Residents protest about quarry

Plans to expand a quarry in Smith’s have sparked protest from the neighbouring community.

Michael Bierman recently applied to excavate to a depth of 80ft over the next 18 years at the Ricky Heights Quarry.

The move has prompted residents living close to the site to brand the plans ‘unthinkable’ and ‘foolhardy’.

The Board of Directors of Manor House Properties Ltd, a condominium that borders the quarry, has filed an objection with the Planning Department.

They say the proposals, which include the construction of a new service and garage area, are irresponsible.

The letter states: “The application states that they will excavate to a depth of 80ft.

“The drawing shows a finished pit level at 52ft. If the drawing is correct, this would suggest a vertical cut of over 100ft on the Manor House property boundary.

‘Irresponsible’

“The present use is inconsistent with the largely residential area in the neighbourhood. To allow this to continue for 18 years would be irresponsible.

“The thought of permitting a pit to be created of vast proportions with four almost vertical sides would be foolhardy.

“Excavating to that depth could cause considerable damage to the buildings in the vicinity of the site.

“The noise, air pollution and increased traffic on roads will cause additional stress and undue hardship on the surrounding residential area.”

The Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce has also thrown its weight behind the objections.

Chairman Stuart Hayward told the Bermuda Sun: “The time has come when the local production of construction material and other industrial activities should be curtailed or prohibited in residenced areas.

“There are now a considerable number of residences likely to be affected by this proposed activity and they ought to be protected from the noise and wind-blown particulates and other pollutants that will settle in their homes and on their roofs.

“There are also other areas on the island where conflicts of this sort are occurring.

“As development continues in our densely developed island, those conflicts are likely to become more prevalent with greater negative impact on community health and greater pressure to lower our traditionally high development quality standards.”

Mr Bierman told the Bermuda Sun he did not wish to comment on the matter.