Park to rule on LNG (From Western Telegraph)

Park to rule on LNG

The contentious proposals for an LNG (Liquified Natural Gas) terminal on the former Esso site at Milford Haven comes before National Park planners again today (Wednesday).

Officers' recommendation is that plans for the reception storage area and gasification of LNG should be given approval with conditions relating to time scale, materials, landscaping, security fencing, lighting, highway and infrastructure requirements.

A hazardous substances application is also being made by the South Hook LNG project sponsors. A verbal report on this will be given to members.

Friends of the Earth Cymru say the two proposed LNG terminals on the haven would 'pose an unacceptable threat to the local population and should be called in by the National Assembly'.

The message has been given to the Assembly's planning minster Carwyn Jones, in a letter written on the day that Prime Minister Tony Blair gave a stark warning of the continuing threat posed by terrorists.

The campaigning organisation points to recent recommendations from the USA that terminals should be sited away from populated areas because of the particular hazards posed by this fuel. A tanker fire, which could be caused by a collision in the narrow waterway or by terrorist activity could result in a 'pool' fire that could cause second-degree burns at a distance of two miles.

FoE Cymru has also written to local Assembly members Christine Gwyther and Tamsin Dunwoody-Kneafsey, to ask them to support their request for the proposals to be called in.