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Thursday, 01 March 2012 07:30

Environment Agency issues waste water permit for Hinkley Point C

All waste water discharged from Hinkley Point, Somerset will have to undergo effluent treatment under strict new controls announced yesterday by the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency is issuing a permit to NNB Generation Company Limited (NNBGenCo) for waste water discharges arising from site preparation for the proposed new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C. The permit also covers the waste water discharges that would arise from construction of the station if it obtains full planning permission.

Waste waters include surface water drainage, groundwater from boreholes used to drain deep excavations and concrete plant wash waters. Drainage from the site will be discharged into the Holford Stream and the Severn Estuary.

‘This permit will help ensure the company delivers the high level of environmental protection that we expect at Hinkley Point C,’ said Brian Payne for the Environment Agency.   ‘In reaching our decision we took into consideration the views of local people who responded to our consultation and we’d like to thank those who took the time to do so.’

The permit’s requirements include the company having to:

• construct Water Management Zones across the site to collect and control discharges;

• implement new site drainage systems;

• use modern effluent treatment units to control suspended solids and protect water quality; and

• monitor and report their discharges and the performance of their treatment systems.

The Environment Agency is also currently considering three applications from NNBGenCo for environmental permits that would enable operation of a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point C and expects to consult further on these in the Summer.  No decisions have been made on whether these should be issued.

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