Operator error was to blame for the unauthorised release of contaminated water into the Clyde from Hunterston B Power Station in November. Radioactive waste was discharged for half an hour longer than scheduled during the incident, which was immediately reported to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. Hunterston B, owned by eDF Energy, is authorised by SEPA to release aqueous radioactive waste into the Firth of Clyde. In a report presented to the Hunterston site stakeholders group, Station director Colin Weir said: “This is a normal part of our activities and the authorisation from SEPA contains many conditions. “One of these conditions specifies when the waste can be discharged. Waste should only be released within the period between one hour after high tide and one hour before low tide. This makes sure the waste is being drawn away from the shore. “In November, operator error meant the the discharge pump was left running for around half an hour longer than scheduled. This meant that it as stopped around half an hour before low tide.
Largs & Millport Weekly News 14th March 2016 read more »