Representation by Suffolk Coastal Friends of the Earth (Suffolk Coastal Friends of the Earth)
- Date submitted
- 23 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
This project must not go ahead. In-depth studies by Friends of the Earth demonstrate that the proposed Sizewell C construction works would cause permanent damage and destruction to designated habitats and protected wildlife, both within and outside the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Mitigation and compensation offered is ill-judged and inadequate, taking little account of the special needs of rare species. * Threats to the eco-hydrology of Sizewell Marshes SSSI: Experts have confirmed that the large-scale interventions (i.e. cut-off wall, Sizewell Drain realignment and SSSI crossing) would cause significant interruption to the hydrological dynamics of the system, bringing fundamental change to critical water flow and therefore quality. This would result in major effects on the sensitive M22 fen meadow habitat, threatening the SSSI status. Options for a remedial Water Level Management Plan requiring detailed technical assessment for feasibility have not been carried out. * Loss of rare invertebrates: Sizewell Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest is cited by Natural England as being of 'exceptional interest for their invertebrate fauna'. Yet direct loss of their designated habitat would result from the building of Sizewell C. EDFE's Aldhurst Farm habitat creation is supposed to compensate for this loss. However, our research demonstrates that many of the rarer specialist species would not thrive here due to high nutrient levels in the water. *Misleading claims for Biodiversity Net Gain: Professional ecological consultants, Bioscan UK Ltd, have re-run for us the biodiversity loss/gain calculations based on the Defra 2.0 metric and used by EDF Energy in their claims for net gain. Problems with misclassification, numerical error and unjustified discounting of impacts have been identified. *Negative permanent effects of three new roads: The proposed access road to the station platform would fragment Suffolk's protected landscape, dividing the AONB completely in two and forming a wildlife barrier between Minsmere - Walberswick Ramsar, SPA, SAC, SSSI and Sizewell Marshes SSSI. In addition to direct mortality, there would be a loss of bird life of up to 30% extending to 1 km both sides of each new road, due to noise, lights and fumes. Established commuting routes of bats and other animals would be cut off and dispersal of species obstructed. * Coastal erosion and flooding: With climate change and rising seas combined with frequent storm surges and the persistent erosion of Suffolk's coastline, the expert literature demonstrates that Sizewell is not sustainable in the future as a safe and suitable site for nuclear power and long-term storage of nuclear waste. * Destruction of Suffolk Shingle Beaches County Wildlife Site: Sizewell beach would be completely dug up for new defences and a beach landing facility, destroying scarce flora and fauna. Proposals for restoration are sketchy and unconvincing. * Impacts of the cooling system on marine wildlife: Despite fish deterrent and recovery systems many tonnes of fish would be killed and the habitat of protected harbour porpoise impaired. The technology for offshore intakes is not yet sufficiently advanced to guarantee the safety of marine biota.