Name and address of MPYour name and address
Date
Dear (insert name of MP)
Tidal Lagoon in Swansea Bay
I am writing to express my concern about plans for a tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay. I support the UK’s current targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, tackle climate change and increase the proportion of overall energy generated from alternative sources. However, a development of this scale could have a major impact on biodiversity. The State of Nature report showed 60% of our wildlife is in decline. We cannot accept further loss of important habitats or species.
The Hendry Review focused on the economic viability of the lagoons and does not provide any definite views on the conservation consequences of the proposed lagoons, and yet the review is being reported as a ‘green light’ for a tidal lagoon in Swansea. Media reports claim that there is overwhelming support for a tidal lagoon in Swansea from all quarters and I want to make it clear that this is not the case. The development of renewable energy must not come at the expense of nature.
Amongst a number of potentially damaging impacts to the environment, the tidal lagoon could have a major detrimental impact on fish. Natural Resources Wales have stated that Salmon stock levels in Wales are considerably below the level considered to be sustainable, and that some sea trout stocks are similarly low and in an unsustainable condition. Their evidence shows that numbers of returning adult fish are at historic lows, and that there is a significant and worrying reduction in the number of young fish in our streams. Natural Resources Wales concluded that the tidal lagoon could have a 'major adverse effect' on migratory fish due to injury as they pass through the turbines. They estimated that 21% of salmon and 25% of sea trout, species of national importance, could be killed every year as they migrate to and from local rivers, mainly the Tawe, Neath and Afan. In light of serious concerns about the sustainability of Salmon and Sea Trout populations throughout Wales, this impact must surely be of major concern?
MPs are more involved with the national issues than the local environmental impacts, so you may like to include one or more of the following points:
The estimated costs of this first tidal lagoon are £1.3 billion and the energy costs are high. In order for it to become affordable, the company are asking for a Contract for Difference to cover a much longer time period than usual, which would pass the costs on to future generations. There are alternative ways to harness tidal power which could be far cheaper and have less impact on the environment. If the UK Government supports tidal lagoon energy to such an extent, how can alternative technologies be given fair consideration?
The Hendry Review recommended a pause between Swansea Tidal lagoon becoming operational, and any other lagoons being built. The Wildlife Trusts are recommending that this pause needs to be for 10 years, to cover two, full, fish-spawning cycles, and yet supporters of the scheme are pushing for a pause of less than 2 years. How can meaningful data about the impacts of tidal lagoons be gathered, in order to learn lessons for the future deployment of such technology, if there is not a sufficient pause?
The Hendry Review recommends that a body is set up at arms-length from government to make strategic decisions about the location of future tidal lagoons, and to ensure there is fair competition amongst potential developers. However, Tidal Lagoon Power is keen to proceed quickly with a suite of larger tidal lagoons in order to increase cost effectiveness and to build on their initial investment. How will the UK government ensure that decisions about future tidal lagoons are made in a fair way?
There are concerns expressed by Natural Resources Wales about the increased flood risk associated with a tidal lagoon in Swansea Bay. What assurances can you give me that these concerns have been properly addressed?
Our Key Asks to include in the letter:
If a tidal lagoon is built in Swansea, the development must be subject to strict monitoring and mitigation of any impacts on the marine environment. A long-term, fully funded and legally-binding mitigation and decommissioning package should be agreed, along witha robust and comprehensive research programme, to monitor its impacts.
If a tidal lagoon is built in Swansea Bay, there must be a pause of at least 10 years (covering two life cycles of the Atlantic salmon) before any further tidal lagoon development is permitted. A pause of this length will allow a fuller picture to emerge of how lagoon developments impact on the wider marine environment and how such impacts can be mitigated or off-set.
I look forward to receiving your reply in response to my concerns
Yours sincerely
(insert your name)