Environmental groups are gathering signatures for a petition to protect the Severn Estuary from Hinkley Point C’s water intakes
Bristol: Environmental groups are on a mission. They want to protect the Severn Estuary from the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. The groups are worried about the impact of water intakes on local ecosystems.
They’re asking people to sign a petition. This petition urges the government to hold EDF accountable for protecting the estuary. The Severn Estuary is a crucial nature conservation site in the UK.
Hinkley Point C plans to take in a lot of cooling water. It’s about the same as three Olympic swimming pools every minute. This is concerning because the estuary is an internationally protected habitat.
The intake pipes are huge, about the size of six double-decker buses. EDF must install acoustic fish deterrents to stop fish from being sucked in. However, they haven’t done this yet.
Instead, EDF proposed a compensation package. Campaigners say it’s not enough. They want real protections for the fish and the ecosystem.
Simon Hunter from the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust emphasizes the importance of the estuary. He says it’s irreplaceable and EDF must protect it. He believes the power station is necessary but not at the cost of biodiversity.
Mark Lloyd, another trust chief, expressed disappointment. He feels the Prime Minister dismissed the need for fish deterrents. He warns that the estuary is vital for fish nurseries, and neglecting it could harm marine fisheries.
Both trusts support the petition, along with other organizations like the Angling Trust and Wildlife and Countryside Link. They all want EDF to take action.
EDF responded, stating they have built environmental protections into Hinkley Point C. They claim it’s the first power station in the Severn with fish protection measures.
They are working on solutions to balance community needs and environmental protection. EDF is also exploring new technologies to further safeguard fish in the estuary.
