Power plant could devastate local wildlife20 July 2011
An internationally important wildlife site could be devastated by plans for a power plant in west Wales.
A proposed cooling system for Pembroke power plant could be approved by the Environment Agency after a 20-day consultation ended this month.
The cooling system would pump heated and often bleached water into the nearby conservation area of Milford Haven Waterway.
Friends of the Earth Cymru Director Gordon James said:
The damage to Pembrokeshire's precious marine environment is completely unacceptable.
"Not only will it kill millions of fish, but the heat generated by this power station could instead be pumped to nearby natural gas terminals to produce gas for our homes and buildings."
The wasted energy could meet 40% of electricity demand in Wales, according to Friends of the Earth research.
Friends of the Earth Cymru says the latest plans are also unlawful.
Milford Haven Waterway and adjoining coastal areas have one of the highest international forms of legal protection as the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation.
The area is home to a range of important marine wildlife including grey seals, shads and lobsters.
It is considered fragile because of growing tourism and ships running through the waterway to the nearby port.
The Welsh Government's environmental experts, the Countryside Council for Wales, also opposes the plans.
It says there needs to be a proper study of the effect on the local environment.
Following an earlier complaint by Friends of the Earth Cymru, the environmental impact of the plant is being investigated by the European Commission.
