WASTE from Bradwell power station could be released into the River Blackwater for another two years, if plans get the green light.

Magnox, which runs the decommissioned power station, has applied to the Environment Agency to vary its existing permit for disposal of some waste.

The power station currently releases fuel element debris (FED) which contains broken down material left over from nuclear reactors as part of the decommissioning process.

The waste is dissolved using a nitric acid solution before being released into the estuary.

Magnox has now applied to extend the 12 month permit for a further 24 months and use a newly constructed pipe to dispose of it.

Other changes include varying how some waste is discharged and using two new pipes for radioactive aqueous waste.

A spokesman said: “Managing this waste, by reducing it in volume and making it suitable for packaging for interim storage, is an essential part of our mission to decommission the Bradwell site.

“Applying for the permits is very much business as usual to ensure we remain compliant with the rele- vant environmental requirements.

“There will be no change in our existing operation and while the applications are being processed we continue to operate within authorised discharge limits set by our independent regulators.”

The decommissioning process at Bradwell Power Station started in 2002, 40 years after it started to produce nuclear energy, and could continue until 2019.

Varrie Blowers, of Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group, raised concerns that the new pipes mean the discharge would not be diluted with sea water before end- ing up in the estuary.

She said: “BANNG’s position is that discharging radioactivity into the Blackwater estuary is unjustified, dangerous and an insult to the environment and should cease.”

China General Nuclear Power Corporation has agreed to build a nuclear plant from 2023.

Comment on the plans by November 17 by visiting http://bit.ly/2eGXoTH.