**: The proposed salt marsh at Pawlett Hams near Bridgewater would benefit local wildlife and biodiversity.
EDF's Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant in Somerset, UK, is seeking advice on plans to build more than 800 acres of salt marshes on the Paret River. The proposed salt marsh in Pollithams, near Bridgewater, would create new habitat for fish and animals, improve local water quality and help prevent flooding. This is one of several proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn Estuary. These include planting seagrass and kelp, developing local oyster farms, and removing weirs on three rivers to help migratory fish reach their breeding grounds.
The scheme was developed in conjunction with the Department for Natural Resources England, the Department for Natural Resources Wales and the Environment Agency as a natural alternative to installing acoustic fish deterrents. It is proposed to introduce a deterrent measure to keep certain fish away from the cooling water system of the power station.
The creation of salt marshes is a proven way to increase and protect biodiversity. It will help the fish by providing breeding grounds and provide food and shelter for birds and animals. Tidal bogs also filter and purify water, prevent flooding, and lock in carbon. Located across from the proposed new wetland, Steart Marshes was built nine years ago and is now teeming with birds, fish, and wildlife and is a popular recreational spot.
The previously proposed acoustic fish deterrent system would use 280 speakers to emit louder noise than a large jet for 60 years 24 hours a day. Its effects on porpoises, seals, whales, and other species are unknown. Independent studies have shown that its potential benefits to protected fish are very small. It can also jeopardize the safety of divers in the fast-moving tides of the Bristol Channel.
Hinkley Point C remains the first power station in the area to have fish conservation measures in place, including fish** and return systems and low flow rate intakes. The power station has been drawing cooling water from the Bristol Channel for decades, with no significant impact on fish stocks.
Chris Fayers, Director of Environment for Hinkley Point Region C, said: "The new wetland will be a great habitat for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit. Using natural and proven methods to improve the environment is better than using untested systems to cause noise pollution for six decades in the turbulent offshore waters of the River Severn. ”
Proposals for habitat creation and other changes to Hinkley Point C's design, such as changing the way power stations store spent fuel, will be included in a public consultation beginning Jan. 9.
Hinkley Point C, when completed, will include two 1,630 MWE EPR reactors supplied by EDF. Construction began in December 2018, but the project faced delays. In May 2022, EDF confirmed after a review of the project that the plant would begin operations a year later than originally planned and that the construction cost could be £3 billion ($3.7 billion) more than originally budgeted. This puts the launch date of Unit 1 at June 2027 and the cost estimate is £25-26 billion, an increase from the previous estimate of £23 billion.