Harbour officials in Jersey have agreed to meet with residents who have raised concerns about sand and silt from dredging being left on a beach in St Aubin's Bay. The Government of Jersey's environment department received letters from 24 individuals, claiming the dredging could harm wildlife and be a danger to people.
Minister for Environment Mary Le Hegarat stated that officers would meet with a complainant in the coming days to review the situation before reporting back, allowing a course of action to be decided. Captain William Sadler, Jersey Harbour Master, expressed his anticipation for discussions with locals and the environmental department.
Captain Sadler described the dredging as routine, essential for maintaining safe access to the harbour, and confirmed it was carried out with necessary licences and regulatory oversight. He acknowledged concerns regarding seagrass, wildlife, beach conditions, and access to St Aubin's Fort, stating that while currently unaware of evidence linking the harbour clearance works to all issues described, the concerns are taken seriously.