EIA consent decision & MCZ stage 1 assessment – 26^th July by MMO

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/goodwin-sands-aggregate-dredging-scheme

Dover dredging application decision

The MMO has approved an application from Dover Harbour Board for aggregate dredging off the Kent coast. Published 26 July 2018   Marine Management Organisation

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has approved an application from Dover Harbour Board (DHB) to carry out aggregate dredging at Area 521, known as the South Goodwin Sands.

The marine licence granted by the MMO gives DHB permission to extract up to 3 million tonnes of aggregate by trailer suction hopper dredging, which is proposed to be undertaken between September 2019 and September 2020. This follows an application DHB originally made to the MMO in May 2016.The aggregate is required to provide fill material for the wider Dover Western Docks Revival project. The decision follows extensive public consultation, during which over 1,300 specific representations from the public were received. Issues raised during this consultation were taken into account by the applicant, the MMO and its primary advisers in determining the application. The MMO believes it was appropriate to grant the licence because it is satisfied, on the basis of the evidence provided, the assessments that have been undertaken and on advice from its primary advisers, that sufficient measures were proposed to protect the marine environment, prevent interference with legitimate users of the seas and mitigate impacts to any other relevant matters. These measures have been captured in the marine licence conditions. Click here to read more

38 degrees Campaigning Group Response: ‘Dear Supporter   We know that you will be as shocked and surprised as we are to hear the MMO’s announcement that they have granted Dover Harbour Board a licence to dredge the Goodwin Sands. The timing is profoundly disturbing as it comes just a few days after the MCZ public consultation period ended.  In fact, the MMO’s decision report was already being drafted in May before the MCZ public consultation even started.  This behaviour gives rise to grave concerns about the robustness of the Government’s recently announced Blue Belt programme, especially since the decision report pays meagre lip service to a so-called MCZ assessment. It would also seem to belie Environment Secretary Michael Gove’s statement on 8th June 2018 when he announced  “The UK is surrounded by some of the richest and most diverse sea life in the world. We must protect these precious habitats for future generations”.

We are already in discussion with our legal advisors about appealing against the decision and will be launching a Crowdfunding campaign in due course.  We hope that we will be able to count on your continued support and can assure you that the fight to save the Goodwin Sands is far from over!

Best wishes, Joanna, Fiona and Andy Joanna Thomson started this campaign on the 38 Degrees Campaigns by You website.’

https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/goodwin-sands-sos-stop-the-dredge