NRW seeks views on Swansea tidal lagoon scheme

Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is looking for public views on further information submitted by the company behind the Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon regarding the potential effects the project could have on the fish.

The £1.3 billion Swansea Bay Tidal Lagoon project would see a 9.5km long sea wall built in Swansea Bay, between the Rivers Tawe and Neath.

The 320MW tidal lagoon scheme would generate electricity and house a visitor centre and educational and sporting facilities.

However, Swansea Bay tidal lagoon steel needs a marine licence from the Welsh government’s body in charge of sustainable management of its natural resources, Natural Resources Wales.

NRW has therefore launched a public consultation on the further information submitted by Tidal Lagoon Power which provides details on how the scheme could affect fish and how those effects could be monitored and offset.

Richard Siddons, Head of Technical Services for Natural Resources Wales, said: “Following the conclusion of pre-submission discussions between the applicant and our advisors we have received further information regarding the potential impact to fish and have decided to advertise this information.

“We want to make an informed assessment of this application and this consultation helps us to take account of views that we might not otherwise be aware of. It is a particularly complex application, and we are continuing to assess the expert information we have received. Once we are satisfied that we have fully assessed all the relevant information, we will announce our decision.”

The further information on the project can be seen in full at Swansea Civic Centre, Neath One Stop Shop in Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre, Oystermouth Library, TLSB on King’s Road, Swansea, as well as on NRW’s website.

The deadline for comment submission is September 16, 2016.