We Asked, You Said, We Did

This outcome summary is available as a bilingual English/Welsh document in the 'Files' section below.

NNB Generation Company (Hinkley Point C) Limited applied to the Environment Agency to change its water discharge activity permit in December 2022.

The water discharge activity permit is a permit to discharge returned abstracted seawater from the cooling water system, fish recovery and return system, and other liquid trade effluents (including treated sewage effluent) to the Bristol Channel.

We asked for your comments during a consultation on the application from 24 January to 2 March 2023 (see Consultation), and on our proposed decision and draft permit from 25 April to 25 May 2023.

When we consulted, we explained that the consultations were not about the need for nuclear power, UK energy policy or policy relating to the siting of nuclear power stations.

During the consultations we shared information and explained our proposed decision. We emphasised that we would not make any final decisions until we had considered all relevant responses to the consultation.

We received 245 responses from organisations and members of the public

• For our consultation on the permit application, we received 50 responses
• For our consultation on the proposed decision and draft permit, we received 193 responses

All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on this page.

Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision document.

The Hinkley C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to the consultations and attended the online engagement meetings.

We have assessed the permit application, reviewed the evidence and carefully considered the responses we received from both consultations.

Our final decision is that we should grant the permit variation the operator has requested. We have added new limits and conditions in the permit to protect people and the environment.

The previous permit version (EPR/HP3228XT/V004) regulated the operational water discharge activities from Hinkley Point C – they are discharges of these non-radioactive liquid effluents:

• returned cooling water from the turbine condensers
• trade process effluents from the various plant systems (including those that maintain water purity and chemistry to keep the best operating conditions and maximise efficiency)
• treated sewage effluent (from staff welfare facilities)

The final varied permit will also now regulate the returned seawater through a fish recovery and return system.

As a result of our assessment on the impact of the fish recovery and return system discharge, we have included limits on volume, rate and the total biomass discharged from the fish recovery and return system outlet.

We have removed all conditions (or parts of conditions) relating to the acoustic fish deterrent (AFD).

We have concluded that there would be no adverse effect on the integrity of the relevant European designated sites (in relation to pollution from regulated discharges to waters) if there is no AFD in place. This includes those sites functionally linked to the Severn Estuary. The discharges will not result in the condition of relevant SSSIs deteriorating or prevent them from improving or recovering.

We have also concluded that the permit variation will not cause the current status of the water bodies to deteriorate or prevent them from achieving their objectives. 

The final varied permit includes the requirement to use an additional operating technique and an improvement condition. It also includes 2 pre-operational conditions which need Environment Agency approval before the proposed power station can be commissioned or begin to operate. These are included to make sure that NNB Generation Company (Hinkley Point C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments made in its permit variation application.

The final permit, decision document and public summary are published below and on GOV.UK

Read more about our work regulating Hinkley.

NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited applied for 3 environmental permits that it would need to operate its proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.

We consulted on the applications from July to October 2020 and on our proposed decision and draft permits from July to September 2022.

When we consulted, we explained that the consultations were not about the need for nuclear power, UK energy policy or policy relating to the siting of nuclear power stations.

During the consultations we shared information with people, explained our proposed decisions and considered the feedback we received. We emphasised that we would not make any final decisions until we had considered all relevant responses to the consultation.

We received 212 responses from organisations and members of the public:

• For our 2020 consultation on the permit applications, we received 79 consultation responses
• For our 2022 consultation on the proposed decision and draft permits, we received 133 consultation responses
• Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision documents.

All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on this page.

The Sizewell C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to their consultations.

We have assessed the 3 permit applications and considered the responses we received from both consultations.

Our final decision is that we should grant the permits for the 3 operational activities. The limits and conditions attached to the permits will make sure that people and the environment are protected from the 3 operational activities under normal operation.

• Our radioactive substances activity permit includes limits on gaseous and liquid discharges of radioactive waste. There are 16 requirements to provide additional information, which will help make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments it made in its application.
• Our combustion activity permit limits the operational hours of the generators to 500 hours a year and includes 5 pre-operational requirements and 4 improvement measures. These will help make sure that the proposed power generators are commissioned and operated according to the commitments made in the application.
• Our water discharge activity permit includes 19 pre-operational conditions which need Environment Agency approval before the proposed power station can be commissioned or begin to operate. This is to make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments made in its permit application.

The final decision documents, published here, explain the reasons for our decision.

NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited applied for 3 environmental permits that it would need to operate its proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.

We consulted on the applications from July to October 2020 and on our proposed decision and draft permits from July to September 2022.

When we consulted, we explained that the consultations were not about the need for nuclear power, UK energy policy or policy relating to the siting of nuclear power stations.

During the consultations we shared information with people, explained our proposed decisions and considered the feedback we received. We emphasised that we would not make any final decisions until we had considered all relevant responses to the consultation.

We received 212 responses from organisations and members of the public:

• For our 2020 consultation on the permit applications, we received 79 consultation responses
• For our 2022 consultation on the proposed decision and draft permits, we received 133 consultation responses
• Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision documents.

All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on this page.

The Sizewell C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to their consultations.

We have assessed the 3 permit applications and considered the responses we received from both consultations.

Our final decision is that we should grant the permits for the 3 operational activities. The limits and conditions attached to the permits will make sure that people and the environment are protected from the 3 operational activities under normal operation.

• Our radioactive substances activity permit includes limits on gaseous and liquid discharges of radioactive waste. There are 16 requirements to provide additional information, which will help make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments it made in its application.
• Our combustion activity permit limits the operational hours of the generators to 500 hours a year and includes 5 pre-operational requirements and 4 improvement measures. These will help make sure that the proposed power generators are commissioned and operated according to the commitments made in the application.
• Our water discharge activity permit includes 19 pre-operational conditions which need Environment Agency approval before the proposed power station can be commissioned or begin to operate. This is to make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments made in its permit application.

The final decision documents, published here, explain the reasons for our decision

NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited applied for 3 environmental permits that it would need to operate its proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.

We consulted on the applications from July to October 2020 and on our proposed decision and draft permits from July to September 2022.

When we consulted, we explained that the consultations were not about the need for nuclear power, UK energy policy or policy relating to the siting of nuclear power stations.

During the consultations we shared information with people, explained our proposed decisions and considered the feedback we received. We emphasised that we would not make any final decisions until we had considered all relevant responses to the consultation.

We received 212 responses from organisations and members of the public:

• For our 2020 consultation on the permit applications, we received 79 consultation responses
• For our 2022 consultation on the proposed decision and draft permits, we received 133 consultation responses
• Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision documents.

All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on this page.

The Sizewell C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to their consultations.

We have assessed the 3 permit applications and considered the responses we received from both consultations.

Our final decision is that we should grant the permits for the 3 operational activities. The limits and conditions attached to the permits will make sure that people and the environment are protected from the 3 operational activities under normal operation.

• Our radioactive substances activity permit includes limits on gaseous and liquid discharges of radioactive waste. There are 16 requirements to provide additional information, which will help make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments it made in its application.
• Our combustion activity permit limits the operational hours of the generators to 500 hours a year and includes 5 pre-operational requirements and 4 improvement measures. These will help make sure that the proposed power generators are commissioned and operated according to the commitments made in the application.
• Our water discharge activity permit includes 19 pre-operational conditions which need Environment Agency approval before the proposed power station can be commissioned or begin to operate. This is to make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments made in its permit application.

The final decision documents, published here, explain the reasons for our decision

NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited applied for 3 environmental permits that it would need to operate its proposed new nuclear power station at Sizewell, Suffolk.

We consulted on the applications from July to October 2020 and on our proposed decision and draft permits from July to September 2022.

When we consulted, we explained that the consultations were not about the need for nuclear power, UK energy policy or policy relating to the siting of nuclear power stations.

During the consultations we shared information with people, explained our proposed decisions and considered the feedback we received. We emphasised that we would not make any final decisions until we had considered all relevant responses to the consultation.

We received 212 responses from organisations and members of the public:

• For our 2020 consultation on the permit applications, we received 79 consultation responses
• For our 2022 consultation on the proposed decision and draft permits, we received 133 consultation responses
• Information about which organisations responded and how each response has been considered is included in our final decision documents.

All responses to our consultation (if the respondent gave permission) are published on this page.

The Sizewell C project team would like to thank everyone who responded to their consultations.

We have assessed the 3 permit applications and considered the responses we received from both consultations.

Our final decision is that we should grant the permits for the 3 operational activities. The limits and conditions attached to the permits will make sure that people and the environment are protected from the 3 operational activities under normal operation.

• Our radioactive substances activity permit includes limits on gaseous and liquid discharges of radioactive waste. There are 16 requirements to provide additional information, which will help make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments it made in its application.
• Our combustion activity permit limits the operational hours of the generators to 500 hours a year and includes 5 pre-operational requirements and 4 improvement measures. These will help make sure that the proposed power generators are commissioned and operated according to the commitments made in the application.
• Our water discharge activity permit includes 19 pre-operational conditions which need Environment Agency approval before the proposed power station can be commissioned or begin to operate. This is to make sure that NNB Generation Company (Sizewell C) Limited builds and operates the proposed power station according to the commitments made in its permit application.

On 12 December 2022 the Environment Agency published updated  flood risk management plans (FRMPs)  for England to cover the period from 2021 - 2027.  

FRMPs set out how organisations, stakeholders and communities will work together to manage flood risk in England. 

They are strategic plans that set out how to manage flood risk in nationally identified flood risk areas (FRAs) for the period 2021-2027, and are statutory plans required by the Flood Risk Regulations 2009. 

We have worked together with Lead Local Flood Authorities (LLFAs) and risk management authorities (RMAs) to produce the latest plans and a public consultation of the draft plans was held between October 2021 and January 2022. 

We received 255 responses in total to the consultation. The main themes you raised were: 

• Partnerships – the value of working in partnership to plan and deliver flood risk management solutions. 

• Engagement – the value of engagement and working in partnership with all organisations and government departments. 

• Nature-based solutions – support for the implementation of nature-based solutions, including natural flood management techniques, so more biodiversity and environmental benefits can be delivered across the flood and water environment. 

• Catchment-based approach – support for and a greater emphasis on this for flood risk management. 

• Alignment - the need to align with other plans and strategies so delivery is effective, for example, local nature recovery strategies, and shoreline management plans. 

• Land management – the need to consider all land uses, when assessing and managing flood risk, including the benefits of agricultural land. 

• Climate change and adaptation – the importance of working together across all organisations to adapt and having better information on factors such as the carbon footprint of the measures. 

• Funding – the need to identify funding and resources for the timely delivery of measures. 

• Readability – the ability to find information in the plans and within flood plan explorer. 

On 18 May 2022 we published a summary of responses. 

Responses received were analysed to identify actions to take as result of the consultation, and implement any changes needed in the FRMPs and to the associated Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA). We have also published the Habitats Regulations Assessment and the SEA Statement of Environmental Particulars.

The consultation feedback was compiled in two documents:

• a summary of responses, published on 18 May 2022
• a ‘You said we did’ document, published on 12 December 2022.

The ‘You said, we did’ document explains how the feedback received from the consultation on the draft FRMPs was integrated into the final FRMPs. It builds on the summary of responses document published in May 2022 and describes the work that the Environment Agency and other risk management authorities are committing to undertake until 2027.

We asked you to give your views on:

• proposals for a revised boat registration charging framework
• a 3 year charging plan for 2022 to 2024
• proposals for new registration requirements for business boats
• potential future changes that may affect these customers

Your responses showed us:

• good support for the majority of our framework proposals
• strong opposition to the introduction of an area-based charge
• the current service is poor and does not meet your expectations
• opposition to our proposed charge increases over the 3 years of the scheme
• very good support for our proposals for new registration requirements for business boats
• valuable feedback and support for the topics raised in the forward look section

We have reflected on your feedback and amended our proposals to create the following actions:

• we will implement many elements of the charge framework as proposed and consulted including:
  • charging for unpowered open boats
  • concessionary charges for not-for-profit organisations and charities
  • simplified charges for tenders and introducing charges on the Medway Navigation
  • common charging for event registrations
  • charges for workboats and tugs
  • the approach for short period registrations, refunds and part year registrations
  • exemptions from charging for certain classification of boats
  • arrangements for boating trade
  • other charges
  • charges for business boats
• we will not implement the area-based charge on any of the waterways, we will keep the current charge mechanisms for powered and unpowered enclosed boats
• we will increase charges by 4% in 2022, 4% in 2023 and 2% in 2024

Our revised approach provides a much improved and consistent charging framework and will help to secure the necessary funds to cover the increasing cost of operating our waterways over the next 3 years. 

You can find our full summary of your responses in our consultation response document at consultation response documents.
We have also prepared the 2022 boat charging scheme for all waterways which you can find at national navigation (boat registration) charging schemes.

If you have any questions regarding our summary, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk or call us on 03708 506 506 (Mon to Fri 8 to 6).

Thank you for taking part in our consultation.

We asked for your opinions and comments on the potential options to extend the beach netting fishing for sea trout in Yorkshire and the North East.

We received 562 online responses to the consultation. 93% opposed an extension of the current netting season and 7% were in favour.

Having reviewed the evidence and all consultation responses we find it is not appropriate to recommend an extension to the sea trout netting season at this time. 

The consultation on the application to accept low level radioactive wastes at the Port Clarence landfill site took place from 20 September 2019 to 31 January 2020. It provided the opportunity for the public, professional bodies and stakeholders, to provide comments on the application.

We have received 2329 responses to the consultation from various stakeholders. There were only 13 responses in support of the application. The responses included various comments and questions which have been summarised in the Summary of consultation responses document which can be found below.

We are currently assessing the application and the consultation responses will be considered as part of this assessment. We expect a decision on the application to be made in 2021 and will run a new consultation at that stage.

Given interest in the river coarse fish close season, the Environment Agency ran a public consultation from 14 January 2019 for 12 weeks to gather any further evidence to help determine if there was a case for changing the byelaw and to understand stakeholder concerns around three options: to retain, amend or remove the close season.

The consultation generated 13,680 responses.

No additional substantive evidence emerged from the consultation. Fifty percent of respondents support removing the close season; 39% support retaining the current close season; and 9% support retaining a close season, but with different dates (four weeks later and two weeks shorter). Those national representative organisations that responded, along with Natural England, supported retaining the close season (The Angling Trust responded, but adopted a neutral position).

Please read the full report on the consultation feedback by clicking on the link below.

Coarse fishing close season on English rivers - public consultation report - Dec 2019, 2.1 MB (PDF document)

The Environment Agency will retain the coarse fishing close season on English rivers.

The existing evidence indicates that removing the close season would pose risk to at least some coarse fish species in some locations.

The Environment Agency will continue to consider new information on the close season as and when it becomes available.