Introduction
The construction of the two European Pressurised Reactors at Hinkley Point C came with a number of environmental concerns, especially the dust and noise emissions associated with the construction. At its outset we were faced with one of the largest and most complex construction sites in Europe.
Planning conditions were agreed with EDF Energy for an environmental monitoring scheme to monitor the noise, dust and particulate matter emissions around the southern boundary of the site where the nearest residential properties are located.
Four EDF Energy environmental monitoring stations record in real-time the dust within the fractions PM10, PM2.5, Total Suspended Particulate and also the noise levels. There are trigger levels set that align to the construction management plans that require actions by EDF Energy to mitigate. Where the emissions are prolonged and over certain limits it requires EDF to also notify this council.
The details of these limits can be found within conditions MS2 (Air Quality Monitoring Scheme) and also MS9 (Construction Noise) of the Order that granted development consent at Hinkley Point C (Development Consent Order, 2013). For an up-to-date record of these emissions please refer to the charts as displayed in the sections below.
The environmental monitoring schemes were intended to help minimise impacts and also help prevent complaints of dust and noise. Please also note not all the alerts are attributed to this construction site as we see many noise alerts triggered as a result of other factors (for example, birds in the morning). The emissions however are important to note against the relevant work activities as shown in the Look Ahead Report shown below.
For more detail on specific plans, you can also view the planning section of our website.
Dust (PM10)
Please note, this is EDF’s data. EDF are required to provide it to the council as part of planning requirements. You would need consent from EDF to reproduce any part or to obtain this data. It is only valid for the period as explained and for the reasons given.
Noise (dBA)
Note: This data is EDF’s who are required to provide it to the Council as part of planning requirements. Consent would be required from EDF to reproduce any part or to obtain this data. It is only valid for the period as explained and for the reasons given.