Debate on NNDM6813 - Disposal of dredged materials from the Bristol Channel
Debate on NNDM6813 - Disposal of dredged materials from the Bristol Channel
To
propose that the National Assembly for Wales:
1.
Notes the widespread public concerns in relation to the disposal of dredged
materials from the Bristol Channel to locations off the coast of south Wales,
relating to the construction of a new power station at Hinkley.
2.
Calls upon the Welsh Government to:
a)
publish more detailed evidence in response to concerns regarding risks to
public health and the environment, including allowing for further testing in
order to provide greater transparency; and
b)
instruct Natural Resources Wales to suspend the marine licence that enables the
disposal activity and undertake a wide-ranging programme of engagement and
consultation with local communities and stakeholders across south Wales.
The
following amendments have been tabled:
Amendment
1 - Julie
James (Swansea West)
Delete
all after point 1 and replace with:
2.
Notes:
a) under
the terms of the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of
Wastes and Other Matter (the London Convention, 1972), to which the UK is a
signatory, only materials with de minimis levels of radioactivity may be
considered for disposal to sea;
b) the
conservative generic radiological assessment, developed by the International
Atomic Energy Agency, is the internationally agreed method for testing for de
minimis levels of radioactivity and this method was used in the determination
of the Hinkley marine licence;
c) the
evidence within the National Assembly Petitions Committee report that Natural
Resources Wales made its marine licence determination based on expert advice,
in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency procedures for
radiological assessments;
d) all
tests and assessments concluded the sediment to be disposed of is within safe
limits, poses no radiological risk to human health or the environment, and is
safe and suitable to be disposed of at sea.
3.
Calls on the Welsh Government to instruct Natural Resources Wales to carry out
further public engagement to explain the process and evidence to reassure the
public.
[If
amendment 1 is agreed, amendment 2 will be de-selected]
Amendment
2 - Neil
McEvoy (South Wales Central)
In
point 2, add as new sub-points:
take
into account the information provided by Emeritus Professor Keith Barnham
regarding cooling pond accidents at Hinkley Point A in the 1960s; and
instruct
Natural Resources Wales to carry out a full environmental impact assessment on
the effect on the Welsh coast, the coastal population and Welsh marine
environment of the dumping of sediment from Hinkley in the Cardiff Grounds.
Professor
Keith Barnham, 'New evidence of the need to test Hinkley Point sediments for
Uranium and Plutonium' - copy placed in the Members' Library.
Business type: Debate
Reason considered: Senedd Business;
Status: Complete
First published: 10/06/2021
Decision due: 10 Oct 2018 by Plenary - Fifth Senedd
Lead member: Rhun ap Iorwerth MS, Darren Millar MS