New Build FAQs
Topics arising at Sizewell local meetings in July 2008. Although these FAQs are a response to points raised at the meetings in the Sizewell area, the issues are often common to all potential sites.
Topics common to all sites:
Transport and Traffic
Employment
Housing and Local Services
Environment
Timescales
Radioactive waste
Safety and Security
Health effects
Energy policy
Technology choice
Uranium supplies
Site specific questions:
Sizewell
Hinkley Point
Bradwell
Dungeness
Transport and Traffic
What are you going to do about the inevitable extra traffic, during construction and operation?
As part of our environmental impact assessment work, we will do a thorough assessment of the baseline position in terms of traffic on the roads that would be used, and the additional requirements during construction and operation. Our development plan will consider whether the roads are able to cope and will propose measures to minimise use of the roads for transport of materials and workers and to counteract adverse impacts.
What will you do stop people speeding through the villages in the area or using “rat runs”?
We will develop a travel plan and designate specific transport routes to be used, both for workers and for deliveries to site. We will also work closely with the police to ensure that speed limits are respected. If we are made aware of persistent offenders among our workforce, or contractors working for us, then we will be able to take action.
Employment
How many people would be employed during construction and operation of a new station?
The numbers depend on the choice of design, and the extent of off-site prefabrication of components. Our current estimate, based on building two units, is that the on site workforce could be up to 5,000 at the peak of activity. However, this does depend on the approach to construction. During operation, we estimate that between 600 and 900 full time jobs would be created.
For a single unit, the construction workforce would be around 2,000, again dependent on the approach to construction. During operation, there would be between 350 to 450 full time jobs created.
Where are you going to get the skilled people needed from?
There is already evidence of gearing up across the industry, and in educational establishments to address the requirements for new nuclear build in the UK. British Energy has taken over 1,000 new staff over the last three years, and invested in modern training facilities at our sites. We opened our Nuclear Power Academy at our Barnwood office near Gloucester earlier this year. There will also be opportunities to provide local skills training close to the site, particularly for construction workers. EDF have extensive experience and skilled resources supporting their nuclear power station construction and operation in France, where they operate 58 reactors.
Housing and Local Services
Where will the construction workers be housed?
When Sizewell B was built, a site hostel was provided which provided accommodation for up to 900 people. We will be looking at the requirements in detail, and will consider the option of providing a similar facility.
Where will permanent staff live?
As part of our current studies on the impact of the development on the local area, we will be looking at the local housing market. We would expect all of our permanent staff to live within about 25 miles of the site.
What will you do to prevent overload of health and other local services, especially during construction?
As part of our current studies on the impact of the development on the local area, we will be looking at this, and making the results available to the local authority to assist in their forward planning. We expect to provide an on site medical centre, as was the case when Sizewell B was built.
How will you control the behaviour of workers on a Friday/Saturday night?
In the case of our staff, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against staff who do not behave in an acceptable manner on or off site. We will also ensure that any contractors working for us adopt the same standards and expectations for their staff as we have in place for our own workers.
Environment
What will be the effect on the coastline of building a new power station?
We are carrying out detailed survey and analysis work to understand the coastal processes e.g. erosion or build up. This will inform our design work and be included in the environmental impact assessment.
What will be the effect on the local fishing industry?
We are undertaking comprehensive survey work of both the tidal flows and the ecology of the marine environment. This will help us understand the environment, and the potential impacts. Experts from the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) are assisting us in this work.
Can you protect the site from flooding as sea levels are rising?
We have commissioned studies from the Met Office and from engineering consultants Halcrow into the potential effects of climate change over the lifetime of the station. These conclude that it should be feasible to protect the site against rising sea levels and increased storm surges using conventional engineering solutions. We will keep this under review if new data emerges which changes the assumptions used.
How will you ensure that the protected environmental areas are not damaged during construction?
This is a key part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. We will assess the potential impact of development on the local environment, with particular attention to any areas that are of national or international importance. We will need to demonstrate that any adverse impacts are minimised, and appropriate measures are taken to mitigate or compensate for such adverse impacts.
Is nuclear really low carbon, when you take into account the energy used in uranium mining and fuel manufacture, construction, decommissioning and waste disposal?
There have been numerous studies on the carbon emissions associated with the full lifecycle of different technologies. All reputable studies agree that nuclear is very low carbon compared with fossil fuel use (coal, oil or gas) and in fact is comparable with wind generation in terms of its carbon “footprint”, at around 5g/kWh of electricity generated.
Timescales
When will a decision be made on the choice of design?
Following the acquisition of British Energy by EDF, the Areva EPR has been chosen for any developments by EDF in the UK. Other developers may choose one of the alternative designs.
Which of your sites will you start work on first?
British Energy identified four sites in the south of England as priority sites. These are Sizewell in Suffolk, Bradwell in Essex, Dungeness in Kent and Hinkley Point in Somerset. We will not develop all four simultaneously and will take decisions on which site will be first based on the information we are currently gathering about each site. EDF has made it clear that its preferred locations for new build are Hinkley Point and Sizewell.
When is building at the first site likely to start?
As noted above, we have not yet decided which site will be developed first. However, based on the lead time for planning, licensing and detailed design work, we expect to be in a position to start on the first site around 2012/13.
Radioactive waste
What will you do with the radioactive waste?
In short, we will manage all the radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel in accordance with strict regulations to ensure that it does not pose a hazard to the public or to workers. Waste will be stored on site for the lifetime of the station or sent to designated national disposal facilities.
There are three main categories of radioactive material that need to be managed safely. Low level waste which poses only a low hazard will be sent to the national low level waste disposal site. Intermediate level waste, which includes filters and resins used on the plant will be packaged and stored on site in secure vaults. Spent nuclear fuel, which is the most radioactive material, will initially be stored in cooling ponds before being transferred in casks to a secure on site store. The intermediate level waste and spent fuel will be sent to a national repository when this is available.
Where will it be stored?
The arrangements for on site interim storage will be similar to what is currently done at our most modern station, Sizewell B. Intermediate level waste will be packaged in steel drums before being stored in a secure vault on the site for the life of the station or until a national waste disposal facility is available. Spent nuclear fuel will be stored under water in cooling ponds initially before being transferred in steel casks to a secure store for the lifetime of the station or until a national repository is available.
Is it possible that the power station site will also be used as a waste disposal site?
There are no plans to use the development land as a disposal site for radioactive waste. The government has recently published a White Paper on managing radioactive waste safely which initiates a process intended to identify the site for an underground disposal facility for higher activity wastes.
Safety and Security
How safe are the proposed designs?
All of the proposed reactors are modern designs from established international companies drawing on many years of experience. They will need to demonstrate that they comply with rigorous UK regulatory requirements in terms of safety, security and environmental performance. The Nuclear Installations Inspectorate will only grant an operating licence once they are satisfied with the plant design and the competence of the operator.
Is there any operational track record for the proposed designs?
All the designs are “evolutionary” designs, using proven technology, updated to improve safety, performance and efficiency. Although none of these modern designs are yet in service elsewhere in the world, a number of plants are either under construction or ordered. We do not intend to order a prototype design and will choose a design which will be part of worldwide fleet so that we can learn from others’ operational experience.
Are the proposed designs secure against aircraft crash?
Yes. Any new designs are expected to be designed to withstand the worst credible accident involving a fully-loaded large commercial airliner.
What do you do to prevent unauthorised access to the site?
We are not at liberty to disclose details of our security arrangements. However, there are robust physical barriers to prevent unauthorised access to key parts of our sites, and strict control over personnel entry to our sites.
Health effects
Is there a higher incidence of childhood leukaemia near some nuclear power stations?
A thorough expert study report on the incidence of childhood leukaemia and other cancers was published in 2006 by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE). This study concluded that although the incidence of childhood cancer is not evenly distributed across the UK, there was no pattern of excess cases of childhood cancer close to nuclear power generation installations in the UK.
Is there any correlation between strontium levels in children’s teeth and power station operation?
The discharges from nuclear power stations are carefully monitored and must be kept within very low limits. Radioactive strontium is one of the by-products of nuclear fission but remains within the fuel and is not discharged to the environment. Routine monitoring of the environment, including sampling of milk, shellfish and crops is also carried out and reported publicly by government agencies. There is no evidence of a harmful build up of any radioactive elements as a result of power station operation in the UK. The exposure of members of the public to radioactivity arising from the operation of nuclear powers stations is a tiny fraction of the natural background radiation to which we are exposed.
Is it safe to live near high voltage power lines?
High voltage power lines create an electromagnetic field in the vicinity. The Health Protection Agency has reviewed the position and has concluded that there is no firm evidence of any adverse health effects at the levels of electromagnetic fields to which people are normally exposed. However, they recommend a cautious approach and continue to keep the topic under review.
Is there an increased risk to health from living near a nuclear power station?
No. There is no evidence of any increased risk to health from living near a nuclear power station in the UK.
In the 2008/09 British Energy Corporate Social Responsibility report you provided information on radioactivity and the environment and collective radiation dose. Have you got any updated information for the calendar year 2009? (Question asked June 2010)
Radioactivity in the environment
The Food Standards Agency, the Environment Agency, Scottish Environment Protection Agency, and the Environment and Heritage Service (in Northern Ireland) independently monitor any radioactivity present in food and the environment due to radioactive discharges from nuclear sites. The monitoring data are used to determine the highest radiation dose received by members of the public in the vicinity of each site. A joint report is published annually entitled Radioactivity in Food and the Environment and is available on the Food Standards Agency website. It presents the most recent data which is for 2008. The maximum dose reported for discharges to air attributable to an Existing Nuclear site was 0.007 mSv at Hunterston B - to put this into context this is broadly similar to the radiation dose accrued through a single flight from London to Rome. The maximum dose reported for discharges to sea attributable to an Existing Nuclear site was 0.019 mSv at Hartlepool - in this case slightly less than the dose accrued through a single flight from London to Johannesburg. These doses should also be compared with the UK annual public dose limit of 1 mSv for the controlled release of radioactivity from artificial sources, and the average UK annual dose of 2.2 mSv received by the general public due to natural radiation."
Collective Radiation Dose
We operate to strict procedures to minimise and control the radiation doses received by employees and contractors at all of our nuclear power stations. Any worker required to enter a radiological controlled area is issued with an electronic personal dosemeter which measures radiation dose and warns the wearer if pre-determined dose levels are exceeded.
Radiation dose is measured in units of milliSieverts (mSv), and the legal dose limit is 20 mSv per year. In calendar year 2009, the average individual dose received by all workers on our sites was 0.114 mSv. The highest individual dose received was 8.709 mSv.
The three year average yearly WANO collective radiation dose for British Energy at the end of 2009 was 0.117 manSv/reactor compared to 0.138 manSv/reactor in 2008. The one year average collective radiation dose British Energy at the end of 2009 was 0.116 manSv/reactor compared to 0.174 manSv/reactor in 2008.
The 2008 higher level was due to a programme of inspection, repair and reinstatement of reactor boilers at Hunterston B and Hinkley Point B. This work continued at both sites in 2009 but with a reduced work programme. The company’s performance in this area remains amongst the best when compared to nuclear reactors worldwide.
Energy policy
When will the government decide which sites are suitable for new build?
Following the White Paper in January 2008, the government has started a strategic siting assessment process to identify sites which are suitable for new nuclear power stations. This process is intended to lead to a list of suitable sites which will be included in a national policy statement. The target date for publication of the national policy statement is early 2010.
Is it not preferable to invest in renewables such as wind, wave and solar energy, along with measures to reduce energy use and improve energy efficiency?
We need to use all practicable and affordable measures to reduce the carbon emissions associated with electricity generation, and energy use in general. The government is committed to increasing the share of renewable energy to 15% by 2020, and to measures to improve energy efficiency and reduce the amount of energy wasted. Nuclear power is a proven technology which we have considerable experience of in the UK, and provides a cost effective way of reducing our carbon emissions. New nuclear power stations will only be built if no subsidy is required from the government.
Won’t it take too long to build nuclear power stations to meet a forecast energy gap in the middle of the next decade?
We need to make substantial investment in new power stations in the UK as many of the existing coal and nuclear stations reach the end of their lives over the next two decades. It makes sense to plan now to build new nuclear power stations to meet the requirements for low carbon generation, and to invest in diverse technologies including renewables and lower carbon fossil generation.
Technology choice
When will you decide on the design to use?
EDF’s preferred design for the UK is the Areva EPR, currently under construction at Flamanville in France.
Other developers may choose other designs, which will need to be licensed for use in the UK by the relevant regulatory bodies.
Has British Energy any experience of building nuclear power stations?
The last nuclear power station built in the UK was Sizewell B, which was built by the Central Electricity Generating Board and Nuclear Electric over the period 1987-1995. The staff of British Energy include many people that have worked in the nuclear industry or in British Energy’s predecessor companies (CEGB, Nuclear Electric and Scottish Nuclear) and have experience of design, construction, commissioning and operation of nuclear power stations.
Uranium supplies
Is there a risk that there will be a shortage of uranium to fuel any new reactors?
Nuclear fuel supply is a mature industry. According to the Nuclear Energy Agency, there are known reserves of uranium sufficient to last for 85 years at current rates of use. We are confident that there are sufficient reserves of uranium to meet the needs of any new build in the UK, and that the international market in uranium will respond to increasing demand.
Where does uranium come from?
There is active uranium mining in 19 countries around the world, and the largest known reserves are in Australia and Canada. Other countries with significant reserves include Kazakhstan, Russia, USA, Namibia, Niger and South Africa.
Sizewell
Is a bypass of the four villages on the A12 (Marlesford, Little Glemham, Stratford St Andrew and Farnham) essential for your development?
We can’t say at this stage, and any decisions on this road will be made by the Highways Agency. We have discussed this with the local authority and will do a thorough assessment of the additional traffic that is likely during construction and operation, which we will provide to them. Government guidance will need to be followed in assessing whether the bypass is needed.
Why do you need a new access road from to the site?
We will consider a number of options as part of the planning application, but we believe that a new access road from Lover’s Lane to the north of the site is essential for the project. The new north access road is required to provide diversity in terms of road access for emergency planning and to provide the main route for transport of workers and materials to the construction site.
To what extent will you use the railhead at Sizewell Halt?
We expect to make as much use as practicable of the railhead for deliveries of bulk materials to the site, as was the case for Sizewell B.
Can you extend the rail line from Leiston to the site?
We have looked at this possibility, but as the route would need to cross some areas of environmental sensitivity, we don’t believe that it could be justified.
Will you need to excavate peat from the site to build on firm foundations? If so, what will you do with the peat removed?
It will be necessary to remove a layer of peat from the proposed construction site. We will carry out trials on the best method for excavating and redistributing the peat extracted in order to create a sustainable and diverse heathland habitat elsewhere.
Will access to the coast and to the Kenton Hills/Goose Hills area be preserved?
It is our intention to preserve as much of the current access to our land as possible, including to footpaths in the Kenton Hills and Goose Hills area, and to the coast. However, there will need to be restricted access, at least to certain areas, during construction for safety reasons.
There are areas close to the site which are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest. How will you avoid any adverse impact on this area?
We will endeavour to avoid building within the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) if possible and we will work carefully to avoid any adverse impact on the SSSI areas in the low-lying land close to the site.
This is a key part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. We will assess the potential impact of development on the local environment, with particular attention to any areas that are of national or international importance. We will need to demonstrate that any adverse impacts are minimised, and appropriate measures are taken to mitigate or compensate for such adverse impacts.
Is there an interaction with offshore dredging for sand and gravel?
As part of our environmental impact assessment, we will need to look at interactions with other activities and developments in the area. At this stage, we have not studied the specific issue of interaction with offshore dredging in detail, but we don’t believe that such an activity will interact with the more local processes associated with cooling water flows for a power station development.
Can the local water supply cope with your additional demands?
Sizewell B uses the sea to provide cooling water, and is supplied with fresh water from the local water company, Essex and Suffolk Water, to use in the plant. The annual requirements for a modern power station such as Sizewell B are around 800 cubic metres/day. This represents less than 2% of the total supplied by Essex and Suffolk Water. Our preferred option would be to obtain supplies for any new plants in the same way and we will discuss our requirements with them. They are required by law to provide water to their customers which complies with the Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2000.
Why can’t you use the “A” Station site for new build?
The A station is owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and it will be many years before the site is cleared for reuse. However, we will look at the potential to make use of parts of the A Station site, and have registered our interest with the NDA.
Will you need any new transmission lines?
That’s really a matter for National Grid. However, we believe that no new lines should be necessary in the vicinity of Sizewell. We will work closely with National Grid and also keep you informed on this.
When will a decision be made on the choice of design for Sizewell?
EDF’s preferred design for Sizewell is the Areva EPR, currently under construction at Flamanville in France.
When is building at Sizewell likely to start?
We have not yet decided which site will be developed first. Any site must first be shown to be suitable, at a strategic level, through an assessment process which is being carried out by government.
However, based on the lead time for planning, licensing and detailed design work, we expect to be in a position to start on the first site around 2012/13.
Hinkley Point
Will you have to buy any more land to meet your requirements for new build at Hinkley Point?
The combination of the land available to EDF, including the land owned by British Energy, should be sufficient.
Is it possible that more than two units could be built at Hinkley Point?
We are not considering building more than two units at Hinkley Point at this time. There are a limited number of potential sites and we need to make best use of the ones that are already established with grid connections etc.
Why can’t you reuse the existing A station site?
The A station is owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and it will be many years before the site is cleared for reuse. However, we will look at the potential to make use of some parts of the A Station site, and have registered our interest with the NDA.
How many workers will be required during construction?
That depends on the choice of design and construction method. In the building of Sizewell B, the peak workforce was 5,000. Modern methods and prefabrication mean that it should be substantially less than this for each unit of any new Hinkley Point power station. Our current estimate, based on building two units, is that the on site workforce could be up to 5,000 at the peak of activity.
Where will they live?
This is one of the key aspects that we will consider and consult on as part of our planning proposal. We will be carrying out a survey of available local accommodation and co-operating with local authorities in identifying potential demand on the local supply.
Will you build a hostel and if so, where?
We will be looking at whether it will be necessary to provide some temporary accommodation for workers on or near the site. We will also consider the possible future use of such a building as a public amenity.
Can we get onto the accommodation register for Hinkley Point?
Yes, we are always happy to hear of accommodation for workers, even for the existing B station staff and contractors. Please send any details to Dave Stokes, Community Liaison Officer.
How will you bring in heavy loads/steel/aggregate to the site?
The road to the site was upgraded for the construction of the B station and would be the main route. We will also look at the feasibility of using the railhead at Bridgwater. We will be looking at various options for bringing in heavy loads and bulk materials by ship. This could include, for example, a landing facility on the foreshore next to the site, or use of the Combwich Quay for some heavy loads.
Will there be increased use or extension of Combwich Quay during construction or operation?
Yes. However, we are sensitive to local residents concerns and will look at ways of minimising any disruption/noise. As now, Combwich would only be used for infrequent use for heavy loads (e.g. transformers) during operation, using the dedicated private road for access.
Will a Cannington bypass be needed before construction starts?
We are well aware of the traffic issue on Rodway Hill through Cannington, and will be doing further studies. We will work with the community and local highways authorities to deal with any additional construction traffic in the most appropriate way.
Is there going to be a new northern Bridgwater bypass from the M5?
That is a matter for the Highways Agency and the local highways authorities. We will be carrying out a detailed transport study and will work closely with these bodies, but at this stage we can’t say if the additional traffic from construction would justify a new bypass.
What are your plans to make the roads safer for local residents given the prospect of increased traffic?
We recognise that this is of real concern to local residents now and we will be consulting with the local community, the police and the highway authority and will be reinforcing the importance of road safety to our own staff and contractors. We will work closely with the local transport authorities to draw up a travel plan for both heavy loads and movement of workers.
Will any new transmission lines be required?
We understand from National Grid that it will be necessary to realign some of the transmission towers close to the site, but we do not expect new lines to be needed in the vicinity of the site. National Grid are looking at whether or not any additional reinforcement of the transmission network further afield will be required.
Will the profile of the new designs be smaller than the existing B station?
The Areva EPR is comparable in terms of size with the existing B Station.
What will happen to the site nature trail?
The nature trail is largely on areas adjacent to the existing operational sites rather than on the proposed development sites. At this stage, we expect that the nature trail will continue to be available to the public providing it does not impinge on the development site, and access can be provided safely.
What will happen to the existing footpaths in the area?
Changes to the footpath network are likely to be required, but we will endeavour to provide at least equivalent public access to the coast. There will be an amenity/access plan put in place once construction is complete. Footpaths across the construction site will have to be closed.
Won’t the extra water intakes and the screening necessary to filter that water destroy the remaining fish stocks in the Severn?
We are undertaking a detailed survey of the marine environment, including the fish and shellfish present. We are also studying the water movement to design the cooling water arrangements. The design will need to demonstrate that there is no unacceptable adverse impact on the marine environment, including the fish stocks, to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency.
How do you envisage landscaping and screening the new site so as not to spoil the views from the Quantocks, as well as from Burnham?
We will be undertaking detailed work on landscaping and visual impact. Landscaping will be a key issue for the planning application. There are natural contours to the south of the proposed development site that are beneficial from the point of view of screening from the landward side.
Bradwell
Can the Blackwater Estuary provide sufficient cooling water for a much larger modern power station?
We are undertaking comprehensive survey and modelling work to assure ourselves that it is feasible to provide cooling from the estuary. Work to date shows that this should be feasible, without adversely affecting the marine environment in an unacceptable way.
The roads through the Dengie peninsula are narrow and go through several villages. What will be done about this?
Transport of materials and workers is a key issue, and one we will discuss in detail with local authorities. We are carrying out detailed studies of transport requirements and carrying out traffic surveys. We will look at ways of minimising additional traffic and the possibility for making use of rail and sea transport. It is too early to report on the conclusions of this work.
Can you make use of the railhead at Southminster for bulk materials?
The location of the railhead in the town would make it difficult to use for this purpose, and the road from Southminster to Bradwell is also not suitable without improvement. However, we will look at the options for use of rail transport as an alternative to road.
Does the acquisition of British Energy by EDF mean that the Bradwell site will now be disposed of?
The government wishes to see a competitive market in potential sites for new build. There are a number of conditions that apply to the acquisition. These include a requirement that EDF dispose of land currently owned by British Energy at Bradwell (and any other land at Bradwell that any EDF company may acquire) as long as (a) the national policy statement does not preclude the construction of 2 EPRs at each of Hinkley Point and Sizewell; and (b) EDF obtains planning consent for 2 EPRs at Sizewell.
Why are you consulting the local community if you are not likely to be the builder of a nuclear station at Bradwell?
We think that Bradwell is a good site, and that there are not many such sites in the UK. It will take some time to complete the conditions on disposal, and we need to continue to progress the site assessment work to maintain the value of the site. If we don't then it will cause a delay in the development by anyone who acquires it.
Will you have to buy any more land to meet your requirements for new build at Bradwell?
We own land to the east of the existing decommissioning station sufficient to accommodate permanent new nuclear build. We also have land options in the vicinity of the site for temporary construction use.
Does this mean you will buy some or all of the NDA land offered up for sale?
As part of our optioneering work we have also expressed an interest with the NDA in some of its land but those discussions are on-going and we are not able to comment any further at this time.
Why are you only planning to build one unit at Bradwell?
The number of units will be determined by the capability of the grid connections, the availability of cooling water and the physical size of the site. We believe Bradwell would be suitable for one unit of up to 1650MW.
Will you need to upgrade the grid lines?
We have a contract with National Grid to enable export of up to 1650 MW of power from the site by 2016. The existing transmission connection from Bradwell to Rayleigh will need to be renewed for new build. We expect the routing of the line and the size of towers will be similar to the existing arrangement.
What would happen to the Nature Trail around the existing site?
The existing nature trail is on land owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority. Any changes to that trail as a consequence of site development would be a matter for NDA. However, we recognise the value of amenities like this, and work closely with local nature conservation bodies at our other sites to provide wildlife havens and nature trails.
Will you reopen the visitor centre?
We have no plans to at this time, but we are looking at ways of keeping the local community informed about our plans and activities.
Is anyone else aiming to develop a nuclear plant at Bradwell?
Bradwell is a valuable site, and we would expect that other companies might be interested but we can’t comment on others activities.
Why can’t you re-use the existing Bradwell site?
The existing station is owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and it will be many years before the site is cleared for reuse. However, we are talking to the NDA and will look at the potential to make use of parts of the existing site, and have registered our interest with the NDA.
There are records of an earthquake in the Colchester area in 1884. Doesn’t this mean that the site is unsuitable due to the risk of earthquake?
UK is not a high risk zone for earthquakes compared with, say, Japan or S Korea which have many nuclear plants. Earthquake risk is just one of many hazards that are assessed when designing a nuclear power station. All of our operating current stations have this risk factored into their design and safety case and any new build plant will be designed to cope with the local conditions at the site.
There a number of national and international designations near the site, will you impact on these?
This is a key part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. We will assess the potential impact of development on the local environment, with particular attention to any areas that are of national or international importance. We will need to demonstrate that any adverse impacts are minimised, and appropriate measures are taken to mitigate or compensate for such adverse impacts.
Isn’t this estuary liable to flood leaving the stations vulnerable?
The site of the existing Bradwell power station has been protected against storm events and flooding for several decades. The existing defences will need to be maintained and upgraded and the new site levels raised up.
We have already commissioned some studies from the Met Office and Halcrow looking at the effects of climate change on this coast for the next 100 years. Those studies give us the confidence that although there could be significant impacts from sea level rise, the land can continue to be protected by established and accepted engineering methods.
How would local residents be evacuated if there was an incident at Bradwell?
Emergency plans are prepared for all credible incidents for all our sites. The County Council has responsibility for emergency planning for all eventualities, and we work closely with them and the emergency services. These plans are reviewed and tested regularly, including contingency plans for evacuation in the very remote chance that this should this be required.
The extent of the detailed emergency planning zone for a power station is determined by the regulators, based on the worst credible accident for a specific site. We understand that Tollesbury and Mersea Island are outside the existing detailed emergency planning zone because there are no credible incidents that would require immediate emergency response at this distance from the site.
Dungeness
Following the acquisition of British Energy by EDF, will Dungeness now be sold?
The acquisition of British Energy by EDF is subject to a number of conditions imposed by the European Commission. These conditions include a requirement to divest (sell) potential development land at either Dungeness or Heysham. The choice of which site will be sold will be at the discretion of the successful purchaser.
The existing operational power stations at Dungeness and Heysham are not affected by this condition.
Will EDF still nominate Dungeness as a suitable site for new nuclear development into the Government’s strategic siting assessment.
Yes. EDF intends to nominate the Dungeness site into the Government’s Strategic Siting Assessment process, and there will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the nomination later in the year.
What restrictions apply to aircraft movements in the neighbourhood of the power station?
The Department for Transport imposes restrictions on civil aircraft movements in the UK in the neighbourhood of nuclear facilities. Details are set out in a Statutory Instrument (SI 1929/2007) published by HMSO. For Dungeness, aircraft taking off or landing at London Ashford (Lydd) Airport are not permitted to fly below 2000 feet within 1.5 nautical miles of the power stations. All other aircraft are not permitted below 2000 feet within 2 nautical miles of the power stations.
Why has British Energy lodged an objection to the planned expansion of Lydd Airport?
The risk of an aircraft crash resulting in a release of radioactivity from the existing power station is exceedingly small, but it is nevertheless a credible hazard. British Energy has objected to the planning application on the grounds that an increase in activity would increase the overall risk, albeit by a very small amount.
Why has the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (NII) come to a different view, and not raised any objections?
The NII has undertaken its own assessment of the risks posed by proposed changes in operations at Lydd Airport and come to the conclusion, after extensive consultation with experts, that there is no reason to object on safety grounds, because the risks are within the targets laid down in the NII’s Safety Assessment Principles.
What measures will be taken to protect the site from flooding or coastal erosion?
The site has been protected through active management of the coastal defences for many years. The existing practices are likely to continue, to provide protection for the existing power stations and any new development.
Will the roads to the site through Lydd be improved?
We are carrying out detailed surveys of traffic movements on key roads and junctions as part of the environmental impact assessment work. We are also in discussion with the local highways authority about this but at this stage it is too early to say whether any specific road improvements will be needed to enable new build.
Will the railway line be used to bring in bulk materials for construction?
We will be looking at a variety of transport options for construction materials including the use of the existing line which terminates close to the site access road. Our objective will be to minimise the use of road transport.
Could this line be extended all the way to the site?
An extension of the line would disturb areas which are designated as areas of special scientific interest and we don’t believe that the benefits of extending the line would justify the environmental disturbance.
Can materials be brought to the site by sea?
The option of bringing in materials and heavy loads by sea will be considered. The coast at Dungeness may make this difficult though and At this stage it is too early to say whether or not it is a practicable option.
Why is it necessary to move the 400kV sub-station, and where is it planned to move it?
The main advantage of moving the sub-station would be to make more “brown field” land available for new construction at Dungeness. We understand that National Grid are considering the option of siting any new sub-station near Lydd, near where the two routes of the two existing lines diverge. However, no decisions have been made on this.
Why can’t you use the “A” Station site for new build?
The “A” station is owned by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, and it will be many years before the site is cleared for reuse. The location of the “A” site is to the east of the “B” station and the development land and it is therefore unlikely to be feasible to use the “A” station land for any parts of the proposed new development.
What is the prospect for local employment during construction?
There will be a significant requirement for construction workers if new construction goes ahead at Dungeness. We estimate that up to 2,000 would be employed on site at the peak of construction activity, and would expect there to be opportunities for the local labour market to respond to the demand. The experience at Sizewell B, the last nuclear power station built in the UK, was that around 50% of the construction workers were recruited locally.
What can be done to reduce the light pollution from the site?
The impact of site lighting, both during construction and operation will be a factor in the environmental impact assessment and in the planning application. Lighting technology has improved over the years, and modern lights are more efficient and less prone to “light spill” than in the past. Nevertheless, it is necessary to light the site adequately to ensure a safe working environment.
