Nuclear plant plane crash risk calculation 'is wrong'

Dr Roberto Trotta speaks with Kentish Express

A scientist says that the nuclear regulator was wrong in failing to oppose Lydd Airport's planned expansion. Dr Roberto Trotta says that the Office for Nuclear Regulation has miscalculated the risk of planes crashing into the nearby Dungeness nuclear power stations. He said the ONR's conclusion that the chances were negligible were based on an outdated form of calculation. Dr Trotta is a lecturer in astrophysics at Imperial College London, whose work has been commissioned by development opponents Lydd Airport Action Group.

A system called the Byrne model had been used to calculate the risk. But Dr Trotta said 'Its output is insufficient for sound and informed decision making regarding the increased level of risk of a major radiological release in connection with the planned expansion of Lydd Airport.