Lewes MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Norman Baker has today expressed regret over a proposed desalination plant at Newhaven.
The desalination plant project, proposed by South East Water as part of their future water resource plans, has been brought forward following the record breaking nine month dry spell last year when rainfall was well below average. The plant, measuring 15mx15m would be located on the beach side of Newhaven port.
Commenting on this Norman says:
"Although the construction of the desalination plant is an understandable precaution for South East Water to take in light of global warming, lower rainfall and an expected increase in demand, I do regret the need for such a project.
"Desalinating water is by no means a cheap option, particularly in the South East where demand for water is great. It is also environmentally harmful. Desalination requires large amounts of energy, most of which will no doubt come from carbon emitting sources, and can also produce a briney discharge that is harmful to sea life.
"Indeed, the need for desalination plants here in the South East strikes me as an unfortunate illustration of John Prescott's lack of environmental awareness. When he decided to dump most new housing in the South East of the country, where the demand for water is highest and the supply lowest, he increased the need for expensive and environmentally harmful projects like this desalination plant that might otherwise not have been necessary."
|Home
Contact Norman at:
Norman Baker,
23 East Street,
Lewes,
East Sussex,
BN7 2LJ.
Tel: (01273) 480281.
Fax: (01273) 480287.
Email: info
Printed and hosted by Pipex Communications UK Ltd, Humber Buildings, Humber Rd, Beeston, Notts, NG9 2ET. Published and promoted by Norman Baker MP, House of Commons, Westminster, London SW1A 1AA. The views expressed are those of Norman Baker, not of the service provider.
