TAP News July 2008
Project Update
June 17th was an important milestone for the project. The flow of water in the Angiddy dropped to 83 litres per second which is the minimum residual flow that is likely to be approved by the Environment Agency. This is the first time since starting flow measurements in October 2007 that it has been possible to appreciate visibly what 83 litres per second means. There was still a healthy flow in the brook.
At this level the project would stop producing electricity. This fits closely with the prediction that the scheme could achieve full extraction/power for 45% of the year, a depleted extraction/power for 42% of the year and no extraction/power for 13% of the year, whilst leaving an adequate residual flow in the Angiddy.
Rain since the 17th June has increased the flow rate but it is expected to fall below 83 litres per second for several weeks in the July and August. Regular measurements will be maintained.
During the month of June the dormouse and bat surveys were completed. These surveys were carried out to assess the likely impact of the scheme. Reports will be issued in early July.
The next survey being planned is for the presence of crayfish. This will be done in July.
Archaeological consultations are still on-going, as are the consultations within the Environment Agency. Permissions and licences are unlikely to be granted until August or September.
The surveys to support the Planning Application and Environment Agency licence applications will continue over the coming months. They are mostly concerned with ecological / environmental issues, although some archaeological questions remain to be resolved in the area of the ancient furnace site. The recent tree survey, carried out by Broadway Tree Consultancy, has indicated that 100 trees along the route of the proposed pipe route should be felled.
Please help
Letters in support of the Project could be helpful to the success of the Planning Application. The Planning Application can be viewed by clicking here. and then entering 1452 in the Application Number field in the window that next opens, then clicking the "Search" button.. Finally, under the heading "Case File", click on the box marked "Comment on application" to enter your comments.
Alternatively, you may write to Monmouthshire County Council, Planning Department at County Hall, Cwmbran NP44 2XH. Quoting the reference number 2007 / 01452
Norman Williams
Marketing & Publicity Director
Tintern Angiddy Project Ltd
Telephone: 01291 680016
E Mail: info@tapenergy.org