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Shell EP Ireland has received a written warning from the
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
over breaches of conditions regarding the construction of
its pipeline at its Corrib gas site at Aughoose, northwest
Mayo.
The letter, sent on December 22nd last, stated that future
incidents of non-compliance could result in the department
calling for 'the cessation of works until such time as
compliance with the statutory permissions can be demonstrated'.
The breaches relate to the discharge of untreated peaty water
through the natural drainage channel into Sruwaddacon Bay
and the failure to properly monitor noise levels.
Permission for the last section of the onshore pipeline was
granted by An Bord Pleanála in February 2011, subject to conditions
under section 40 of the Gas Act and commitments to an environmental
management plan.
The department’s letter, forwarded to recently appointed
managing director Michael Crothers, also complained in relation
to the 'considerable delay' in reporting the incidents,
which stymied an assessment of the implications and environmental
impact of the breaches by independent government consultants
Environ.
A Shell spokeswoman confirmed in a statement that the incident
occurred in late October after a period of extremely heavy
rainfall caused discharge of boggy water at Aughoose.
“The level of peat in this water was above the limit allowed,
but this was for a short period of time,” the statement said.
“There was no adverse environmental impact as a result of
it. The incident has been investigated and additional management
controls have been implemented to ensure there is no recurrence.”
The spokeswoman said there had been a problem with noise-monitoring
equipment, but that all the Environ recommendations had now
been fully implemented.
The Irish Times understands Shell has responded to
the department in relation to the concerns raised. The department
did not respond to written questions from The Irish Times
on the issue.
Community group Pobal Chill Chomáin said its members were
very concerned about the breaches and the company’s failure
to honour its statutory obligation to report such incidents
promptly.
Spokesman John Monaghan asked - “If Shell and [Corrib gas
partner] Statoil are either unwilling or unable to manage
a ‘relatively’ simple water run-off issue, how are
they to be trusted with the safe operation of a potentially
explosive gas pipeline and experimental valve system?”
Mr Monaghan noted this latest pollution incident at Corrib
“only reinforces the distrust of the industry in Erris and
beyond and should serve as a serious warning to the authorities
and public about the likely future conduct on oil and gas
projects in Ireland”.
Shell to Sea and Rossport Solidarity Camp members are continuing
protests by obstructing Shell contractors moving materials
to and from Aughoose.
Source - The Irish Times
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