Information regarding two new applications for the Bradwell B (BRB) load test site, CM0 7JB

Overview

The Environment Agency is the environmental regulator for transfer licenses to abstract (take) water, and permits for water discharge activities (WDAs). We are seeking your comments on the following two applications that we have received:

1. A new transfer license application to abstract (take) water under the Water Resources Act 1991 (as amended by the Water Act 2003). The Environment Agency is giving notice of this application in accordance with Section 37 of the Water Resources Act 1991 and Regulation 6 of the Water Resources (Abstraction and Impounding) Regulations 2006.
    
2. A new bespoke application for an environmental permit under the Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016 for a water discharge activity (WDA).

These two applications have been received from Bradwell Power Generation Company Limited for a site at

Bradwell B (BRB) load test site
Adjacent to Weymarks Farm
Bradwell on Sea
Southminster
Essex
CM0 7JB

The abstraction of groundwater is required for dewatering in order to carry out ground investigations (load testing) on the proposed development site of the Bradwell B power station.  Dewatering of groundwater will be required whilst the load testing pit is being excavated/constructed, and during load testing.  Additional quantities have been included to cover potential high rainfall events.

The water discharge activity (WDA) permit application is required for the discharge of treated trade effluent to a tributary of Weymark's Ditch. The treatment is provided via a system comprising a settlement and attenuation lagoon (incorporating a silt retention sump), oil interceptor and flow attenuation/control structure prior to discharge. The trade effluent is composed of a mixture of the abstracted groundwater (generated from the site’s load test pit excavation), direct rainfall inputs and surface water runoff.

The new water transfer licence application reference is:

• NPS/WR/033410

The new bespoke water discharge activity (WDA) environmental permit application reference is:

• EPR/RB3096WZ/A001