St Austell Bay Desalination Plant Plans Refused – For Now

People are happy about a St Austell Bay decision. South West Water (SWW) wanted a desalination plant there. The plant would turn seawater into drinking water. This was to help with Cornwall’s drought issues.

Desalination plants remove salt from seawater. After that, they treat the water. The saltwater left gets pumped back to sea. Locals feared plant damage to wildlife. Residents worried construction harmed local plants and animals.

Rare seagrass and maerl concerned them. SWW began test drilling on private land. Water would go to the plant via pipes. Many worried about environmental damage to Cornwall.

Seagrass beds and rare seahorses are in the area. Also, sewage outflows exist nearby. People feared contaminated water would be desalinated. SWW stated the plant helps with climate change.

They mentioned dry summers increase water use. Tourism increases water consumption. SWW surveyed the land and bay. SWW needed approval for test drilling from the MMO.

The MMO regulates marine activities around England and Wales. They rejected SWW’s application. The MMO said SWW’s information was not adequate. The MMO told SWW to provide more information.

They warned they might reject the plan. Ultimately, the MMO refused to proceed. This action stops the application for now. Campaigners celebrated this news.

One person called it a victory due to hard work. Another said the fight continues. SWW may try again with a new proposal. Another campaigner agreed SWW may return.

A resident stated they are delighted by the outcome. The test drilling license was refused by the MMO. This impacts the original desalination plans. The MMO wants a full environmental impact assessment.

Cornwall Council didn’t require one. The MMO received many objections to SWW’s license. People voiced their opinions to achieve this result. The local MP welcomed the MMO’s decision.

He stood with residents against desalination. He met with SWW to discuss environmental impact. He wanted other options for water security. This might not be a total defeat for SWW’s plans.

The company can revise its application. They can then resubmit it to the MMO. SWW has been asked for a statement.