- Date released: 11 March 2026
- Request number: FOI202602075
- Release of information under: FOIA
Information requested
Content - This request pertains strictly to Environmental Health and Public Nuisance data regarding non-nuclear, atmospheric noise emissions. The information requested concerns the discharge of non-radioactive secondary-circuit steam and its acoustic impact on the residential community of Fleetwood.
This request does not seek sensitive nuclear information (SNI), reactor core data, or security protocols. It is focused solely on verifying environmental noise timestamps to cross-reference reported community distress signals with documented industrial venting during a specific historical window.
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting access to the operational logs for Heysham 1 and Heysham 2 Power Stations for the period of Friday, August 24th, 2007, to Tuesday, August 28th, 2007.
Specifically, please provide:
- Atmospheric Steam Discharge (ASD) Logs: The exact start and end times for any planned or unplanned steam discharges or the lifting of unsilenced relief valves.
- Unplanned Transients: Records of any "reactor trips" or "transients" during this window that resulted in audible noise emissions beyond the station perimeter.
- Community Impact Notifications: Any records of notifications sent to local authorities (Wyre Council/Lancashire Police) or the LCLC regarding high-decibel noise events during this 5-day period.
- Boiler/Valve Reliability: Confirmation of any documented "valve chatter" or reliability issues with boiler closure units logged during this specific bank holiday weekend.
Please provide these records in a digital format. If the cost of searching for 2007 records is cited as a barrier, I request at minimum the "Quarterly Statement of Civil Incidents" and the "Station Director's Report to the LCLC" for the third quarter (Q3) of 2007.
Our response
Content - We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold some of the information you have requested. Please see below for a response to each your requests in turn.
Please note that information relating to individuals has been redacted from the enclosed documents as it constitutes personal data. The release of this type of information could identify an individual either directly or indirectly, and as such, any personal data that could identify another individual has been withheld under the remit of exemption s.40(2) of the FOIA.
1. Atmospheric Steam Discharge (ASD) Logs
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we do not hold the information you have requested. This information is not required for our regulatory purposes.
This information may be held by the Environment Agency (EA). EA can be contacted at the following link: Environment Agency - GOV.UK.
2. Unplanned Transients
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold the information you have requested.
The Quarter 3 2007 Local Community Liaison Council (LCLC) report notes an unplanned trip on Heysham 2. Please see the attached report, and the HSE archive web link is here: Heysham - Quarterly report July to September 2007.
3. Community Impact Notifications
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we do not hold the information you have requested. ONR does not monitor environmental noise.
4. Boiler/Valve Reliability
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we do not hold the information you have requested.
This information may be held by the relevant dutyholder. Heysham power stations can be contacted at the following link: Heysham 2 nuclear power station and visitor centre | EDF.
5. Quarter 3 2007 Quarterly Statement of Civil Incidents
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold the information you have requested. Please see the attached statement.
6. Quarter 3 2007 Local Community Liaison Council Report
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold the information you have requested. Please see the attached report.
Exemptions applied
Section 40(2) FOIA
Public Interest Test (PIT)
Include text from response letter or N/A [if no qualified exemptions or exceptions were applied]