Should The Harris Superquarry Go Ahead? :: essays research papers

Should The Harris Superquarry Go Ahead? TABLE OF FIGURES FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF THE SUPERQUARRY  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  3 1 SUMMARY There is considerable environmental opposition to the development of the Harris superquarry. This is unlikely to stop the development on its own, but if the Scottish Office decides that the project can go ahead environmental restrictions are likely to be imposed on the operation to minimise, as far as possible, the impact. The reasons for the development centre round the need for economic development to bring jobs and prosperity to this remote area. The life of the quarry is expected to be around 60 years and provide an initial 30 jobs, rising to 80 as the quarry reaches peak production. The question is if a superquarry is the best solution to the problems of a remote rural area. What will happen when the jobs come to an end and would another form of investment not be more appropriate to their needs? Would the presence of a quarry restrict the choice for further development? Could an integrated approach be adopted and a 2nd generation quarry planned? The decision of whether or not to go ahead cannot be delayed indefinitely as Norway and Spain are looking at developing their own. If it is to go ahead then an early start will give Harris a stronger position in the market. 2 INTRODUCTION This report examines the controversy and key issues surrounding the superquarry at Rodel, Lingerbay on the southern coast of the Isle of Harris (Figure 1) and attempts to find an acceptable solution. The quarry will hollow out the heart of the mountain but leave enough of a shell to leave the skyline largely unaffected. The whole question of whether or not it should go ahead or not is the subject of the current public enquiry in Stornaway. A decision must be made soon. The market for aggregates is limited, Norway and Spain (Section 3.1, 1991) have their own sites and are also looking at the potential for developing them. FIGURE 1 LOCATION OF THE SUPERQUARRY   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (Glasgow Herald, 20/10/94) 3 THE ISSUES SURROUNDING THE DEBATE 3.1 History 1927  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A detailed geological survey identified the deposit of anorthosite. 1965  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Planning permission was given in principle to quarry the rock. The remit covered a larger site than is planned today. 1966  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Some small scale quarrying took place but found an on site rock crushing plant and a deep harbour were necessary for economic viability. 74-76  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Outline planning permission was given for quarrying, shipping and loading facilities but this was never acted on. 1977  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Scottish Office issued National Planning Guidelines. Harris was identified as one of 9 potential sites. (The Scotsman 18/7/93)