Representation by Mr Robert Steerwood
- Date submitted
- 17 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Regarding the proposed development by EDF of a twin nuclear reactor power station and spent nuclear waste storage facilities to be established at Sizewell, Suffolk (Sizewell C); I wish to register my strong concerns pertaining to the ecological, environmental, and social impact on the area as well as questioning the overall economic and structural validity of such a project. 1. The site falls within a designated 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty', plus encompassing several smaller 'Sites of Special Scientific Interest'. It is an already fragile and sensitive environment for fauna and flora much in need of protection from industrial development at a time when the natural word is generally under threat (all wildlife decimated by 60% in the last 50 years, an appalling achievement). 2. The cultural status of an ANOB encourages a respectful tourism and consequently an opportunity for jobs and businesses involved in promoting the area and it's unique qualites to thrive in an ecologically responsible way befitting 21st century ideals. This environmentally conscious way of life would be destroyed, you can't switch it off and on again. 3. The social and environmental impact of such a development would have a devastating impact on the local and wider area creating noise, light and dust pollution, carving-up the landscape and restricting traffic flow. A massive influx of workers would dominate the area, overwhelming the local populations' resources/services and generally making life hell for residents and potential visitors for years to come. 4. Questions regarding the technical issues involved in undertaking such a controversial and major civil engineering project are overwhelming; The (un)suitability of the site, the storage of spent nuclear fuel, the increased level of regular and HGV traffic during and after construction, the decommissioning and removal of moribund reactors (already a big problem), issues around water, issues around climate change,. The list seems endless. 5. Do we really need a new nuclear power station ... here or anywhere? The environmental impact of their construction is overwhelming, to call nuclear energy 'green' energy ignores this completely. Then there is the waste issue, nothing 'green' about nuclear waste storage and disposal. The cost of construction and on-going maintenance is horrendous (almost incalculable), they always vastly overrun their budgets and as a result the energy they finally produce is expensive. Where would the construction money come from??? ... and who would ultimately be responsible for and in control of these vast pieces of significant technological infrastructure ... EDF?, France?, China?, some faceless conglomerate? So much for the U.K. becoming an independent nation in control of it's own resources. Robert Steerwood.