Part 6/8:
The environmental implications of Hinkley Point C have sparked fierce debate. Concerns extend beyond nuclear waste management to the ecological impact on local aquatic life. The plant requires large quantities of water from the Bristol Channel to cool its reactors, leading to concerns over fish mortality as many organisms may be drawn into the intake system.
To mitigate these effects, EDF has proposed a fish recovery and return system, along with an acoustic deterrent to keep fish away from the intakes. However, these proposals have met with criticism, prompting EDF to suggest alternative solutions like creating new salt marshes to provide breeding grounds for various species, although this raises further issues regarding land use.