Dredging only ‘scratched the surface’

The recent dredging of Tenby harbour and the North Beach only ‘scratched the surface’ of build up of sand following on from four years lack of maintenance, the facility’s users agreed at a recent meeting.

The recent dredging operation that involved the removal of 1,500 tonnes of sand, over five days, was considered a success, but members of Tenby Harbour Users Association (THUA) that met to discuss the matter earlier this month agreed that a more comprehensive approach was required from Pembrokeshire County Council, and were pleased that the Authority have committed to this annual maintenance moving forward.

THUA chair Angus Dunlop explained that he had been in contact with Boskalis Westminster – operator of numerous vacuum dredgers including Sospan Dau, and a positive conversation had taken place with the skipper of the vessel regarding logistics.

“This vessel is the smallest in their dredging fleet and therefore the most suitable for Tenby Harbour; she is able to move up to 3k tonnes/day at a cost of £15k /day; crucially from areas a land dredge cannot,” said Mr. Dunlop.

This would require a totally new application for a separate (and increased capacity) dredging license from National Resources Wales at an additional cost, approximately £2k, the meeting heard. A further marine survey would be required as part of this license to ensure the vessel could safely navigate the waters and where to best dredge.

The vessel is able to jettison the sand at a considerable distance to unload. The chance to take the harbour’s surplus sand and deposit above the South Beach’s ‘mean high water’ mark tackling an emerging problem there should be considered, harbour users agreed.

“In short, to have the Sospan Dau working in Tenby Harbour for two days would cost approximately £35k and between 5 to 6k tonnes of sand could be taken from an unhelpful place and deposited in a useful place,” continued Mr. Dunlop.

“THUA are acutely aware of the lack of PCC funds allocated for this type of work, however, this dredge, combined with the existing annual land dredge, taking place every three years would have a significant impact on the harbour’s future use. There are multiple beneficiaries from such action from all approaches in Tenby,” he commented.

It was suggested that THUA approach PCC with a proposition whereby they fund raise half of the budget required and the Authority match this to enable the marine dredge campaign to get off the ground. Approaching the Welsh Government may also be worth considering with PCC’s support the meeting heard.

Members of Tenby town council recently commented at their meeting that they felt that the dredging work undertaken had not been that effective and that a better long term solution was needed.

Clr. Paul Rapi told his colleagues that he was concerned that there was still a ‘ridiculous channel’ and a ‘huge sand bank’ on the North Beach around the harbour area.

Clr. Trevor Hallett said that he believed that PCC should next obtain a licence which allows sand to be deposited elsewhere.

Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter suggested that for safety reasons, when tide was low, warning signs be erected making people aware that they may be cut off.

It was also proposed that a notice to mariners might be needed advising of the restricted access to the harbour, as PCC could be subject to a major claim if a boat should get caught on a sand bank, as it happened last year.

_{Source: tenby-today.co.uk}