Purpose

To consider the report of the Cabinet Member for Transport seeking approval for delegated decision making for Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response in relation to the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone.

Decision

(i)  To redetermine the DEPZ at a distance of 0.7km from the Southampton Operational Berth, accepting the MOD’s recommendation to reduce from 1.5km to 0.7km.

(ii)  To communicate the changes to the public through the usual 3-yearly cycle of public information review once the DEPZ is redetermined and the Reactor Emergency Plan has been reviewed (summer 2027).  Current public information set out in Appendices 3 and 4.

Reasons for the decision

1.  SCC should accept the MOD’s recommendation on the basis that REPPIR19 guidance (para 236) states that the “local authority should accept the operator’s recommendation of the minimum geographical extent of the detailed emergency planning zone”.

2.  The likelihood and impact of the risk of an off-site radiation emergency to the public have reduced with newer reactor technology, hence the reduction in distance for the DEPZ.

3.  The change to the area covered by the DEPZ affects a significant number of people who currently receive a leaflet every three years (REPPIR19 Regulation 21).  Following the update and implementation of the DEPZ and Reactor Emergency Plan this should be communicated to the public.  This can be done as part of the normal review cycle due in summer 2027 through a letter to those who no longer fall within the DEPZ (all residents and all businesses outside of the Eastern Docks).

Alternative options considered

1.  Redetermination of the DEPZ to be carried out under the Head of Emergency Planning & Business Continuity’s Officer Scheme of Delegation.

•  This is a key decision, and as such should be transparent and made by Cabinet as it affects the fundamental arrangements of the Reactor Emergency Plan.

•  It impacts residents and businesses within two wards (Bargate and Woolston)

2.  Maintain the DEPZ at 1.5km and continue to retain current arrangements as outlined in the Reactor Emergency Plan.

•  A deviation from the Consequences Report would be contradictory to MOD advice.

•  REPPIR19 states that “The local authority must determine the detailed emergency planning zone on the basis of the operator’s recommendation”.  The reputational impact for SCC taking the decision not to accept the MOD’s recommendation would be difficult to justify and evidence.

•  The workload for maintenance of the current arrangements is high and not always proportionate given the risk.  This continued high workload for an even smaller risk draws resource away from other EPRR projects that are higher risk.