Frequently Asked Questions - Environment

What considerations has Canatxx given to the environment?

Much of the Preesall land owned by Canatxx is either farmed or used for recreation, including rambling, fishing and shooting. It is Canatxx's intention to continue to maintain and enhance the rural nature of the land.

A statutory part of the planning process is to produce an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). We welcome the opportunity to prove we are responsible members of the community who will look after and maintain the natural environment. An EIA will ensure the significant environmental effects of a proposed development are fully understood, and these effects must be taken into account before the development is allowed to go ahead.

Will the Site of Special Scientific Interest be affected?

Proven slant hole drilling technology will be used for the salt caverns to ensure the SSSI is not disturbed and cause minimal interruption to users of the Wyre Way with the well heads located well away from the foot path.

What kind of emissions will be produced from the facility?

During the construction phase emissions may include noise, dust, and light. Information relating to these will be covered in the EIA.²³ Any emissions from the permanent facility will require permission from the Environment Agency.

Will there be an increase in transport levels to the site, and will this continue post construction?

Transport levels to the site are likely to increase in the short term, as equipment is brought to the site for processes such as the drilling of boreholes, or laying of pipelines for example. Normal post construction transport levels will be low and mainly limited to the small number of permanent staff.

Acceptable access routes to construction sites will be agreed with the local highway authority in advance of the start of works. ²⁴

What about the impact of brine extraction in relation to salt cavity storage?

Brine extracted during the leaching of salt caverns can be a useful by-product of gas storage in some cases. Unfortunately in Preesall we have not identified significant economic options to use the brine.

Will they have a visual or any other impact?

This type of development benefits from the fact that gas is stored underground, so the visual impact is largely limited to any above ground installations that are required for the operation of a site. ²⁵

We understand that the visual impact of a site is often a key concern of local people. We have worked to minimise the visual impact of the small amount of infrastructure needed.

23 - DBRR “Gas Storage in your Area - Your Questions Answered” July 2007 http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file40536.pdf

24 - DBRR “Gas Storage in your Area - Your Questions Answered” July 2007 http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file40536.pdf

25 - DBRR “Gas Storage in your Area - Your Questions Answered” July 2007 http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file40536.pdf