Devonport Dockyard plan to dispose radioactive rainwater directly into River Tamar
The Environment Agency say it will result in a "very minor increase" in dose to the public
Radioactive rainwater could be poured into the River Tamar.
Devonport Dockyard is trying to get permission to do so, instead of passing it through its effluent treatment plant.
The Environment Agency say it will result in a "very minor increase" in dose to the public.
They are now asking for people's opinion on the proposed changes.
"Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport wishes to change the way it disposes of trace contaminated rainwater. At present it passes through the effluent treatment plant operated by the neighbouring nuclear site, Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd.
"HMNB Devonport now wants to release the rainwater directly into the River Tamar/Hamoaze. This will result in a very minor increase in dose to the public – equal to less than five minutes of the average annual background radiation dose in the UK.
"Operators of nuclear sites in England must have a permit for activities involving radioactive substances from the Environment Agency. As HMNB Devonport is operated by the Ministry of Defence, it does not need an environmental permit but instead has an ‘Approval’ from the agency to receive and dispose of radioactive waste as part of submarine operations and maintenance. The operator now wishes to vary this approval to reflect their proposed change to disposing of rainwater.
"The environmental permitting process is designed to ensure sites are operated without causing significant harm to the environment and human health.
"The Environment Agency will consult relevant technical experts on the technical detail of the permit variation and invite comments from the public before a decision is made on whether or not to vary the permit."
If you would like to send your comments to the Environment Agency, you have until Tuesday 27 July 2021 to do so.