PUBLIC views are to be sought on plans by the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station to create more than 800 acres of saltmarsh on the River Parrett.

The proposed new wetland reserve would be at Pawlett Hams and would create more habitat for fish and animals, improve local water quality, and help prevent flooding.

It is one of a number of proposed measures to help wildlife and the environment around the Severn Estuary.

An 800-acre saltmarsh has been proposed by Hinkley Point C opposite Steart Marsh.
An 800-acre saltmarsh has been proposed by Hinkley Point C opposite Steart Marsh. (EDF)

Other proposals include planting seagrass and kelp, developing native oyster beds, and removing weirs on three rivers to help migrating fish reach their breeding grounds.

The saltmarsh plans are being developed with Natural England and the Environment Agency as a natural alternative to installing acoustic fish deterrents (AFDs).

AFDs were originally required to be installed on water intakes in the Bristol Channel to keep some fish species away from the power station’s cooling water system, but the Environment Agency recently approved a request by Hinkley C not to have to use them.

Anti-nuclear campaigners claimed that without the AFDs 11 billion fish could die over the power station’s operating lifetime.

The area where Hinkley point C wants to create a new wetland reserve.
The area where Hinkley point C wants to create a new wetland reserve. (EDF)

Now, Hinkley is proposing an alternative measure by creating the new saltmarsh, which it said was a proven way to increase and protect biodiversity.

A spokesperson said: “It will help fish by providing breeding grounds and provide food and shelter for birds and animals.

“Tidal marsh also filters and cleans water, prevents floods, and locks away carbon in one of our most effective weapons in the fight against climate change.

“Steart Marshes, opposite the proposed new wetland, was created nine years ago and is now teeming with birds, fish, and wildlife, and is a popular place for recreation.”

The spokesperson said AFDs would have used a system of 280 speakers to make a noise louder than a jumbo jet 24-hours a day for the 60-year life of the station.

A view of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station construction site.
A view of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station construction site. (EDF)

They said: “Its impact on porpoises, seals, whales, and other species is unknown.

“Independent studies showed it would offer a very small potential benefit to protected fish species.

“It would also risk the safety of divers in the fast-flowing tides of the Bristol Channel.”

Hinkley Point C will still become the first power station in the area to have any fish protection measures in place at all, including a fish recovery and return system and low velocity water intakes.

Power stations were said to have been taking cooling water from the Bristol Channel for decades without any significant impact on fish populations.

Hinkley C head of environment Chris Fayers said: “The new wetland would be a fantastic place for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit.

Cattle on salt marshes near the River Parrett.
Cattle on salt marshes near the River Parrett. (EDF)

“Using natural and proven ways to improve the environment is better than creating 60 years of noise pollution with a system that is untested far offshore in the fast-flowing waters of the Severn.

“Hinkley Point C is one of Britain’s biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment.”

The proposals for new habitat creation and other changes to Hinkley Point C’s design, such as alterations to the way the power station will store spent fuel, will be included in a public consultation to be launched on Tuesday (January 9).

More information on the consultation events will be available on the Hinkley Point C website.