After 13 years of failing to comply with planning conditions, Patersons Quarries is seeking to trial blasting at Burrowine Quarry in West Fife. We must stop blasting at Silica Sands!
Exhausted residents have been fighting for noise and light pollution to be tackled by the operators. They are also extremely concerned by the level of silica dust polluting the air and the potential health risks associated with it. These concerns have been amplified by a recent application to trial blasting at the quarry.
It is vital that the economic benefits of quarrying do not come at the expense of our environment and health.
Following Paterson’s recent Review of Old Mineral Permissions (ROMP), they have now applied to trial blasting. Residents are significantly concerned by the impact this blasting will have on the environment, stability of the surrounding land and the health of residents.
Given the history of extensive mining in the area, including the site of the Longannet disaster, residents have expressed fears that any blasting could result in significant subsidence. This could have disastrous consequences for residents, particularly for those living directly below the quarry.
Residents are also concerned by the potential environmental and health implications of blasting at the quarry. Blasting will potentially throw significant volumes of silica dust into the air, polluting the area with a harmful dust which has been linked to COPD and other lung conditions.
The quarry is also surrounded by farmland and forest, containing wildlife and horses. Residents are significantly concerned by the impact blasting will have on animals living in the area, particularly horses who may be spooked by the noise.
The blasting application follows an extensive fight from residents to have better conditions in place to reduce the environmental and health impact of the quarry. As residents continue to fight for these conditions, they do not believe now is the time to trial blasting which will only exacerbate existing issues.
Make your voice heard and write to Fife Council to object to blasting at Fife Silica Sands. Company profits should not take priority over protecting our environment.
Tell Fife Council to say no to blasting.