Joshua EscueBBC News, South East
BBCLegal action has been initiated to prevent draped sediment from dumping in a protected maritime area in Eastern Sussex.
The Sussex Wildlife Trust said it was challenging a decision by the Marine Management Organization (MMO) to allow Briton Marina to dispose of the alleged “harmful” materials in the beach head West Marine Conservation Zone.
Charity said the protected area – running parallel to the coast from Brighton to Eastborn – a “national level important wildlife hotspot”.
A MMO spokesperson said that the “massive” of the license was reviewed and scientific evidence was given with conditions.
“As legal proceedings are going on, it is not appropriate to comment further at this time,” he said.
‘Local voices should be heard’
The Sussex Wildlife Trust stated that the dumped sediment was “affecting the sensitive chalk reef and damaging its wildlife”.
“Bold action is the only way to continue fighting for this protected area,” said Henry Brocklabank, director of protection at the trust.
“Inactivity will look at the continuous dumping of 100,000 tonnes of dragged sediment in our maritime conservation sector for the next 10 years – this is not acceptable.”
Campaigors have earlier complained that the draped sediment fills the nearby rock pools with “one”Black, thick, thin, petrochemic smell mud“, Which is toxic to people and environment.
Premier Marinas, who owns Briton Marina, has said that Dredging, which involves the removal of natural silt in the Marina basin, needs to ensure safe navigation for boats.
Dreged material “regularly confirm the sample that is not harmful to the environment,” it has been said.
Chris Ward, MP from Brighton Camptown and Peacehevan, said he supported the legal challenge.
“It should never have come on it,” he said. “Our marine environment is considered later.
“Local voices should be heard and honored.”
According to A, the beach head West Marine Conservation Zone includes some best examples of chalk housing in the southeast region. Official report,
It said that the site supported animals, marine algae and special communities of rare short-snooted sehors.
