Hartlepool is home to a nuclear power station. While the risk of an incident is very low, specific safety plans are in place to protect the public if one were to occur.
Nuclear power station plans and information
Under the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2019 (REPPIR), local authorities must plan for how to respond to a nuclear emergency.
As the designated lead local authority, we are responsible for creating an Off-Site Emergency Plan. This plan ensures that arrangements are in place to protect the public and the environment if a nuclear incident occurs — however unlikely.
The off-site plan is developed in partnership with:
- other local authorities
- emergency services
- health organisations
- the site operator - EDF Energy
This plan works alongside the on-site emergency plan created by the site operator.
There has never been a nuclear incident in the UK that required these plans to be activated. However, it is essential that they exist and are regularly reviewed.
Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ)
The DEPZ is an area around the power station where protective actions would be taken if an incident occurred. In Hartlepool, the DEPZ extends up to 2.7km from the site.
Residents and businesses within the DEPZ have received:
View the DEPZ Determination Report
EDF Energy, the operator of Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station, must assess the potential risks of working with ionising radiation. This includes evaluating possible consequences of a radiation emergency.
The findings are shared with us in a Consequences Report, which helps inform the DEPZ boundary.
Outline Planning Zone (OPZ)
The OPZ extends beyond the DEPZ and includes areas that may also be affected in a serious incident.
View additional information if you live or work within the OPZ.
Who to contact
If you have questions or need more information:
-
Hartlepool Borough Council Emergency Planning
emergency.planning@hartlepool.gov.uk -
EDF Energy off-site emergency planning lead
joshua.tarling@edf-energy.com