The Isle of Man Department of Infrastructure has engaged a specialist contractor to dredge the outer harbor at Peel, according to the Isle of Man Government’s latest release.
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 release said.
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.
“Preparations are in place to dredge the outer harbor 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,” said Tim Baker MHK, Member of the Department with responsibility for Ports.
“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.”
Wyre Marine Services Ltd of Fleetwood will use its grab hopper dredger ‘Admiral Day’ to clear approximately 18,000 tonnes of accumulated material over a period of three weeks.
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.
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