Representation by Marguerite Daw
- Date submitted
- 30 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I endorse the Relevant Representation made by Stop Sizewell C, raising my deep concerns over the development of third generation nuclear power plants on the site of our unique Suffolk Heritage Coastline. They comprehensively cover all issues under the 10 headings of Project Financing, Site Selection, Local Communities, Worker Campus, Transport and related associated development, Landscape & Heritage, Environment, Marine and Coastal processes, Economic and Social Impacts, Concerns about the Planning Statement. My huge concerns arise out of these, specifically: • The Suffolk Heritage Coast draws visitors because of its tranquil and peaceful setting and unspoilt beauty. The development of two EPR reactors will take 12 years from start of building to completion, taking up sizeable areas of the countryside, unique areas SSI and will greatly impact on some rare and protected species of wildlife that EDF cannot recreate, nor will the RSPB or other conservation organisations be able to recover. The disruption to local residents will be immense and none of EDF’s plans will decrease this whilst the plant is in construction. • Hinkley C is under construction at huge cost now, and yet I understand it is only likely to be able to provide 7% of our energy needs. Currently nuclear power from 15 plants in the UK only provide approx. 10% of our needs. The cost is too great to keep building more of these whilst we could better invest in safe, green renewable technologies. More wind, solar and other safer forms of renewable energy production are coming online with lower costs and they can be maintained/replaced on the same sites, and these could revert to their natural state should other sites need to be found. By its dangerous nature, existing sites of nuclear power plants have to stay put after decommissioning so that toxic waste and contamination is dealt with, also at great expense over huge periods of time. New plants need to be constructed on new, and in this case, very much green belt land – destroying beautiful areas of marshes, woodlands, etc. • The area relies on tourism and many visitors. I for one will be greatly deterred from wishing to visit what has always been a favourite destination for days and short breaks in Southwold and Aldeburgh. Visiting Minsmere will be questionable too. • Digital only examinations of EDF’s plans is not adequate to ensure their application is totally sound from an environmental, health and safety and welfare of the local area on all fronts, economic, environmental. Much more thorough scrutiny must take place to safeguard everyone living locally. • Historic catastrophic incidences (Chernobyl, Fukushima) clearly show the huge dangers that cannot be disregarded where radioactive materials are used in nuclear power. In the case of Chernobyl – today’s plants may be far safer on that front but the Japanese plant was well-designed and expected to handle all scenarios. EDF’s scenario planning seems wanting. Documentary programmes have also highlight near misses in Sellafield in the past. New plants will not be infallible! • All nuclear waste produced from this plant will be held on-site until at least 2140 with no long-term facilities being catered for. Sea levels, unforeseen land tremors, etc could put the whole of East Anglia in danger of a Fukushima type accident. I hope our Government will realise that with the Paris Agreement on climate change this technology is no longer the answer to our energy supply needs in the future. We cannot afford to finance this project post-Covid-19 nor want to rely on the French/Chinese sponsors either.