Object
Initial Consultation document
Representation ID: 92000
Received: 08/08/2018
Respondent: Mr Paul Sawyer
I would like to make an objection to the proposed mineral extraction site SIL02 Shouldham/Marham as this would have nothing but an adverse impact on the local area and it's inhabitants for a potential period of twenty years or more.
SA2 suggests that there would be no impact on air quality from the digging activities, this will inevitably release Silica dust into the air which will be carried on the wind to the wider population. I know that in the information provided it claims that dust would not travel beyond 250m, but as sand from the Sahara can make it to the UK, I don't believe this really holds any water. SA9 suggests that there would be no significant impact on health and as there has been no studies done into the effects on the local population with regards to COPD, Silicosis and Lung cancers caused by mining silica sand, I am not convinced this is a valid statement. Every exposure to Silica increases your risk of developing one of the above diseases and it is the fine dust which is less than one twentieth of the diameter of a human hair which is most harmful. Due to the size of the dust it would not be possible to see it with the naked eye and you would be blissfully unaware of the exposure.
There is a claim that there will be no impact on the local community through noise and vibration, which i will have to disagree with as it is not possible to create a hole as large as the area being suggested without creating a considerable nuisance over an extended period of time.
There will be no social or economic benefit to either community while in progress or once the site has been vacated. Despite the optimistic outlook in the initial part of the report due to the depth of the excavation it will most likely be left as open water and devoid of the enhanced bio-diversity. The site will be blot on the landscape in an otherwise unspoilt historical landscape.
SA10 claims that there will be no impact on the water in the area around the site. Marhams' drinking water comes from underground on the fen and so this hole is going to be dug close by, can you honestly say that there will be no impact on the water table and our drinking through pollution and drainage. The Sibelco representative at recent meeting in Shouldam suggested that there would be no impact on the water table, but if you, dig water will naturally seep in until the hole is filled and the water levels equal, so this will be taken from the surrounding area.
The plan to create extra areas or one large area of water in close proximity to marham an possibly within Marhams circuit will greatly enhance the risk of bird strikes and the danger to aircrew, the general public and the nations military assets.
This report appears to paint a picture of a low impact and harmless site, which will benefit us all. but I do not believe this to be the case, as it may well have long term health effects on us, its' neighbours.
Summary:
1, No benefit to the local area
2.Nuisance through noise and dust
3, Health risks through silicosis, COPD, Lung cancer risk.
4, Effects on Water table and supply.
5, Danger to Military Aircraft.
6, Scar on the landscape.
I would like to make an objection to the proposed mineral extraction site SIL02 Shouldham/Marham as this would have nothing but an adverse impact on the local area and it's inhabitants for a potential period of twenty years or more.
SA2 suggests that there would be no impact on air quality from the digging activities, this will inevitably release Silica dust into the air which will be carried on the wind to the wider population. I know that in the information provided it claims that dust would not travel beyond 250m, but as sand from the Sahara can make it to the UK, I don't believe this really holds any water. SA9 suggests that there would be no significant impact on health and as there has been no studies done into the effects on the local population with regards to COPD, Silicosis and Lung cancers caused by mining silica sand, I am not convinced this is a valid statement. Every exposure to Silica increases your risk of developing one of the above diseases and it is the fine dust which is less than one twentieth of the diameter of a human hair which is most harmful. Due to the size of the dust it would not be possible to see it with the naked eye and you would be blissfully unaware of the exposure.
There is a claim that there will be no impact on the local community through noise and vibration, which i will have to disagree with as it is not possible to create a hole as large as the area being suggested without creating a considerable nuisance over an extended period of time.
There will be no social or economic benefit to either community while in progress or once the site has been vacated. Despite the optimistic outlook in the initial part of the report due to the depth of the excavation it will most likely be left as open water and devoid of the enhanced bio-diversity. The site will be blot on the landscape in an otherwise unspoilt historical landscape.
SA10 claims that there will be no impact on the water in the area around the site. Marhams' drinking water comes from underground on the fen and so this hole is going to be dug close by, can you honestly say that there will be no impact on the water table and our drinking through pollution and drainage. The Sibelco representative at recent meeting in Shouldam suggested that there would be no impact on the water table, but if you, dig water will naturally seep in until the hole is filled and the water levels equal, so this will be taken from the surrounding area.
The plan to create extra areas or one large area of water in close proximity to marham an possibly within Marhams circuit will greatly enhance the risk of bird strikes and the danger to aircrew, the general public and the nations military assets.
This report appears to paint a picture of a low impact and harmless site, which will benefit us all. but I do not believe this to be the case, as it may well have long term health effects on us, its' neighbours.