Environmental Impact Assessment
and Environmental Statement

Dragon LNG has undertaken an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), leading to the production of an Environmental Statement.

As part of the environmental assessment process, consultation was undertaken with over 50 organisations, including statutory and non-statutory bodies and local interest groups.

Issues raised during consultation have been addressed in the environmental assessment process. A key concern has been safeguarding the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC. In all cases, a minimum impact philosophy has been adopted.

The Environmental Impact Assessment has been finalised and an Environmental Statement was submitted to the Pembrokeshire County Council as part the planning process.

In summary, it concluded that the proposed construction of three LNG tanks and associated infrastructure (pipeline and works to one of the existing jetties) would not have an adverse impact upon the local environment of the Milford Haven area. This is largely due to the fact that the proposed development is in keeping with the industrial usage of the northern side of the Haven and is located partly within a site that is currently being operated as a bulk liquid storage terminal by 4Gas.

The main adverse impacts associated with the development relate to the visual impact of the facility within the landscape, loss of terrestrial habitat and disturbance to some species (e.g. badgers) and noise levels during construction. Many of the adverse impacts identified in the EIA process are of a localised, temporary nature and associated with the construction phase (3 years). The main adverse construction impact relates to the direct loss of habitat and agricultural land associated with the installation of the LNG tanks. However, the nature of the habitats involved and proposed mitigation measures (landscaping of bunds) suggest that the overall impact is acceptable.

Assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed development on the internationally designated ecological interests of the Milford Haven Waterway (part of the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC) has been an important consideration in the EIA process.

Although modifications of the jetty will cause some disruption and disturbance to the marine environment, notably through increased suspended sediment and noise levels these are not considered to be significant given their temporary nature and the ecological interests present in the immediate area of the works. There will be a small loss (approximately 15m2) of seabed habitat due to the emplacement of piles for the jetty, but this is considered negligible within the context of the ecological interests of the SAC.

The construction work and installation of the facility would also generate the opportunity to re-route the Coastal Path which currently runs along part of the 4Gas perimeter.

This is seen as a beneficial impact and would create opportunities not only to mitigate for the loss of the existing route but also to increase the usage and appreciation of this section of the coastline by local people and tourists.

During its operational phase, the LNG terminal would not lead to any significant changes in local air quality or noise levels. Detailed assessment of the health and safety and risk issues associated with the facility and operation also indicate that the level of risk presented by the LNG Terminal is within the levels that the HSE considers tolerable and broadly represents an acceptable level of risk.

During the operation of an LNG terminal, atmospheric emissions are mainly combustion emissions resulting from the burning (sulphur free) natural gas. In the UK, LNG terminals are subject to regulation by the Environment agency, under a Process Authorisation granted under the Pollution Prevention and Control (England & Wales) Regulations 1999. This authorisation is only granted once the Environment Agency is satisfied that Best Available Techniques (BAT) will be employed in the operation and management of the terminal, to eliminate, minimise and render harmless any resultant emissions to the environment.