The cooling water report SC180004 ‘Nuclear power station cooling water: protecting biota’ has been published this morning on the Government website. The link is provided below.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nuclear-power-station-cooling-waters-protecting-biota

‘Nuclear power station cooling waters: protecting biota Project summary SC180004  – Environment Agency

Introduction     This study reviewed the recent published literature on the effectiveness and UK applicability of technologies which can protect animal and plant life (biota) from large-scale cooling water systems at nuclear power stations. We will use the information from this study when permitting and regulating the cooling water systems of new nuclear power stations or other large-scale water infrastructure projects. This review updates an earlier report from 2010 (SC070015/SR3) on the cooling water options available at the time. Method The study built on previous Environment Agency work and reviewed literature from the UK and abroad. The subjects covered were:

1. Fish behavioural deterrent systems
2. Decisions on cooling water systems of other/international environmental regulators
3. Fisheries and other biota impact assessment methods
4. Cooling water intake siting
5. Intake head designs
6. Approach/escape velocity
7. Cooling water system tunnels: pressure changes
8. Forebay and screenwell designs
9. Entrainment – downstream of fine screens
10. Onshore screening including fish recovery facilities
11. Fish return launders and discharge head design
12. Fish lift pumps
13. Biofouling control
14. Monitoring and assessment protocols for fish recovery and return facilities
15. Monitoring and assessment protocols for fish deterrent.