Far better not to dredge the mud

EDF intends to dump mud containing radioactive contaminants that was historically laid down in the Severn Estuary by the shameful, permitted radioactive effluent releases of the Hinkley A and B stations.

Recent construction activities have re-distributed these mud sediments through the coastal environment, picked up by the twice-yearly testing, documented in the RIFE Report (Radiation In Food and Environment).

So already the initial mud movements have increased the potential radiation risk to the public, prior to the proposed big dump EDF is pushing for. In preparation for this, EDF has stated it has recently tested the mud “for pure alpha emitting particles and tritium”.

Experts understand that EDF has not tested for small enough fragments of alpha emitters, as the testing equipment did not analyse so finely, so its claim that the mud and sediment is safe, is unfounded.

Do we trust EDF’s claims it has carried out sufficient testing? Is it saying certain particles weren’t found as it has not looked for them with equipment at a high enough sensitivity to detect the very small particles? Environmental campaigners have

recommended enhanced testing of the mud using methods that can detect the inhalable small fragment particles. Why has EDF decided there is no need to do this? The particles are liberated by the mud and silt movements, when exposed to air, along the beaches and mud flats. These dust particles can be blown up to a mile inland. Work has been done to harvest particles in the air around Hinkley by observing a car engine air filter which had been driven in that locality, revealing small alpha particles present.

These particles if breathed in can penetrate the lung wall and become lodged in tissue (Low Level Radiation, Children with Cancer report p33, www. llrc.org/PreliminaryREPORTforCw CUK26062020.pdf).

In conclusion, it would be far better not to dredge the mud and disturb the locked-in contamination of the sea bed. EDF could use an alternative water-cooling method for the nuclear reactors and so protect the Severn Estuary environment.

Jo Smoldon Bridgwater