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Biodiversity in Welsh Refinery
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| ChevronTexaco's Pembroke Refinery has developed a Biodiversity Action Plan for its operations. |
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In late 2001, ChevronTexaco's Pembroke refinery in Pembrokeshire, Wales, developed and began implementing its Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The plan was produced by ecologists from Ulster University in conjunction with the Countryside Council for Wales, a nongovernmental organization dedicated to environmental protection of the region. The refinery's BAP aligns with and supports the local community's BAP, which is required by law.
Pembroke refinery's BAP identifies the major habitats in the 1,250 acres it owns outside its main operating area, which include semi-natural grasslands, extensive hedgerow networks, a native mature oak woods and a marshland. The plan provides guidance for the company to monitor, manage and enhance the diverse range of habitats in the area. Primary activities in 2002 were:
- Skylark monitoring and protection: A survey of the grassland in 2002 identified between 14 and 18 nesting pairs of skylarks, a European bird listed on the endangered species list. The density is unusually high for this type of bird in the area, and Pembroke plans to conduct on-going monitoring to determine the overall trend. The fields where the ground-nesting skylark breeds are managed so that the birds are not disturbed until after the fledglings have left the nest.
- Habitat surveys: Students from a local school have undertaken a habitat survey of a segment of the fields to identify major plant species, items of interest and the general condition of the hedgerows. A further segment of fields is being surveyed in the summer of 2003. Ecologists also have carried out a habitat survey of one of the marshes, identifying important fauna and flora (including otters, a protected species in the U.K.). Recommendations for future work have been incorporated into the BAP.
- Woodland management: Arboreal experts prepared a woodland management plan for the next five years. Activities will include erection of stock fencing, removal of non-native trees, clearance of glades and planting of native saplings.
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| In Wales, Elevated walkways protect plant and animal habitats in the Pembroke refinery’s operating area. |
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To complement its biodiversity initiative, the Pembroke refinery also initiated an effort to remodel an existing structure on company property for use as an environmental center. The company is working with The Prince's Trust to carry out the renovation work, construct ponds and build boardwalks to provide access to the adjacent marsh. When the facility is completed, it will be used by schoolchildren as a base for carrying out environmental studies in the area.
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