 | MMO: Evidence and Issues Report for the East Inshore and East Offshore marine plan areas | | Added: 22 Feb 2012 |
The final Evidence and Issues Report 2012 is now published following the consultation on the draft version of the report between November 2011 and January 2012.
The report looks at the data the MMO is using to inform on marine planning decisions, and also highlights issues and opportunities for a range of marine activities.
The report includes:
•the evidence the MMO is taking account of in marine planning
•the MMO’s assessment of the evidence
•interactions between marine sectors and options for co-location
•emerging issues that the MMO need to take account of in marine planning.
The report also includes the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) Scoping Report formal consultation (required under the Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive). The MMO has combined the SA scoping requirements with the other material in the report to reduce the number of documents at this stage in the marine planning process.
The full Report may be viewed via the External Link below.
Website: View External Website |
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 | PD Teesport: First phase of investment programme completes | | Added: 22 Feb 2012 |
PD Ports has taken the next step in its programme to almost double its container handling capacity at Teesport, with the completion of the ground works in January.
The works, which began in January 2011, involved the complete reconstruction of more than five hectares of the container terminal area with heavy duty paving designed to withstand the increased loads from the container stacks and the four new rubber tyre gantry cranes (RTGs).
PD Ports has invested over £16 million as part of an overall £29 million project, which will expand the container terminal capacity from 235,000 to 450,000 TEU and position Teesport as the second largest container port in the north of the UK.
Website: View External Website |
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 | ABP Mer: helping to shape EU marine litter policy | | Added: 22 Feb 2012 |
UKHMA Commercial Member ABP Marine Environmental Research Ltd (ABPmer), is to provide specialist advice to Risk & Policy Analysts (RPA) to help the European Commission identify mechanisms for preventing and managing marine litter.
Marine litter is a growing problem which imposes an increasingly serious threat to the environment. Some of the most problematic marine litter is composed of plastic, which has a very slow rate of decomposition, leading to a gradual build up in the environment.
Marine litter may also have a direct impact on human health, as contact with chemicals leaching from the waste, as well as decomposing elements, can have adverse health consequences. Furthermore, floating debris can pose a navigational hazard for ships and cause injury to swimmers and divers.
The aim of this study is to identify various instruments to prevent and/or clean up plastic littering and thus reduce the quantity of such litter potentially reaching the sea.
Stephen Hull, ABPmer Technical Director said: “We are excited to be part of this EU study which will identify current best practices in relation to prevention and mitigation of the impacts of plastic littering. Additionally, it will assess the feasibility of different options to prevent littering and increase public awareness, including the use of economic incentives with the aim to trigger preventive and remedial action by public authorities.
ABPmer, along with Arcadis, will specifically provide advice on the sources of marine litter and also develop UK case study evidence for inclusion in the analysis of good practice.”
The project is expected to deliver its findings to the Director-General Environment at the end of the year.
Website: View External Website |
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 | Coastline Surveys complete pre-dredge vibrocore survey in Portsmouth Harbour | | Added: 16 Feb 2012 |
UKHMA Commercial Member, Coastline Surveys Ltd has completed a major contract for a geotechnical survey and laboratory analysis in support of the MoD’s capital dredge campaign in Portsmouth Harbour.
The programme is to support the extensive upgrade and deepening of the channel.
The pre-dredge geotechnical survey involved the acquisition of 174 Vibrocore samples up to a maximum of 6m penetration depth. Coastline’s multi role survey vessel, MV FlatHolm mobilised in early December and completed all field work activities in early 2012.
Coastline’s soils laboratory in Lowestoft will undertake analysis, description, sub sampling and advanced testing of the samples.
David Hitchcock, Managing Director of Coastline Surveys Ltd, said “This is a major geotechnical survey and Coastline Surveys was awarded the contract despite fierce competition from much larger companies. This success highlights Coastline’s position in the market and its commitment to quality, customer service and dogged determination to deliver on time, on budget and with an excellent safety record”.
Website: View External Website |
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