Hinkley Point C launch consultation on new saltmarsh near Bridgwater
They say it's one of a number of proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn Estuary
Last updated 4th Jan 2024
Those behind Somerset's Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant want to hear from locals - amid their plans to create more than 800 acres of saltmarsh on the River Parrett near Bridgwater.
They say it's one of a number of proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn Estuary.
The proposed site at Pawlett Hams would create new habitat for fish and animals, improve local water quality and help prevent flooding - with those behind the development saying it's one of a number of proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn estuary.
These include planting of seagrass and kelp, developing native oyster beds and removing weirs on three rivers to help migrating fish to reach their breeding grounds.
It's being developed with Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency as a natural alternative to installing an acoustic fish deterrent, which would be used to keep some fish species away from the power station’s cooling water system.
It comprises of 280 speakers that makes noise 'louder than a jumbo jet 24 hours a day for 60 years'.
They do say its impact on porpoises, seals, whales, and other species is 'unknown', though, with independent studies showing it would offer a very small potential benefit to protected fish species, but it would risk the safety of divers in the fast-flowing tides of the Bristol Channel.
Chris Fayers, Head of Environment at Hinkley Point C, said: “The new wetland would be a fantastic place for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit. Using natural and proven ways to improve the environment is better than creating sixty years of noise pollution with a system that is untested far offshore in the fast-flowing waters of the Severn.
“Hinkley Point C is one of Britain’s biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment."
Creating saltmarsh is a proven way to increase and protect biodiversity by providing breeding grounds and provide food and shelter for birds and animals.
Tidal marsh also filters and cleans water, prevents floods and locks away carbon in one of our most effective weapons in the fight against climate change.
Steart Marshes, opposite the proposed new wetland, was created nine years ago and is now teeming with birds, fish and wildlife, and is a popular place for recreation.
The proposals for habitat creation and other changes to Hinkley Point C’s design, such as alterations to the way the power station will store spent fuel, will be included in a public consultation launching on 9th January.
Hinkley Point C claim power stations have been taking cooling water from the Bristol Channel for decades with no significant impact on fish populations.
They say the new nuclear power station is still the first in the area to have any fish protection measures in place and these include a fish recovery and return system and low velocity water intakes.
Read more: Dome 'wider than St Paul's Cathedral' lifted into place at Hinkley Point C
You can find out more about the acoustic fish deterrent on the Hinkley Point C website.