Providing a critical review of nuclear environmental permit applications

Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Facility - Environmental Permit Application Review

When Horizon Nuclear Power were considering a site in Wylfa Newydd, Anglesey, for a new nuclear power station with advanced boiling water reactors, they reached out to our team to help them with their radiological substances regulation (RSR) environmental permit applications.

We reviewed Horizon’s prepared documentation to determine whether they’d provided a reasonable case for determination, the value of any omissions and inclusions, and if Horizon should be pursuing an application for an environmental permit so early in the project’s development. We also considered any possible areas of potential weakness within the documentation that might cause delay in the determination process or loss of public confidence. Additionally, we assessed whether the proposed operational limits were appropriate, taking into account relevant guidance.

Overall, we checked whether the application package was internally consistent, the non-technical summary was suitable for the intended audience, and Horizon’s Forward Work Plan gave confidence in organisational development. We also provided recommendations to Horizon’s programme director for further work prior to the submission of the permit applications to Natural Resources Wales (NRW).

Through these review efforts prior to submitting their application, Horizon put their best foot forward in the process to gain regulatory approval and maintain public confidence.