Mar 06 - ESG Urges Public Consultation On LNG
The Environmental Safety Group (ESG) says it is once again being contacted by its members, and the public alike, to make plain its position on the question of Liquid Natural Gas, (LNG), which is being considered as part of the dual fuel system for the new power station and, particularly, on the question of storage of LNG in Gibraltar.
The group would like to refer readers to a statement it issued back in May 2013, (which can be accessed here: http://www.esg-gib.net/esg-on-new-power-station-for-gibraltar/), where it spelled out its preferred technology and commented on the decision on fuel choice and location with the available information provided, such as it was.
Due to public interest and concerns the ESF would like to make its case once again by issuing the following statement:
“Our group has campaigned vociferously for a new power station. No one can argue that this is long overdue, nor that the impact from existing power plants is intolerable and that therefore action must be taken to resolve this as soon as possible.
“The North Mole location was not our first choice but we considered it to be at a greater distance from residential areas to those currently servicing Gibraltar’s electricity needs. The tender specs calling for best available technology, and highest environmental standards, also met with our clear support. However, we did not give this support unreservedly and outlined what we considered these ought to be in our May 2013 statement.
“Although the ESG has taken up the issue of LNG supply with the Ministry for the Environment at several meetings, we were still under the impression that the copious studies and assessments would be made available and that there would be time for full public consultation via the EIA process to assess these fully. As a group we have reserved our position to comment on this until such details have been made available.
“We have urged for fuel storage at the North Mole to be diesel over gas, due to the proximity to other industrial activity and residential areas. We have understood that plans were developing to create LNG storage at the Detached Mole to service the Power Station but that, this in itself, was causing problems to other Port users.
“This situation is evolving constantly, with the picture changing slightly at each page turned. The ESG has called upon Government to hold a public meeting with all technical experts and advisers present to deliver a presentation on precisely what is being planned, and to allow a question and answer session from the floor to address all legitimate concerns from the public.
“This is the biggest project Gibraltar faces right now and focus and priority need to be given for the right decision to be taken, and for completion to be the outcome.
“Time is ticking, we are now two years on from our last statement and we are very keen for this essential project not to be delayed any further than is absolutely necessary.”
