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Environment
The gas in the Corrib field is composed mainly of methane, which has significant environmental benefits when compared to some other fossil fuels.
The demand for gas in Ireland is growing, due principally to its increasing use for electricity power generation. Demand for gas powered electricity generation is expected to continue to grow as other less environmentally friendly fossil fuels are phased out.
Development of Corrib Natural Gas
As a result of the screening studies, it was concluded that the preferred development scenario for the Corrib field was a subsea system tied back to a processing terminal onshore. This method of development represents the best solution in terms of safety and the environment and it is in line with the most up-to-date industry practice.
Minimising the environmental impacts of the project is an important objective for the Corrib gas field development. This is achieved by using the best available technology and the integration of environmental protection practices into the design, construction and operation of all aspects of the project.
To ensure that environmental considerations are adequately covered, Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) are prepared for all phases of the proposed development. The implementation of these plans ensures that preventative and management measures identified in the EIS are applied throughout the construction phase so as to ensure that the environmental impacts associated with the proposed development are avoided, minimized and mitigated. Prior to construction, detailed construction method statements were prepared and agreed with the appropriate authorities.
The Corrib Gas Terminal
The terminal at Bellanaboy Bridge will be operated in accordance with an environmental management system, ISO 14001 or equivalent.
Emissions from the terminal will be monitored in order to demonstrate that emissions are within stringent limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency under the terms of the Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) Licence.
The EPA, which is the competent authority in terms of Integrated Pollution Prevention Control licensing in Ireland, has confirmed that emissions from the Corrib gas terminal "will not adversely affect human health or the environment and will meet all relevant national and EU standards, when operated in accordance with the conditions of the proposed licence".
As part of the planning application for the Bellanaboy Bridge gas terminal an Environmental Impact Assessment was carried out on the basis of the Environmental Impact Statement, which was submitted to the planning authority as part of the overall planning process.
Environmental Impact Statement (PDF, 3858 KB) - opens in new window
The Corrib Gas Pipeline
A key criterion in the identification of the modified route for the onshore pipeline was the environmental impact of its location. The construction methods to be used for the onshore gas pipeline have been selected to minimise and mitigate the potential for impact of the proposed route on the receiving environment. For example it is proposed to use trenchless techniques (microtunnelling) underneath the bay, in order to minimise disturbance and reduce the potential for environmental impacts.