Hinkley Point C: water discharge activity permit variation

NNB Generation Company (Hinkley Point C) Limited applied to the Environment Agency to change its water discharge activity permit in December 2022. The Environment Agency consulted on the application from January to March 2023.

The application asked the Environment Agency to make these changes to the permit:

• remove all references to the acoustic fish deterrent (AFD)
• remove all references to the effects of abstracting cooling water – the Environment Agency does not regulate abstraction from the open sea
• add the discharge of seawater and biomass from the fish recovery and return system

The Environment Agency’s proposed decision is to grant the variation the operator has requested. They are proposing to add new conditions and limits in the permit to protect people and the environment.

The Environment Agency wants your views on their proposed decision and draft permit to help them come to a final decision in summer 2023.

They have published the following documents for you to consider:

• draft permit for a water discharge activity
• draft decision document for variation of the water discharge activity permit
• Habitats Regulations assessment report
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) assessment report
• Water Framework Directive (WFD) compliance assessment report

The consultations are open to everyone and, in particular, the Environment Agency invites the following groups to take part:

• members of the public and communities (including local interest and action groups), particularly those in west Somerset near to the Hinkley site
• elected representatives, including MPs
• local councils near the site
• the nuclear industry
• academics, scientists and consultants with an interest in nuclear power, energy or the environment
• non-governmental organisations (NGOs), campaign groups and environmental groups
• statutory consultees
• other government agencies
• other regulators
• any other organisation or public bodies

Ways to respond

Respond online through Citizen Space.

Email: psc-waterquality@environment-agency.gov.uk

Write to:

Hinkley Point C Consultation
Environment Agency
Permit Support Centre
Quadrant 2
99 Parkway Avenue
Parkway Business Park
Sheffield
S9 4WF