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No evidence seen of gas storage dangers
AMERICAN energy firm Canatxx insists its bid to store more than a million tonnes of gas under the Wyre countryside is safe.
And management today claimed the thousands of opponents to the controversial scheme have failed to say otherwise.
Presenting the company's closing statement to a planning inquiry, Michael Humphries QC, acting for Canatxx, said Lancashire County Council had produced an entirely negative case.
He said the witnesses produced to back up the Texan-based company's case had been experts in their fields, at the same time questioning the knowledge of County Hall's main witness on geology, Dr Garth Raybould.
Mr Humphries said: "Canatxx produced witnesses who are acknowledged experts who did not stray into giving evidence on areas outside their expertise.
"Dr Raybould, speaking for the County Council, willingly accepted in cross-examination his evidence covered several areas on which he had little or no experience at all."
Mr Humphries was critical of the case put by the County Council on issues including safety, geology and traffic.
He said: "Lancashire County Council has put forward an entirely negative case."
Canatxx insist the Preesall scheme could be built and
operated safely, dismissing the concerns of Over Wyre residents.
More than 13,000 lodged written objections to the scheme to store 1.2 million tonnes of natural gas in hollowed out salt caverns.
Mr Humphries added: "Gas will not migrate from the caverns because they will be designed so gas cannot escape.
"There is no evidence from anywhere in the world of gas having migrated from a purpose built storage caverns.
"The concerns of local residents are fundamentally misplaced and residents should be reassured that properly designed, constructed and operated gas storage caverns are extremely safe."
Canatxx still insists any safety issues can be addressed by the Health and Safety executive once permission has been granted.
The inquiry, which has lasted eight months, is due to conclude today.
A decision on the project, which will be made by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, is expected later this year.
rob.stocks@blackpoolgazette.co.uk
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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