Calls for Hinkley Point C to reconsider acoustic fish deterrents
We've heard from one expert who says the proposed saltmarsh plans won't be as effective as EDF says they will be
There are calls for Hinkley Point C to reconsider its current plans to mitigate the impact of the new Somerset nuclear power station.
Under the current proposals, they've set out a plan to develop a new saltmarsh near Bridgwater - spanning more than 800 acres - which they claim will mean there won't be a need for what usually would be in place on a site like this - namely what's called an 'acoustic fish deterrent'.
These devices, which had been proposed to keep fish away from the water cooling system, are claimed to create 'noise louder than a jumbo jet', and would be in place for the next 60 years.
Instead, bosses at EDF believe the saltmarsh will instead create vital breeding grounds for animals, which will help to improve the biodiversity of the local area.
They'd also install a 'fish recovery and return system and low velocity water intakes' - which those behind the nuclear power station makes them the first in the area to have any kind of fish protection measures in place.
However, some people claim these proposals need rethinking - with the more traditional acoustic devices being 'tried and tested' for sites like Hinkley Point C.
'Fragile fish will be killed'
Lewis English from Fish Guidance Systems told Greatest Hits Radio: "The saltmarsh is a great addition, but the fish return system of Hinkley Point C power plant will pull in 200 fish a minute.
"Many of those fragile fish will be killed.
"A saltmarsh is great for other species, but as far as experts have said, won't actually help those particular fish which EDF are hoping to protect.
"As environmentalists, we love the idea of saltmarshes as environmental protections, however, it's just not an equal trade in terms of what is being proposed, compared to what has already been approved by Government.
"The Welsh Government and UK Government Inquiry believe that an acoustic fish deterrent is a necessary environmental protection.
"In the proposal, EDF have included several other things which are very good, however, I think the acoustic fish deterrent (AFD) conversation happening right now with the consultation is actually very unscientific.
"There is no good alternative - expert panels agreed AFDs are the best option, so what I ask, if things have always been done a certain way, why should they find the need to do it another way?
"At source, AFDs are very loud - but they're designed to be that way. However, because it's so far out to sea, the sound of the system at the beach level is less than a whisper in a library."
'New natural habitat is a better solution than an acoustic fish deterrent'
Chris Fayers, Head of Environment at Hinkley Point C said: “Hinkley Point C is working with Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, the Environment Agency, and other conservation bodies to develop new natural habitats to compensate for the risk of any impact on protected fish species. The proposals include creating large areas of saltmarsh, seagrass and kelp, new oyster beds and the removal of barriers in rivers. This will form part of a public consultation later this year.
“New natural habitat is a better solution than an acoustic fish deterrent which would use 280 speakers to make noise louder than a jumbo jet 24-hours a day for 60 years. The system's impact on porpoises, seals, whales, and other species is unknown. It offers a very small potential benefit to protected fish species and would also risk the safety of divers in the fast-flowing tides of the Bristol Channel.
“Power stations have been taking cooling water from the Bristol Channel for decades with no significant impact on fish populations. Hinkley Point C will be the first power station in the area to have any fish protection measures in place – including a fish recovery and return system.”
Read more about the consultation here: Hinkley Point C launch consultation on new saltmarsh near Bridgwater
You can have your say on the Hinkley Point C consultation on their website - you have until February 29.