After an eight month break, Magnox has begun discharging liquid waste into the River Blackwater once again.

Magnox, which manages the Bradwell power plant site, started the discharges on March 3. 

The waste is produced in connection with fuel elements which were in the reactors to generate heat.

It contains a "trace" of radioactivity after having being treated. 

According to Magnox: “Once all of the radioactivity that it is practicable to remove has been extracted from the effluent, it is carefully monitored before being discharged within the authorised limits agreed by the Environment Agency.”

Following calls for waste not to be discharged into the river, Barry Turner, vice chairman of Blackwater Against Nuclear Group (BANNG), said: “They have carried on regardless.

“This process was supposed to be used at several sites.

“Now it will only be used at Bradwell.

“The Blackwater is basically being used with unknown consequences.”

Sailing clubs have also voiced their concerns.

See the MBS for the full story.