Mersey barrage scheme could cause irreparable damage

The Mersey Estuary is potentially one step closer to being irreparably damaged as developers announce they are still considering an impoundment barrage to generate tidal power on the iconic river.

In their Feasibility Study: Stage 2, published last month, Peel Energy Ltd have included a full impoundment barrage as one of two shortlisted technologies for harnessing the power of the estuary. The RSPB believes the construction of such a barrage would cause irreversible damage to the estuary and have a devastating effect on the internationally important populations of birds, and other wildlife such as salmon which have made a return to the river in recent years.

The other option, a lower head barrage, which is being considered in two locations on the Mersey, is also potentially harmful to the environment.

Peter Robertson, the RSPB’s Regional Director for Northern England, said: “Peel Energy have reached the shortlist without a thorough consideration of the environmental impacts of these technologies. It is ridiculous that some technologies were dropped for technical or financial reasons, yet none were dropped for environmental reasons, even though the Mersey Estuary is one of the most important and protected sites for wildlife in Europe.

“A full impoundment barrage would result in the loss of mudflats and saltmarsh where birds feed, and increase the risk of flooding.

“We support the need for renewable energy but believe the solution to harnessing tidal energy lies in emerging technologies that would not cause so much damage to the estuary and its wildlife.

“By pursuing a range of barrage options, it is clear that Peel have not learnt anything from the ill-fated 1980s barrage project that was shelved owing to local opposition, environmental concerns and spiralling costs. Nor have they considered sufficiently the recent shelving of the Severn barrage scheme which was dogged by environmental and flood risk problems.”

In the Stage 2 feasibility study, Peel Energy Ltd have identified a 3.5 mile stretch between New Ferry and Eastham (Wirral) and Dingle and Garston (Liverpool) as the most favourable location for both a full impoundment barrage and a lower head barrage. They are also considering the lower head barrage at a location upstream of the Ship Canal.

The public now have a chance to view the plans at a number of public exhibitions around the Mersey until 24 January 2011. These locations are available via the project website at: www.merseytidalpower.co.uk .

For more information about the RSPB’s concerns around the scheme visit: www.rspb.org.uk/ourwork/casework/

Take a good look at this and please make your views known.

Thanks.
Chris