Natural Resources Wales want your views on Tidal Lagoon
Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is asking for people’s views on further information submitted by the company behind the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon.
Tidal Lagoon (Swansea Bay) Plc project would see a 9.5 km long sea wall built in Swansea Bay, between the Rivers Tawe and Neath. This will generate electricity and house a visitor centre and educational and sporting facilities.
But before it can be built, the scheme will need a marine licence from NRW.
The further information submitted provides details on how the scheme could affect fish and how those effects could be monitored and offset.
Richard Siddons, Head of Technical Services for Natural Resources Wales, said:
“The Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon Development is a world first, and if we decide to issue a marine licence to allow it to go ahead, it will be the first of its kind issued by Natural Resources Wales.
“Following the conclusion of pre-submission discussions between the applicant and our advisors we have received further information regarding the potential impact to fish and have decided to advertise this information.
“We want to make an informed assessment of this application and this consultation helps us to take account of views that we might not otherwise be aware of.
“It is a particularly complex application, and we are continuing to assess the expert information we have received. Once we are satisfied that we have fully assessed all the relevant information, we will announce our decision.
“The environment is worth at least £8.8 billion to the Welsh economy every year and we believe it has the potential to generate even more if we use it sustainably and by enabling the right developments in the right places.”
The Further Information can be seen in full at Swansea Civic Centre, Neath One Stop Shop in Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre, Oystermouth Library, TLSB on King’s Road, Swansea.
The Further Information documents can also be downloaded from https://naturalresources.wales/about-us/consultations/current-consultations-marine-licences/tidal-lagoon-swansea-bay-plc-further-information-submission/?lang=en
DVD copies are available from the Marine Licensing Team, The Permitting Service, Natural Resources Wales, 29 Newport Road, Cambria House, Cardiff, CF24 0TP or e-mail: marinelicensing@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
Anyone who wishes to comment on the application should put their response in writing to the Marine Licensing Team at the above address or alternatively by email to: marinelicensing@naturalresourceswales.gov.uk
The deadline for comment submission is September 16, 2016.
