Object

Representation ID: 91944

Received: 01/08/2018

Respondent: Fritton Action Rescue Group

Changes since previous application
Summary
1. Re-surfacing of the A143 and speed reductions due to Fritton's 'speedwatch' have reduced traffic sounds and will render the noise impact of any quarry generated sound more intrusive.
2. Erosion of timber stands by progressive wind-felling of exposed margins shows that 'shelter belts' are not practicable.
3. Recurrent, intractable, underground fires demonstrate the extreme dryness of the forest terrain.
4. The potential danger of unexploded ordnance has been shown by the required service of Amy Bomb Disposal.
5. A channel has been cleared, with planning consent, to allow eels from the River Waveney to access Fritton Lake. This channel is potentially vulnerable to changes in the water table and runoff contamination.
6. Numerous vulnerable horses and cattle in a nearby animal sanctuary are now placed closer to potential sources of harmful particulates than hitherto.
If you require further details of the points above read on:
1. Changes to the A143
Since the previous quarry noise impact assessment the Fritton section of the A143 has been resurfaced with 'silent running' tarmac with a very noticeable (>20dB?) reduction in traffic noise. Also traffic speed and noise has been reduced by the actions of local Speedwatch. These changes will make the noise impact of quarry generated sound greater and more intrusive.
2. The vulnerability of screening 'belts'
Due to the general elevation of Waveney Forest relative to some surrounding terrain, and due in particular to the broad fetch between Haddiscoe and the forest, there is a significant level of wind exposure. Also, because of the sandy nature of the soil, trees are not firmly rooted, and so particularly likely to be felled by the wind.
In recent years mature stands of timber have been harvested by clear felling prior to replanting. Single lines of trees were let along one section of the western edge of the forest and close by forest lodge. In both cases these trees were felled by the wind within a matter of days.
Since the clear fell harvesting of the mature timber stands, remaining stands have suffered progressive erosion by the wind felling of trees along their exposed margins. These losses already total upwards of sixty trees with the remaining trees becoming vulnerable, as they in turn, become exposed on the margin.
Local experience indicates that further wind felling is likely whenever maximum gust speed (measured 10 metres above the ground) exceeds 50 knots. This usually happens several times a year.
3. Dryness of the site terrain
In the last few years numerous fires have occurred. Many of these penetrated below ground, some requiring multiple visits by the Fire Brigade to finally extinguish them.
Some five years ago one such fire was attended by over ten different fire appliances, needed two separate 200mm hose lines totalling 1.4km in length drawing from the river Waveney, and still took longer to extinguish then the Great Fire of London (four days).
Since that time Fire Brigades have held training exercises in the forest which should enable them to deal more effectively with future serious outbreaks.
4. Unexploded ordnance
The forest site was used by the army for 'live firing' exercises during both world wars.
Any descending 'dud' shells or mortar bombs would penetrate some distance into the sandy ground and in time get buried even deeper by the accumulation of compacted pine needles. The lost ordnance items could well have, by now, become sensitised by 'sweating' of the explosive charges.
Some two years ago one such same to light near the Staithe Road track. After having a policy guard overnight, and residents having been warned, the bomb was detonated in situ by Army Bomb Disposal.
It is advised, on health and safety grounds, that prior to any excavation, a comprehensive 'mine clearance' of the site be carried out.
5. Eel channel - As instigated by Lord Somerleyton.
6. Animal Sanctuary
We previously warned of the dangerous effect of particulates affecting not only the villagers but the horses at Redwings horse sanctuary at Redwings if the wind was from the west. Since the last application Hillside animal sanctuary has moved in to the west and southwest immediately adjacent to the woods boundary and horses and cattle (many hundreds) some with special needs are even closer to the quarry. Many of these are old abused and delicate animals in need of quiet sanctuary not the noise dust and disturbance of a massive quarry.