Plans to allow Pembroke Power Station to use a water cooling system "that would harm an internationally important marine wildlife site" are unlawful and must be stopped, Friends of the Earth Cymru said today.

The environmental campaigning group is urging the Environment Agency to overturn its draft decision to allow heated water from the cooling system of a gas-fired power station to be pumped into a fragile and highly protected estuary.

Friends of the Earth Cymru is also calling on Welsh Government Environment Minister John Griffiths to intervene and ‘call in’ the decision.

The surrounding Milford Haven Waterway and adjoining coastal areas have been granted one of the highest international forms of legal protection as the Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation.

In its submission to the Environment Agency’s consultation today, Friends of the Earth Cymru says the plans are unlawful because the agency failed to carry out an adequate impact assessment, which is required under the European Habitats Directive. The proposal is also strongly opposed by the Welsh Government’s environmental experts, the Countryside Council for Wales.

The ‘waste’ heat generated by the power station is the equivalent to 40 per cent of Wales’ electricity demand. Friends of the Earth Cymru is calling for the heat generated by the power station to be piped to two nearby liquid natural gas (LNG) terminals for use.

Friends of the Earth Cymru Director Gordon James said: “The damage this cooling system would cause to Pembrokeshire’s precious marine environment is completely unacceptable - if it goes ahead millions of fish and other marine species will be killed every year.

“The heat generated by this power station shouldn’t be wasted – it should be pumped to nearby liquefied natural gas terminals on the Haven where it can used to produce gas for our homes and buildings.

“Industry can exist alongside Pembrokeshire's magnificent environment - but we must use the best technology and the highest standards.”

Friends of the Earth Cymru’s legal adviser, Peter Roderick, said: “The Environment Agency’s assessment of the power station’s impact on the fragile Pembrokeshire coast is inadequate, incoherent and unlawful.

“It accepts that there will be more negative impacts on the Haven, but is trying to wriggle out of the legal consequences.

“If the Agency grants this permit, it will be a stain on its reputation in Wales for many years to come.

“Welsh Minister John Griffiths must step in to protect this precious part of Wales for future generations – if he won’t, we may have to rely on the European Commission and the courts to intervene.”

Steve Brown, Area Manager for Environment Agency Wales said: "The Pembrokeshire Marine Special Area of Conservation is one of the most important and environmentally sensitive locations in Wales and we are committed to protecting it.

"We have carried out a thorough assessment into RWE npower’s permit application. We have proposed tough standards in the draft permit to protect the environment, including the Special Area of Conservation and the complex and important wildlife habitats and species that live in and around Milford Haven.

“We believe these standards will maintain the environmental integrity of the Special Area of Conservation and comply with the Habitats Directive.

“Using combined heat and power would be the best solution for any power station. This option was thoroughly explored by the company and reviewed by our specialists, but it is not viable at this site at present. The draft permit requires RWE npower to make sure the power station is CHP ready to capitalise on any opportunities should they become available.

"We will now be considering the comments made by all consultees, including the Countryside Council for Wales and Friends of the Earth, and will take these into account before making a final decision on whether to grant the permit and any conditions that this may contain."