New Forest Association against ExxonMobil CO2 pipeline plan

The New Forest Association (NFA) said the massive scheme would devastate the area, cause "industrial-scale disturbance" to biodiversity, and create potential safety hazards.

Oil giant ExxonMobil has published plans to transport CO2 from Fawley refinery to a "carbon capture" storage site beneath the English Channel.

If the scheme goes ahead, millions of tonnes of the greenhouse gas will be dumped underground instead of being released into the atmosphere.

One of the three proposed routes would send the pipeline through the New Forest National Park (Image: Tracey Crowley Photography)

Three potential routes have been put forward - one through the New Forest and two across the western side of the Isle of Wight.

READ MORE: Campaigners say construction corridor for CO2 pipeline would be width of eight-lane motorway

In a statement, the NFA said: "The project poses significant threats to the region's fragile ecosystem because of the mining activity that would be required to lay the pipeline and the building of permanent above-ground monitoring structures.

"Significant disturbance to a wide range of bird and marine life and habitats is inevitable.

"Any industrial-scale disturbance to the protected biodiversity and delicate environment, runs counter to the need to transition to clean, renewable energy sources."

ExxonMobil has published a map showing the three routes for the proposed CO2 pipeline from Fawley refinery (ExxonMobil).

The NFA, also known as Friends of the New Forest, was established in 1867 and is one of the oldest conservation groups in the world.

Members say they are particularly opposed to the 33km "mainland" route through part of the New Forest National Park.

The statement cites the "threat" to the highly-protected area and what it describes as "unknown safety implications".

"Dredging, drilling, and underwater construction could devastate forest and marine habitats, including ancient woodlands, coastal marshes and vital seagrass beds, all of which support protected species.

"Any leak or spill from the pipeline would have catastrophic consequences for the eco-systems, water quality, threatening wildlife and local agriculture and fisheries."

READ MORE: ExxonMobil unveils plan to pipe greenhouse gas from Fawley refinery to CO2 dump under the English Channel

A spokesperson for ExxonMobil said the scheme would support the regional economy, preserve high-skilled jobs, and contribute to the government’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050.

They added: ”The pipeline will be buried underground, and once it has been installed we will reinstate the land to its former state wherever possible. This includes replacing topsoil, restoring access routes and fencing, reinstating drainage, and reseeding and replanting as appropriate.

“We are committed to safeguarding the environment and careful consideration will be given to protecting habitats and wildlife.

“Carbon capture and store (CCS) is a proven and globally recognised technology, essential for reducing emissions while maintaining energy security."

The statement adds: "CO2 has been transported safely by pipeline for decades.

“As of 2023 there were approximately 5,200 miles of pipelines carrying CO2 in operation worldwide. We will be following the same proven processes for any new pipelines."

Wildlife groups have also raised 'deep concerns' about the proposed pipeline.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, together with partners RSPB, Solent Protection Society and Isle of Wight Biosphere, penned an open letter about the ecological impacts of the proposed Solent CO2 pipeline.

 Now the consultation has closed, on September 30, the organisations have publicly criticised the lack of detailed ecological assessments for all three proposed routes.

Debbie Tann MBE, CEO of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “We are deeply concerned about the absence of critical ecological data in the current consultation.

"Without clear information on the environmental impacts and proposed mitigation strategies, it is impossible for us to provide valid feedback, or to help ensure that vital wildlife habitats are not irreversibly damaged.

“All three proposed corridors include irreplaceable habitats that are home to species declining elsewhere, and the risks posed to such delicate ecosystems cannot be underestimated.

 “We understand that carbon capture technology may be required to decarbonise hard-to-reach sectors, but this must not be used as an excuse to expand fossil fuel use, and it should never come at the expense of nature."

The trust and partners are also calling for a more ambitious approach to how the project will improve the environment, referred to as biodiversity net gain. Current proposals are for a 10 per cent gain.