Government says 'no traces of asbestos' in Eastside rubble mountain in tests carried out

The Government has confirmed that tests carried out by the Eastside Developers have found no trace of asbestos in the rubble mountain.

It says the works are being closely monitored, and that additional testing will be carried out if necessary.

This was in response to questions from GBC, following allegations made by members of the Catalan Bay Senior Committee.

The Catalan Bay Senior Committee alleges the reclamation rubble contains contaminated materials, claiming that officials have confirmed the presence of asbestos. 

But, in answer to GBC questions, the Government says tests were carried out by the developer as part of their scope of works but that, to date, no trace has been found - although close monitoring continues.

The Committee claimed that no independent Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), including subsoil and ecosystem studies, had been conducted.

However, The Government clarified that the responsibility for carrying out an EIA using qualified experts lies with the developers. It notes that these assessments are reviewed by statutory consultants, who then report their findings to the Town Planner. All assessments are also considered by the Development and Planning Commission.

The Catalan Bay Senior Committee cited a community-led subsoil survey which is says has found shellfish colonies within the project area, despite what it claims are ministerial statements denying their presence.

In response, the Government told GBC that raking is banned throughout British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. It says the Department of the Environment had been informed of shellfish being found in one of the reclaimed areas and that they had been voluntarily relocated. This, it adds, is "good news" and highlighted the importance of Gibraltar’s policy on protecting fisheries.

It says attempts to relocate mollusc (bivalve) species, in addition to protected limpets, are currently being planned. While the Government says it regrets the loss of this area, it points out that it is small in comparison to the whole of the sandy seabed around Gibraltar.  It says this validates its environmental policies and highlights that the marina area will be strictly protected. This means it will create a habitat for other species which will mitigate and compensate for this loss.

Addressing concerns about plumes of suspended particles and visible water pollution at Catalan Bay, the Government confirms that silt plumes have resulted from ongoing revetment works as predicted in the EIA. It says mitigation measures have been implemented to reduce the impact of these plumes such as the creation of a rock washing station, the deployment of silt curtains and other containment measures.

It says the Department of the Environment is closely monitoring works on a daily basis to ensure that corrective action is taken where necessary, including stopping coastal works to avoid any significant impacts on the beaches.  

Finally, the Government points out, it is not aware of the Committee having been democratically elected by any franchise of individuals at Catalan Bay.