Hinkley Point 'C': a summary of the Environmental Statement

The Environmental Statement describes the potentially significant environmental effects of the proposed pressurized water reactor station at Hinkley Point in Somerset, and the ways in which the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) intends to avoid, reduce or remedy these effects. It also explains the CEGB's reasons for proposing a PWR at Hinkley Point. The Environmental Statement has been produced to inform local authorities, the public and the Secretary of State for Energy about the CEGB's proposals. The Secretary of State has to decide whether or not consent for construction of Hinkley Point 'C' power station should be given, and in reaching that decision has to consider, amongst other matters, the environmental effects of the project. This summary and the Environmental Statement also describe the CEGB's plans for developing Hinkley Point 'C. Some details are yet to be finalised and may be subject to change, but this will not affect the overall validity of the environmental analysis given in these documents. Greater detail can be found in the full Environmental Statement. (author)