EDF is granted environmental permits by Environment Agency

A further important milestone was reached for EDF Energy’s Nuclear New Build plans with today's granting by the Environment Agency of the three main environmental permits required for operating the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C in Somerset.



These permits govern the rigorous control of emissions and discharges from the proposed power station to ensure that local people and the environment will be protected while the station supplies secure, affordable and clean energy for five million UK homes. The permits have been issued following a rigorous decision making process by the Environment Agency started in Summer 2011 and which included extensive public consultation.



The permits cover the following:

 

• The discharge of cooling water and other liquid waste
• Regulation of emissions linked to operation of backup diesel generators on the site; and
• Strict limits and conditions for the safe and controlled discharge and disposal of small amounts of low level radioactive liquids, gaseous and solid wastes

Chris Bakken, Project Director for Hinkley Point C, said:



"These permits are important for the safe and environmentally responsible operation of the power station. Receiving these permits from the Environment Agency is an important milestone for the project. They represent a huge effort from the project team and the teams at the Environment Agency to complete the rigorous assessments required. Having the permits in place this early in the project provides us with the clarity we need to build the processes which will underpin the highest standards of environmental performance from the very start of operation of the plant.”