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Plans to potentially use two quarries in the Vale for the dumping of inert waste have been met with a series of questions by the Douzaine and parishioners who live nearby.
States Trading Assets sent letters to homeowners last week advising them that L’Epine and Guillotine are going to undergo a detailed study to assess whether they could be suitable.
Pictured: L'Epine Quarry in the north of Guernsey
L’Epine is owned by Guernsey Water, and is currently used as a reservoir, while Guillotine is privately owned.
Pictured: Guillotine Quarry in the north of Guernsey
States Trading Asset said if it is proven that they are suitable for an alternative use as waste disposal, the States may use them for dumping materials like stone, bricks, cement, rubble and soil, which are currently disposed of at the Longue Hougue land reclamation site in St Sampson’s.
That site is expected to be full within the next five years, and States Trading Assets needs to find a new disposal site ahead of that deadline.
Pictured: Longue Hougue which includes reclaimed land now used for Guernsey's waste disposal infrastructure
In a statement, the States Trading Assets said: "A detailed environmental impact assessment (EIA) is being carried out, to identify the potential effects of such an extension and any possible mitigation measures.
"In conjunction with this, similar in-depth studies will also now be carried out on two quarries located between Bordeaux Harbour and Beaucette Marina."
Trading Assets also said it has already carried out preliminary hydrographic surveys on both quarries, "to determine their depth and contours, and therefore the likely capacity. The EIA will now look at various potential environmental impacts if they were to be infilled, including flora and fauna, traffic, air quality, noise and vibration."
If the plans progress it is expected that the two sites in combination could provide capacity for around three years of filling - yet it is also acknowledged that this wouldn't be a long term permanent plan.
"Although it is not considered a long term solution, they could provide part of one."
Pictured: L'Epine Quarry which could be used as storage for the disposal of inert waste in the future
States Trading Assets said that because both quarries are outside the main centre, there would be limited potential to develop any land created by infilling them - for example building on that land in the future.
The Vale Parish Douzaine said the two quarries, both in lanes near Bordeaux which are used by walkers and cyclists are also home to various habitats which could be lost if the work goes ahead.
On the Vale Parish Website a report references an earlier study by the States which said that if the Guillotine Quarry was repurposed there would be an impact including "loss of fresh water habitat, important for migrating ducks. Adjacent to former Bordeaux Landfill Site with potential leachate migration. Potential to extend the amenity value of Bordeaux tip and the surrounding area."
The same report said that the L'Epine Quarry was previously considered together with Paradis Quarry and a more detailed comment by Royal Haskoning at the time said: "Site preparation required to join the two quarries. A road runs between them, this would need to be considered in the solution (potential to reinstate once filling was completed). Currently both filled with water. Access issues – would need one way system."
Royal Haskoning said of the Guillotine Quarry that; "access into site is good, assuming access via field adjoining the main coast road. Noted Tufted Duck habitat – loss of established ecosystem... would require mitigation measures."
The Douzaine is expected to discuss the proposals to use the two quarries and any concerns at the parish meeting tonight.
A number of the concerns expected to be raised have been echoed by people commenting on the story on social media.
Chantal McAfee-Gallienne said;"what about the wildlife that is pretty amazing in those areas? The people in charge of these decisions really need to be removed."
Ollie Goddard said; "Always in the Vale! Over development, traffic jams, lack of funding to repair infrastructure, waste disposal, power station, recycling, expanding schools etc." That sentiment was shared by Ann Hunt who asked; "why is it always the Vale that always has to bear the brunt? Our roads are gridlocked already. Only found out today that a small piece of land opposite Alliance is going to have more houses on it. Think it's time us inhabitants became an island again! Please it's time other parishes had a go."
Zef Eisenberg said; "the hole was man made, so makes sense to fill in and put back to better use, a field, park, houses, etc." Marcus Shaw added; "I agree - I would much rather see a grassland or wetland reserve than a 100ft deep hole of toxic water."
You can read the original report here.
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