Developers & contractors aim to reassure public that Eastside Project follows all EIA requirements

GBC has been invited to visit the Eastside Project to see for itself the measures taken to ensure the works are being carried out safely.

GBC was also shown the data collected regularly with the developers wanting to reassure the public.

The project has been the subject of recent bad press and contractors and developers wanted to prove they take their environmental responsibilities very seriously.

And to make sure that what’s underneath the mound is not contaminated – This was checked with 80 bore holes with samples taken.

Out of around 800 samples taken,10 had to be discarded.

When the material is cleaned and considered safe – it’s used for infill and reclamation – but even then, the contractors told us there was a list of mitigating measures such as silt curtains, which stops the main debris – a scavenger boat picks up what’s escaped and the company is also cleaning the beaches as an extra precaution.

Water control campaigns are carried out regularly with the data shared with the Department of the Environment, in real time, showing no negative environmental effects.

What has been of concern has been the plumes seen at sea and GBC was told this is normal when anything is put into the sea but clears up in hours.

Metocean buoys also test the turbidity and measurements have shown it's way below the acceptable levels.  

Before the project started the developers relocated limpets and spider crabs in the area.

The contractors deny claims the works are damaging the marine ecosystem.  They told GBC limpets and spider crabs had been relocated and the Environmental Impact Assessment shows there have been no mussels in the area for decades.

And the project is on track with the developer saying there are clear time lines.

It includes 120 affordable homes with TNG Global hoping to file the plans with the Development and Planning Commission soon.

The Coastal Protection works have to be completed first.

Christine Vasquez spoke to CEO Adrian Olivero.