Press release

Radioactive waste site consultation report is published

The Environment Agency has published the responses of a public consultation regarding an application by Augean North Ltd.

Image is an aerial image showing the site at Port Clarence

The site at Port Clarence in Teesside

The application is for a Low Level Radioactive Waste Permit at their existing Port Clarence site on Teesside.

Some 2,300 people took part in the four-month consultation at the end of 2019, submitting their comments and concerns on how the development could potentially pose a risk to the environment and local communities.

The Environment Agency is now considering these in determining whether to grant the permit, taking into account information submitted by the applicant, Augean North. The operator has been asked to provide further information to support the decision process – this is expected by the end of January 2021.

Continuing to assess the application

Andrew Turner, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

We would like to thank everyone who took part in our online consultation, addressing Augean North’s Port Clarence waste site permit application. Our officers are continuing to assess the application thoroughly, and will take into account all responses received.

Although we have not yet reached a decision, we have collated the consultation responses into a report so that the public can see what has been submitted and what is being considered. This report is now available on our consultation website.

The Environment Agency’s role is to ensure that the environment and local communities are protected. This is an important issue for local residents, and we will only grant a permit if we are absolutely satisfied that the operator has everything in place to manage any risks.

The report can be found on the Environment Agency’s Citizen Space website

Published 13 October 2020