TAQA Energy Starts Permitting Application after advice from EIA Panel

Alkmaar, 11 May 2009 – The independent Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment (‘the Commission’) today issued its advice for the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) submitted by TAQA Energy B.V. (‘TAQA Energy’) on behalf of the Bergermeer Project Consortium.  The Commission concludes that the EIR contains the information required for the Bergermeer Gas Storage project’s permitting phase.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) provides the information needed to fully assess the environmental impact before decisions are taken on infrastructure projects with possible environmental consequences.  TAQA Energy, on its own initiative, commissioned engineering firm DHV to prepare an EIA for the Bergermeer Gas Storage on behalf of the project consortium.

The Commission has reviewed the report and supplements and issued a recommendation.  The Recommendation states that the EIR contains the information required for the Bergermeer Gas Storage project’s permitting phase.  TAQA Energy will examine the Commission’s observation regarding the indirect effects on marsh marigold hay meadows and share the findings with the relevant authorities during the permitting phase.

Key conclusions from the Commission’s recommendation
• The Commission agrees that the re-pressurisation of the underground gas reservoir reduces the risk of earth tremors because the existing structure becomes more stable.
• The Commission recommends a monitoring and evaluation plan to incorporate the effect of TAQA’s proposed environmental compensation measures.
• The Commission concludes that the studies regarding noise pollution are sufficient. However, the Commission advises that the competent authority determines which noise levels are tolerable, how and where the noise levels will be monitored and to be clear on the consequences of exceeding the allowed limits.
• The Commission notes that the EIR requires additional insight into the effects on underground water flows from sheet piling surrounding the wells and, as a consequence, the indirect effects on marsh marigold hay meadows in the Netherland’s National Ecological Network. 
 
Paul van Gelder, Managing Director of TAQA Europe:  "We are pleased to enter the next stage in the project following the Commission’s advice.  We understand the environmental concerns regarding a project of this nature and have, therefore, invested a significant amount of time in a comprehensive EIR.  We want to invest in a project that benefits everyone in an area where people live and work safely without concerns, and with respect for nature”.

Following the Commission’s advice, the EIA and the related consultations have been completed.  The EIA will be used by the local municipalities, province and Ministry of Economic Affairs to assess permit applications.  Subject to obtaining the necessary permits and the final investment decision for the project, TAQA plans to commence construction of the Bergermeer Gas Storage facility in early 2010.

The Commission’s advice can be found at the Bergermeer Gas Storage website (in Dutch):  www.gasopslagbergermeer.nl
 
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