Plans for a new saltmarsh near Hinkley Point C receive support amid ongoing concerns about fish population impacts.
- EDF Energy intends to circulate 120,000 litres of water per second, risking harm to marine life.
- An untested acoustic deterrent is proposed to protect fish but raises environmental noise concerns.
- Environmentalists stress that saltmarshes could mitigate some fish losses, but not all concerns are addressed.
- Public consultations and environmental assessments continue as plans develop.
The proposal to establish a new saltmarsh at Pawlett Hams is a key part of EDF Energy’s environmental strategy for Hinkley Point C. This nuclear site will circulate a substantial 120,000 litres of water per second to cool its reactors, posing substantial risks to nearby marine life through the intake and outfall systems.
An alternative to the intense acoustic deterrent initially proposed, which involved operating 280 speakers at volumes surpassing a jumbo jet, the saltmarsh plan has drawn mixed reactions. Chris Fayers, head of environment at Hinkley Point C, advocated for natural environmental improvements rather than generating decades of offshore noise pollution in the Severn’s dynamic waters.
Despite EDF’s intentions, conservation groups express apprehension, citing potential significant negative impacts on vulnerable fish species including the Atlantic salmon and European eel. These concerns led to a public consultation earlier, with hundreds voicing their views against the initial Pawlett Hams location.
In response, EDF announced ongoing investigations into alternative sites, aiming to refine their environmental mitigation proposals. A subsequent public consultation is planned before formal planning submissions in 2025, with details yet to be disclosed pending stakeholder notifications.
The saltmarsh project would serve as a compensatory measure for maintaining fish populations affected by the plant’s operations. Expert opinion from Bournemouth University’s Professor Mark Everard underscores both the ecological benefits and need for strategic management to prevent issues like erosion.
Everard emphasises the importance of managing juvenile fish populations within estuarine nurseries, given their critical role in species recruitment. Despite lacking precise data, he argues the impact is undeniable due to the vast water volumes involved. He advocates for a holistic approach that considers long-term ecological resilience over immediate agricultural yields.
Addressing conservationist concerns, Everard supports a ‘re-naturalisation’ strategy for resilient ecosystems in the face of climate change. He believes accommodating change is crucial, even if it means re-evaluating land used currently for agriculture. Effective mitigation strategies are vital and must be integral to environmental planning.
Further observations by government agencies, including the Environment Agency and Natural England, highlight their advisory role in guiding the scope of compensation measures and ensuring new habitats do not adversely impact existing biodiversity. These agencies stress the necessity of thorough assessments and stakeholder engagements throughout the planning process.
The creation of a saltmarsh near Hinkley Point C, while seen as a step forward, continues to spark debate over marine life protection and environmental impact.
