Farmers slam 'crazy' plans to flood 1,500 acres to save fish from a power plant

Agriculture fears plan will sacrifice valuable farmland to 'save fish'

Farmers have slammed plans to flood 1,500 acres of farmland to save fish from a power plant. The Environment Agency (EA) is proposing to create a new reservoir in the Somerset Levels to cool the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

But farmers say the plan will sacrifice valuable farmland and damage the local economy. They also argue that the reservoir is not necessary, as the power station can be cooled using other methods.

The EA says the reservoir is needed to protect fish in the River Parrett, which is home to a number of endangered species. The power station will use water from the river to cool its reactors, and the EA says this could harm the fish.

The EA is currently conducting a public consultation on the plans. A decision on whether to proceed with the reservoir is expected to be made later this year.

Farmers' concerns

Farmers are concerned that the reservoir will flood some of the best agricultural land in the country. The Somerset Levels are a major food-producing area, and farmers say the loss of 1,500 acres of land would have a significant impact on the local economy.

They also argue that the reservoir is not necessary. The Hinkley Point C power station can be cooled using other methods, such as air cooling or cooling towers.

Farmers say the EA has not properly considered the alternatives to the reservoir. They believe that the EA is simply trying to push through the plans without giving proper consideration to the concerns of the local community.

EA's response

The EA says the reservoir is needed to protect fish in the River Parrett. The power station will use water from the river to cool its reactors, and the EA says this could harm the fish.

The EA says it has considered the alternatives to the reservoir, but it believes that the reservoir is the best option. The EA says the reservoir will be designed to minimize the impact on the local environment and economy.

The EA is currently conducting a public consultation on the plans. A decision on whether to proceed with the reservoir is expected to be made later this year.

Conclusion

The EA's plans to flood 1,500 acres of farmland to save fish from a power plant have sparked a major row between farmers and environmentalists.

Farmers say the plan will sacrifice valuable farmland and damage the local economy. They also argue that the reservoir is not necessary, as the power station can be cooled using other methods.

The EA says the reservoir is needed to protect fish in the River Parrett. The power station will use water from the river to cool its reactors, and the EA says this could harm the fish.

The EA is currently conducting a public consultation on the plans. A decision on whether to proceed with the reservoir is expected to be made later this year.