Gas storage pipeline proposal rejected

Dec 12 2008 by Paul Mannion, Chester Chronicle

A PIPELINE stretching 58km with large caverns to store natural gas underground has been rejected.

The controversial plans for 10 gas chambers in Rudheath, near Northwich, and a 58km pipeline stretching to the Wirral also included a pumping house at East Clifton, Frodsham.

Frodsham Town Cllr Tony Hinkins said: “We were quite sceptical about the idea.

“As far as the pipeline is concerned going through Frodsham, we were not keen on having a pumping station because there are some quite detailed plans to regenerate the Weaver Estuary and its wildlife and it would have taken it in the wrong direction.

“We also weren’t happy about what it would do to the Mersey Estuary.”

King Street Energy Ltd planned to pump water from the River Mersey and use it to carve out the caverns to store 200 million cubic metres of natural gas off King Street, Rudheath.

The company also hoped to build two pipelines stretching from Northwich to Bromborough, pumping 8.6 million tonnes of salt into the Mersey Estuary over a period of seven years.

An officer’s report said two pumping stations were required to pump water in, and brine out into the estuary, and a further pumping station was needed halfway along the route at East Clifton, Frodsham.

It is expected the company will appeal the decision to the Secretary of State.