Home / Environment / High Court Halts Tees Dredging Over Seal Pup Deaths
High Court Halts Tees Dredging Over Seal Pup Deaths
19 Mar
Summary
- A High Court quashed a ten-year dredging license for the River Tees.
- Campaigner links dredging to the tragic deaths of 22 seal pups.
- The license quashing is suspended for one year, allowing continued operations.
A critical dredging license for the River Tees has been quashed by the High Court following a campaigner's challenge. Dr. Simon Gibbon expressed fears that the dredging maintenance, vital for keeping shipping channels clear, could be responsible for the recent deaths of 22 seal pups. He argued the original license lacked sufficient detail regarding the safe areas for dredging without disturbing hazardous sediment.
The High Court's decision to quash the ten-year license is suspended for one year, allowing dredging operations to continue in the interim. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which granted the license to PD Ports, has agreed not to contest the challenge. The MMO is now required to conduct a full redetermination of the dredging license. PD Ports stated they are confident in obtaining a new license but will support further research into the seal deaths.
Dr. Gibbon cited high levels of pollutants found in seal pups as evidence of potential environmental risks. He believes the dredging process could have released these toxins. PD Ports, however, does not believe there is a connection between the seal deaths and the disposal of dredged material at sea, though they are open to further research and sampling of sediment is conducted according to international guidelines.
