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Air Pollution: Nuclear Power Stations

Volume 505: debated on Tuesday 2 February 2010

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change on how many occasions since 2006 air exclusion zones around licensed nuclear installations have been breached; what action was taken in each case; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the report made on each incident. (313120)

Five reports of alleged nuclear installation restricted airspace infringements have warranted investigation since 2006. These reports are summarised in the following table:

Offence

Location

Legislation reference

Description

Outcome

Closed

29 January 2006

AWE Aldermaston

AN (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2002

Low flying over a nuclear establishment

No further action. No witnesses came forward

14 March 2006

17 July 2006

AWE Burghfield

AN (Restrictions of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2002

Low flying over a nuclear establishment

Insufficient evidence to proceed

6 October 2006

23 January 2007

AWE Aldermaston

AN (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2002

Infringement and low flying over a nuclear establishment

The pilot thought to be involved in this incident was reminded of his obligations under the Air Navigation (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations

23 March 2007

21 September 2007

Springfields, nr. Preston

AN (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2002

Low flying over a nuclear establishment

Insufficient evidence to proceed

11 March 2008

5 October 2007

Dungeness power station, Kent

AN (Restriction of Flying) (Nuclear Installations) Regulations 2002

Infringement and low flying over a nuclear establishment

The pilot has been sent a warning letter

31 October 2007