The Environment Agency is consulting on a proposal for HMNB Devonport naval base to change the way it disposes of rainwater contaminated by trace amounts of radioactivity at its Plymouth dockyard.
Image credit: HMNB Devonport
Her Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Devonport is seeking permission from the environmental regulator to change the way it disposes of trace contaminated rainwater - currently it passes through the effluent treatment plant operated by the neighbouring nuclear site, Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd.
HMNB Devonport now wants to release the rainwater directly into the River Tamar/Hamoaze, resulting in what is described as “a very minor increase in dose to the public” which will be offset by a reduction of doses to workers at the base.
Operators of nuclear sites in England must have a permit for activities involving radioactive substances from the Environment Agency.
However, as HMNB Devonport is operated by the Ministry of Defence, it does not need an environmental permit but instead has an ‘Approval’ from the agency to receive and dispose of radioactive waste as part of submarine operations and maintenance.
The MoD are not legally bound by the radioactive substances part of the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 (EPR16), but agree to apply 'the spirit' of the legislation through the Environment Agency issued 'Approval' to dispose of radioactive wastes.
The naval base now wants to vary the approval to reflect their proposed change to disposing of rainwater.
The environmental permitting process is designed to ensure sites are operated without causing significant harm to the environment and human health. The Environment Agency will consult relevant technical experts on the technical detail of the permit variation. The Agency is also seeking comments from the public before a final decision is made on whether or not to vary the permit.
Deadline to submit comments to the Environment Agency is Tuesday 27 July 2021 – click here to access the consultation online.
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