Pulrose Gas Pipeline Project
The Manx Electricity Authority (MEA) is constructing a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power station at Pulrose on the Isle of Man. The power station requires a gas supply and we will be connecting to the second Scotland to Ireland gas interconnector (SIPS2). A T-Piece will be provided in the SIPS2 pipeline with a sub-sea spur (approximately 11km) to land at Glen Mooar on the west coast of the Isle of Man from where a cross country pipeline (approximately 20km) will run to Pulrose. A pressure reduction station (PRS) will be provided at Glen Mooar to reduce pressure for transmission over land and to provide lower gas pressure for local distribution
Preliminary works are currently underway before winter sets in and pipeline installation is due to commence in April 2002. It is envisaged that all works will be complete in October 2002 when the Isle of Man will be ready to accept a supply of gas from SIPS2.
A number of contractors are involved with the project and this number is expected to increase as the project progresses. Wherever practicable local contractors have been utilised but in some cases, contractors from the mainland have been brought in for their specialised knowledge. The following represents the companies involved to date:
| Parsons Brinckerhoff | Supplying consultancy, project management and project engineering skills. |
|---|---|
| The Environment Partnership | Undertaking on-shore environmental impact assessments. |
| Metoc | Providing off-shore environmental impact assessment and spurline sub-sea survey. |
| JP Kenny | Design and consultation for sub-sea spurline |
| Savage and Chadwick | Acting as on-island planning supervisors |
| Sofregaz | Design and build of the above ground installation at Glen Mooar. |
| S Christian and Sons | Drainage and civils contractor |
| P Carey Ltd | Drainage and civils contractor |
| RGW Ltd | Drainage and civils contractor |
| P Caine Ltd | Fencing contractor |
| Dan Creer | Fencing contractor |
| Ian Kelly | Fencing contractor |
| Island Landscapes | Fencing contractor |
| Corinth Pipeworks S.A. | Fabrication of 10" steel pipeline |
| Dats | Undertaking survey and route planning work |
| Petrology | Welding consultants |
| Advantica | Independent Verification Body |
| Hyder | Survey and geotechnical investigations |
| Allen Watson | Directional drilling advisors |
Environmental issues have been given high priority on this project and MEA are committed to ensuring that the construction, commissioning and operation of the gas pipeline will be undertaken so as to minimise, wherever practicable, its impact on the environment, e.g. no pollution of local water courses, minimising disturbance to local residence and maintaining a clean and tidy site. The pipeline route has been determined following extensive surveys and the following organisations were consulted:
- Manx National Heritage
- Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
- Manx Wildlife Trust
- Manx Bird Atlas
- Manx Bat Group
On completion of the project extensive reinstatement work will be undertaken and the environment restored to its natural beauty.
The pipeline route passes through predominantly rural areas. MEA are committed to minimising the disruption to island residents during the construction works and will take necessary action to minimise noise generation wherever practicable.
Various sites along the pipeline route have been identified as being of archaological importance, particularly on Beary Mountain. During the works archaological specialists will be involved and project personnel will co-operate with these specialists.
The pipeline route also passes through areas of ecological interest and specialist advisors in conjunction with Manx Heritage, Bird Atlas, Bat Group and Wildlife Trust have been actively involved in ensuring all works will be undertaken so as to reduce its impact on local wildlife.
Many initiatives are being undertaken to encourage the local communities to have input into the project including a 2002 calendar competition. Twelve local primary schools have been approached and the children are producing drawings to be included on the calendar relating to the environment and the advantages of having an on-island gas supply.
