Shell completes evidence at EPA Oral Hearing in Belmullet

Dr Malcolm Brian and Dr David Phillips outlined the marine modelling approach adopted for the Corrib Field development project in relation to assessing the concerns around the impact that the disposal of the treated water outside Broadhaven Bay may have. They stated that the modelling carried out shows that there will be no negative impact on the marine environment from the treated water which will be discharged 12.7 km from the location of the landfall and 2.5km off Erris Head.

Dr Brian, a Senior Associate Director within the Marine and Environmental section of RPS Consulting Engineers outlined details of the extensive modelling carried out to date.

His conclusion - made after analysis of the modelling was that “even if we assume that all of the effluent is carried back in an undiluted fashion into Broadhaven Bay, the volume of seawater contained within the Bay is such that it would take in excess of 30,000 years to replace it all with treated produced wastewaters”. Dr Brian went on to say that this was obviously an unrealistic scenario, given that the proposed terminal only has an expected life of only 20 years.  “However, it serves to illustrate how small the discharge volume from the proposed gas terminal is, compared to the volume of the receiving waters” he said

Dr Phillips, an independent consultant representing RSK Environmental Consultants, and an expert in the control of the contamination of marine environments with over 30 years experience in the field also gave his evidence around the impacts that the treated water will have on the marine environment.

Dr Phillips described the "belt and braces" approach to protecting the marine environment being taken by the developer, SEPIL. He noted that by virtue of the fact that the water is treated to Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) it would not, by definition, have any negative impact on the marine environment even if it was not dispersed. Dr Phillips also talked about the outfall pipeline location stating the treated water would be discharged in 68.5 metres of water thus allowing for substantial dilution. Dr Phillips also discussed the proposals for the long-term monitoring of potential impacts to the marine environment to provide full confirmation that no adverse changes to the marine environment will occur.

Dr Phillips concluded by saying that "The proposed level of onshore treatment of the contaminated wastewaters is unusually extensive, involving the attainment of the Irish Environmental Quality Standards prior to the wastewater discharge being made. On the basis of my professional experience, I consider that both the scale and detail of the overall studies completed to date comply fully with the requirements in the relevant international legislation (e.g. European Union Directive 97/11/EC; the Habitats Directive) and the corresponding national legislation in Ireland with respect to such developments. Both individual environmental impacts and possible cumulative impacts to the marine environment have been addressed adequately, in my opinion"

Phil Webb a Production Chemist in Shell UK Ltd gave a statement relating to the use and storage of chemicals at the Bellanaboy terminal. In relation to marine emissions of chemicals he stated that "Only very small quantities of applied chemicals will be released to the marine environment. The released chemicals have high biodegradability, low toxicity and low bioaccumulation potential and will have no negative impact on the marine environment". Mr Webb also described how other chemicals are contained within the terminal systems and the safeguards that are in place in the event of spillage that will prevent any accidental discharge.

Mr Webb described these safeguards as being based on "robust physical containment and an effective chemicals management system". He went on to describe the offsite chemical disposal that will involve licensed contractors with established good environmental performance and will include consideration of the fate of chemicals as part of Shell’s duty of care with respect to waste management. Mr Webb concluded by saying that "It is my opinion that all necessary aspects of chemical use at the terminal site have been planned to prevent the accidental release of chemicals to environment".