Concerns Surrounding Hinkley Point C’s Water Intake Impacts
On January 24th, Mark Lloyd, the CEO of Rivers Trust, expressed profound disappointment in reaction to comments made by the Prime Minister regarding acoustic fish deterrents at the water intakes of EDF’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power station currently under construction in Somerset.
The Environmental Toll of Water Intake Practices
The water intake system for this facility is alarming: it will draw an equivalent volume to an Olympic swimming pool every 12 seconds. This flow drastically surpasses that of all rivers feeding into the Severn Estuary. Without sound-based deterring devices, this operation is projected to result in significant fish fatalities, potentially impacting millions of tons annually across a span exceeding six decades.
Threats to Endangered Species
This situation poses dire risks for already vulnerable populations including eels, shads, and salmon—species that ascend rivers like the Bristol Avon and Wye to reproduce. Given that the Severn Estuary serves as a crucial breeding ground for various fish species throughout the region, falling short on protective measures would have far-reaching economic consequences for marine fisheries across not only England but also adjacent areas like Ireland.
A Call for Responsible Development Practices
The potential disregard from EDF regarding its development consent obligations—including measures that would mitigate fish intake damage—is unacceptable. Allowing such projects to proceed without proper deterrents undermines both local ecosystems and public sentiment.
Lackluster Community Engagement Efforts
Additionally, EDF’s attempts at engaging community stakeholders concerning these mitigation strategies have been perceived as inadequate at best. Particularly concerning is their failure to propose any actionable plans along critical waterways like the Bristol Avon—one of their closest neighbors. The initiatives led by organizations like Bristol Avon Rivers Trust aimed at revitalizing struggling fish populations could be jeopardized if appropriate actions are neglected by both EDF and regulatory bodies.
