Debate on NNDM6813 - Disposal of dredged materials from the Bristol Channel

Debate on NNDM6813 - Disposal of dredged materials from the Bristol Channel

NDM6813

Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

Darren Millar (Clwyd West)

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.

Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter (the London Convention, 1972)

Petitions Committee Report

 

[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