The Environment Agency is responsible for regulating the nuclear industry on environmental matters such as disposal and discharges of radioactive waste from the site, discharges of cooling water and operation of standby generators.
• It is also responsible for regulating other environmental matters, such as discharges of water and effluents from construction work and for providing pollution prevention advice to others. It also has a duty to supervise all matters relating to flood and coastal risk management, and has powers to enforce land drainage bylaws.
