This study is designed to screen two alternative sites for cavern storage for potential environmental or socio-economic impacts, to assist in identifying the most suitable site for development. The two sites, which are the subject of this study, were selected on criteria, which were primarily technical, and economic/financial. The incorporation of more environmental and social concerns in the selection process is now taking place at this stage. This screening study is the first of two components of environmental input to the process. The second will be an impact assessment of the selected site. This study examines the environmental and social context of each site, and then identifies potential impacts based on the activities associated with construction of the oil storage facility. Emphasis is given to determining the ecological functioning of the area at each site to allow the analysis to extend to ecological determinants, rather than a simple inventory approach.
