DPC approves 24 hours works for Eastside project

Approval for 24-hour marine works to the Eastside project has been granted, subject to conditions being met. 

The DPC stressed that this was not a blanket approval, with nearby residents to the site having been considered. 

Developers of the Eastside project reasoned at today's DPC meeting that approval of a 24-hour period of marine works would improve the programme and only be a variation to the current conditions where they can work up until midnight, allowing instead for 24-hours work rather than 16.

The DPC was conscious that the continuation of marine dumping outside established construction times would mean the persistence of noise for nearby residents arising from the loading and unloading of materials on land, and sea with the hopper vessel. 

Developers said that a night-time noised predicted assessment had been exercised in consideration of this which resulted in an average of 52 decibels, which is generally considered moderate.

In addition to noise, it was noted that the operation could also result in potential light overspill at night to neighbouring properties in Hassans Centenary Terraces and Catalan Bay. 

The DPC therefore approved 24-hour marine works subject to certain conditions being met including works only to the main breakwater and not extending to the northern and southern breakwaters. 

Works would also have to conclude before the start of the next bathing season and pollution to the sea closely monitored, with this approval including the wider application of coastal protection. 

Janet Howitt from the Environmental Safety Group suggested an initial trial period of a month being approved, noting environmental and residential concerns highlighted at previous meetings.

The Minister for the Environment, John Cortes, pointed out that this approval was a defacto trial period as any breaches in agreed conditions will result in works being stopped.

Minister Cortes added that the Department of the Environment had a robust monitoring system already in place, having stopped works previously when they were not satisfied with condition, including when the sieve wasn't working well resulting in plastics leaked into the sea.

He added that although these works were not liked, the sooner it was over the better.

The DPC stressed that this was not a blanket approval and can be rescinded at any time if they were not satisfied with the way things were going.