Marine Water and Sediment Sampling Analysis Services for Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station

Cefas is seeking a qualified supplier to deliver marine sampling, profiling, and laboratory analysis services for the BEEMS (British EDF Energy Estuarine and Marine Studies) programme, funded by NNB Generation Company (HPC) Limited. The supplier will conduct water and sediment sampling surveys in Bridgwater Bay adjacent to the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station site, with initial sampling planned for summer 2026 and potential for continued annual sampling for at least 4 years. The scope includes approximately 3 days of vessel operations (2 days for water sampling, 1 day for sediment sampling) to collect water quality samples from six stations (three near cooling water outfall heads and three near fish recovery and return outfall) over full tidal cycles, sediment samples from up to 20 stations using Day grab equipment, and complete laboratory analysis of all samples except hydrazine analysis (conducted by Cefas). Water sampling requires field measurements including conductivity, temperature, depth (CTD), salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and total residual oxidant (TRO) analysis. Sediment analysis must include trace metals, particle size analysis (PSA), and total organic carbon, performed by an MMO certified laboratory. The initial contract period is 12 months with the option to extend for up to 4 additional 12-month periods. Suppliers must submit a Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) at least one month prior to the first survey, detailing sample acquisition, storage, shipping, and laboratory analysis procedures.