DETAILS on how the vast tidal lagoon planned for Swansea might affect the bay, shoreline, shipping and wildlife are being published shortly.
A month-long formal public consultation on the £650 million scheme begins on July 4.
That day will also see the publication of a preliminary environmental information report (Pier), and a separate non- technical summary.
These documents will give residents and interested parties much more to go on as the countdown to an autumn application for consent by Tidal Lagoon Swansea Bay continues.
The Pier report will summarise 14 subject areas including coastal processes, marine water quality, marine mammals, navigation, visual impact assessment and economy, tourism and recreation.
Take a virtual fly-by of the proposed lagoonOffshore development work for the lagoon will include:
Dredging works;
Around 11k of new seawall connecting to shore at two points on or close to Swansea Docks and incorporating visitor/sporting facilities;
Concrete housings containing around 16 electricity-generating turbines; and,
Electrical connections and other necessary facilities.
Onshore development includes:
Construction works: site preparation and construction works including construction laydown areas and temporary facilities;
Connection works: electricity transmission infrastructure to export the electricity generated to Baglan National Grid substation via underground cables;
Road access from Fabian Way, and from the A4217 to King's Road;
Shoreline works: gated access to the seawall with visitor facilities, plus onshore operation, control and maintenance facilities; and,
Mitigation works — works to ensure the lagoon properly fits its environment.
The lagoon could provide enough electricity for around 120,000 homes, said the company's head of planning Alex Herbert.
He added: "However, the lagoon may also affect people, communities and the environment through, for example: visual impact; restrictions to navigation in Swansea Bay; ecological, water quality, coastal processes and other environmental impacts; and increased traffic during construction and operation phases. Therefore, it is vital that local communities have opportunities to contribute to the planning process."
He urged city residents to look to take part in the consultation from July 4, which will involve a series of public exhibitions in Swansea and Port Talbot.
"We see this as a valuable opportunity to understand expectations and concerns, and for people to share local knowledge," said Mr Herbert.
He has previously said the project would generate 3,000 direct and indirect construction jobs, although an independent survey is being commissioned on this.
For exhibition details and where you can read the Pier document, visit www.tidal lagoonswanseabay.com
