Ammonia leak forces closure of beach near Sizewell B

EDF Energy says the beach near the Sizewell nuclear power station has re-opened after being closed for several hours today following an ammonia leak.Ammonia is used to regulate the pH of water in the power station.

EDF says that a small amount of ammonia leaked from a storage tank and the beach area was closed off as a safety precaution. Ammonia fumes have a very strong smell.

The beach has now re-opened following the incident at lunchtime.

EDF has informed both the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency.

The Sizewell B nuclear reactor is currently offline for routine maintenance and refuelling.