Danger To Wildlife Sites

Aurora’s proposed drilling location is within 2km of seven protected wildlife sites and eight species protected by European or national law. In its response to Aurora’s scoping request, the National Trust expressed concerns that there could be impacts on protected wildlife areas because of changes in water level, water and air pollution or induced seismicity. National Trust

formby-red-squirrel

“At Formby the Trust cares for over 300 hectares of land, comprising a stretch of unspoilt coastline, made up of rolling sand dunes and pine woods set between the sea and Formby town. The property is a popular recreational attraction – receiving over 350,000 visitors per year. In addition to its interesting plant and bird life, Formby is also one of the last places in England where the rare red squirrel may be seen. The environmental sensitivity and importance of the area is reflected in the variety of designations which apply. Our land includes part of the Sefton Coast SSSI/SAC and Ribble & Alt estuaries Ramsar site.”

The National Trust added that there was not enough detail on potential hydrogeology or contamination to “adequately assess” the baseline condition of the internationally-important wildlife sites nearby and “…at the very least, Aurora will need to address the lack of transparency in their final Environmental Statement.”

“The greatest potential direct impacts appear to be on the protected and priority species that use the SAC/Ramsar/SSSI, if they also use the area around the Great Altcar site for over- wintering/feeding/loafing/genetic exchange/etc. These adverse impacts could be in the form of light pollution, noise, dust and/or vibration.”

See also our page about Biodiversity