Three environmental permits for the projected Sizewell C nuclear power station’s operation are currently the subject of a 12-week public consultation by the Environment Agency.
Between 4 July and 25 September 2022, it is looking for feedback from the local community and all stakeholders.
In Suffolk, NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) plans to construct a new nuclear power plant next to Sizewell B.
It requested the three environmental permits in May 2020, and from July 6 to October 2, 2020, the Environment Agency held consultations on those requests.
Each permit is a crucial regulatory approval that the corporation needs in order to operate the power plant.
They cover the measures that must be implemented by the business to guarantee the highest levels of environmental protection during installation, operation, and decommissioning.
If approved, Sizewell C would be able to:
Operate backup power supply systems utilizing diesel generators (combustion activity permit), dispose of and discharge radioactive waste, and release cooling water and liquid effluent into the North Sea (water discharge activity permit).
As part of the consultation, there will be open drop-in times where the public can speak with an expert from the Environment Agency.
The proposed decision documents, draft permits, and supporting analyses can all be discussed.
Simon Barlow, project manager for Sizewell C at the Environment Agency, said:
Our suggested course of action is to issue the licences for the three operating activities after the consultation procedure.
Over ten years’ worth of pre-application conversations with EDF SZC Co. have resulted in these draft licenses.
Our justifications are outlined in the documents and accompanying evaluations.
Many years prior to the station opening, the corporation submitted an application for these permits. Early approval of these permissions will enable us to have a beneficial impact on the design, acquisition, and commissioning of the power plant while also protecting the safety of the environment and wildlife.
We want to hear people’s opinions about the suggested decisions we are making in order to better inform our decisions.
Before we reach our final decision in the early part of 2023, if you believe there is any pertinent information that we have overlooked, please share it with us. We will carefully evaluate your remarks.
You can read the draft permits, proposed decision documents, and other supporting materials online, and you can participate in the consultation there as well: