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Spanish government authorises the dismantling of gas installations near Doñana National Park
The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has given the green light to the dismantling of gas facilities located in the Doñana area. Due to the technical depletion, these sites will also require environmental restoration.
Trinity Energy Storage SL – the company that owns these facilities – requested the approval to remove all of these facilities. The company is seeking permanent closure and dismantling of eleven gas installations located in this area near Doñana Natural Park. Another proposal involves the closing of seven sections of 34-kilometre-long gas pipelines located in Huelva province and Seville.
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The environmental resolution, adopted by this ministry in Madrid, and published in the official gazette of the state (BOE), reflects the fact that the plan doesn’t require the usual assessment and evaluation as no significant negative effects are anticipated.
The dismantling of these facilities will cover an area of 43 kilometers in the direction of north-southeast between the wells that are located at the ends of each gas facility. One is in the municipality of Almonte, in the province of Huelva, and the other is in the municipality of Aznalcázar, in the province of Seville. The dismantling must be done correctly due to their proximity and ecological connectivity with the biological reserve that is Doñana.
The decommissioning task will be to permanently seal the wells using cement barriers. This will prevent any leakage of gas to the surface, or to aquifers. It also ensures the stability and integrity of the subsoil within an area with high environmental and water sensitivity.
The plan includes the demolition of all aboveground elements including filtration systems, ponds, and electrical systems. Also, the plan calls for the cleaning of underground gas pipelines as well as any traces aboveground.
The sealant process involves cutting the production tube in its first 50-150 m of depth and retrieving it, leaving the rest of the tubing in the well. There will also be a cement primary barrier installed over the perforations within the production zone. This will be followed by a secondary barrier in a higher position to cover potential failures of the primary barriers, and finally a third surface layer at the top.
After the buildings have been demolished, there are a number actions planned to return the property to its owner so it can be used for other natural purposes such as agriculture or livestock farming. The land will then be returned to its original state, including soil decompaction as well as revegetation of native species that are adapted to soil conditions in the area.
Consultations will be held with public administrations affected and interested parties in relation to the project. It will also decide whether the project should be made available to the public for comment.
