Seventeen groups are urging the Energy Secretary to install fish deterrents at Hinkley Point C to protect local species.
Bridgwater: Seventeen groups, including the West Country Rivers Trust, are taking action. They want the Energy Secretary to install an acoustic fish deterrent at Hinkley Point C. They also seek comprehensive measures to protect all fish species affected by the project.
This push comes after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer criticized efforts to block infrastructure projects. He specifically mentioned the opposition to the proposed fish deterrent by EDF at Hinkley Point C.
Mark Lloyd, CEO of The Rivers Trust, expressed disappointment. He felt the Prime Minister was dismissive about the need for fish deterrents at the new nuclear power station.
For more details on the petition, check this link: https://bit.ly/40QeM24.
EDF has stated that the only likely accepted mitigation option is creating a salt marsh. This would help offset the impact on 44 tonnes of fish.
A consultation on the salt marsh location was delayed earlier this month. Some local residents, including landowners and farmers, have voiced their opposition to these plans.
Four potential salt marsh locations have been suggested along the River Severn: Kingston Seymour, Arlingham, Littleton, and Rodley.
Plans for Pawlett Hams were dropped due to local opposition. Bridgwater’s MP, Sir Ashley Fox, called it a “disaster.”
EDF assures that they are working with local communities to find solutions that benefit both the environment and residents.
