The Department of Infrastructure has engaged a specialist contractor to dredge the outer harbour at Peel.
Work will start soon to remove sand deposits from the area around the breakwater, the lifeboat slipway and the groyne. This essential maintenance will support the safe operation of commercial vessels in the area.
The sand, which has been deposited as a result of tidal and weather conditions, will be excavated and disposed of at sea at a licensed site south west of Peel.
Wyre Marine Services Ltd of Fleetwood will use its hopper dredger ‘Admiral Day’ to clear approximately 18,000 tonnes of accumulated material over a period of three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Department is continuing to explore options to support the maintenance of Peel marina and restore the impounded area inside the flapgate to its published depths.
Recent analysis of silt taken from the marina has shown that it contains a level of heavy metal contamination – a legacy of historic industrial activity – which rules out disposal at sea.
This situation is likely to prevent dredging of the marina in 2017. The Department has informed the Isle of Man Harbour Users Association and will offer a discount on marina fees for 2017-18 to the owners of vessels in affected areas.
In the longer term, the Department remains committed to developing a permanent solution for the treatment or storage of silt that also respects environmental concerns.
Tim Baker MHK, Member of the Department with responsibility for Ports, said:
‘Preparations are in place to dredge the outer harbour at Peel and this work is scheduled for completion before the end of May. Removal of contaminated silt from the impounded area of the marina is a more complex issue. The Department has a responsibility to maintain vessel berths, but is also conscious of the need to protect the marine ecosystem and the Island’s commercial fishery. We are continuing to work in partnership with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and other stakeholders to identify potential solutions.’
