This was a ground-breaking project since the technology proposed, an open loop warming water supply to raise the temperature of liquid natural gas, had not been applied previously in the UK. Particular issues considered by CMACS included the potential effects on marine organisms of cold water discharges to the Irish Sea.  We brought together an expert team, including in-house CMACS staff and associates at Port Erin Marine Laboratory on the Isle of Man, to assess impacts for plankton, fish and benthos. We also considered possible effects on marine environmental receptors from the construction of new offshore platforms and gas pipelines and provided advice to ensure that adverse impacts would be minimised.

CMACS was also responsible for considering the significance of the development for intertidal species and habitats, marine mammals and water quality.  A particular focus of the assessment was to consider the potential for cumulative impacts with nearby Wylfa nuclear power station.