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Dee
Estuary Conservation Group Representing 25 local and national bodies with interests in the wildlife of the Dee Estuary |
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AIRBUS
UK/MOSTYN DOCK – RIVER DEE DREDGING Dear Dr Clarke, PORT OF MOSTYN/AIRBUS UKThe Dee Estuary Conservation Group is obviously concerned about the potentially damaging effects of maintenance dredging by the Port of Mostyn. We have already written to the Environment Agency urging that alternative solutions to dredging are sought and I attach a copy of that letter for your information. The reason for writing again is partly in response to an article in a local newspaper, the Chester Standard, dated 15/4/04 which extensively quoted yourself and was titled “Dee Estuary dredging ‘could still go ahead’”. Though the article states that an extensive consultation process is still in place there is nevertheless an implication in the title that IROPI would be invoked. DECG would like to re-iterate that all potential solutions must be considered but, particularly, finds it difficult to understand why a very small degree of flexibility in sailing times by Airbus out of Mostyn (to sail at high tide) could not prevent the need for potentially damaging dredging? We urge you to press for this. The final paragraph of the newspaper article quotes you as saying that if the dredging is approved (under IROPI) then suitable mitigation must be provided. This Group believes that adequate compensation (mitigation) could not be provided for the loss of unique mudflats, their cockle populations and the feeding habitat for tens of thousands of birds.
Contacts: Neil Friswell 01829 770463 and Raymond Roberts 01244 818339
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