Environmental conditions placed on S Wales pipeline STRINGENT ENVIRONMENTAL conditions have been placed on the UK's National Grid for the construction of the second phase of the pipeline connecting the new gas-import terminals at Milford Haven to the national transmission system. The 196-km pipeline will run from Felindre near Swansea to Tirley in Gloucestershire, and is one of a number of critical new gas infrastructure projects helping the UK adjust to being a net importer of gas. Announcing consent for the project, Energy Minister Lord Truscott said: "The potential impact of this project on the Brecon Beacons has been uppermost in my mind when considering this consent. My officials have applied rigorous assessment criteria and this process has been instrumental in enabling the company find a route which avoids the Blaenavon World Heritage Site and halves the length of pipeline going through the National Park. In consenting to the project I am placing stringent conditions on National Grid that will enable them to deliver the project on time but with the least possible environmental impact." Extensive and detailed consultations have taken place with the National Park Authority, the Environment Agency for Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales before the decision was taken. In addition the section through the National Park has been tested in accordance with the criteria contained in the 'Silkin Test' which exists to control major developments which will have an impact on National Parks. The three main criteria are that (i) it must be in the national interest; (ii) there is no practicable alternative to development in a National Park; and (iii) must be built in a way that minimizes detrimental effects on the environment. Consent has been granted based on rigorous conditions being placed on National Grid, which include a 10-year aftercare programme to ensure that any sensitive areas are properly restored, and measures to safeguard protected species such as otters and dormice. The main construction work on the 48-in diameter pipeline is scheduled to start later this month and it is anticipated that the pipeline will be in operation by October, although reinstatement of the land may continue after this time. The pipeline will be constructed by two contractors: the section from Felindre to Brecon is being built by Nacap Land & Marine Joint Venture, and the section from Brecon to Tirley by Murphy Pipelines Ltd