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A project to begin removing 44,000 tonnes of silt from Peel Marina will begin next week.

 

Contractor Land and Water Services Limited will construct a temporary draining pool in a field upstream from the marina, beyond the power station site.

 

Following the construction of the pool, dredging will start in early March.

 

Excess water will be drained back into the River Neb after satisfying environmental standards agreed with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

 

The material will be stored in the pool and drained over several months before being suitable for transportation.

 

In previous plans, a proposal was made for the silt to be used for land remediation at the former Cross Vein Mine. This has now been revised, however, as the Department of Infrastructure is seeking to extend the range of materials that are deposited at the existing landfill facilities at Turkeylands Quarry, Malew.

 

A planning application for the strategic waste facility is due to be submitted in early 2020 and will include details of the route to be used to transport material between Peel and Turkeylands.

 

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said: ‘Dredging will take place in two phases – one this spring and another in spring 2021 – with around 22,000 tonnes being lifted out of the marina each time. 

 

'While this takes place, the Department will continue to work with project partners from DEFA and Manx Utilities to develop a long-term solution for the silt which enters the marina each year.’

 

He added: ‘The potential development of a strategic waste facility at Turkeylands presented the Department with an option which, following careful consideration, has been chosen as the most appropriate solution. The site is able to accommodate the amount of material to be dredged over both phases and, as it will be sealed, will ensure any remaining heavy metals and other contaminants will be contained.’

 

Tim Baker MHK, Member for the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Ports and chairman of the Peel Marina Project Board, said: ‘The agreed solution will deal with the material in a way which is acceptable from both an environmental and financial perspective. Most importantly, it will ensure the marina is restored to its correct level for access and operation and will continue to bring real economic benefits to Peel.’

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