By Isle of Wight Observer
Isle of Wight Councillor Nick Stuart is urging Islanders to join him in opposing plans by American oil giant, Exxon Mobil, who run the Fawley oil refinery, to route a waste CO2 pipeline across the Island.
Cllr Stuart, who represents Brighstone, Calbourne, and Shalfleet – areas earmarked as part of the proposed pipeline route – is deeply concerned about the implications of Exxon Mobil’s plans. He says the preferred route would affect approximately 10 per cent of the Island’s total surface area.
“If it goes ahead, the pipeline will cause three years of major construction, damaging the Island’s seabed ecologies, national landscapes, heritage coast, ancient woodlands, and various protected nature sites,” said Cllr Stuart. “This is particularly concerning given the Isle of Wight’s UNESCO Biosphere designation.”
He also criticised the consultation exercise. He said: “Despite a glossy public ‘consultation’ process, Exxon Mobil is not offering residents a real choice, only a say in which of the company’s predetermined pipeline routes they prefer. It is disappointing — some might call it cynical — that the pipeline consultation is timed to avoid scrutiny between council meetings and over the summer.”
He also pointed out that the Isle of Wight Council has no opportunity to influence or veto the scheme, deemed a national infrastructure project, requiring only the approval of the Secretary of State.
Cllr Stuart has started a petition against the plans, which he has been taking around his ward and also collected signatures at the Chale Show last weekend. He described the response as “overwhelming. A signatory who is also vocally opposing the plans is fellow councillor, Ian Ward.”
For more information contact Cllr Stuart by email on nick.stuart@iow.gov.uk.