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LEAF Report on the Proposed Fixed Link to the Island of Luing. LEAF

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LEAF Report on the Proposed Fixed Link to the Island of Luing. LEAF LEAF Report on the Proposed Fixed Link to the Island of Luing. LEAF Lorn Environmental Action Forum (LEAF) is an umbrella group comprising of a number of local groups, individuals, environmental organisations and representatives from the commercial sector, including fishermen and tour boat operators. At a recent meeting, LEAF focused on the impact of a “fixed link” between Seil and Luing. The idea of a fixed link is not new; recently there has been much media speculation about causeway closing the Cuan Sound. In 2006 the STAG report concluded that: “The causeway has been discounted because of the significant environmental effect it would have, in particular on the aquatic life of the Cuan Sound, and its effect on navigation through the Sound and the subsequent knock-on effect on the economy of the west coast of Scotland”. The subject has been resurrected by recent reports that parts of the Cuan Sound might be shallower than charted, and therefore costs assumed to be less than those originally estimated. LEAF feel that this matter needs further careful, impartial investigation, for many reasons including, safety, loss of biodiversity, negative effects on tourism and commercial sectors such as fishing and aquaculture. Further scientific study is needed to predict the effects of the project on tidal flows, which are expected to result in flooding and insurance related problems. “Closed Fixed Link”: The Worst Option A presentation and open discussion was held at the LEAF meeting on the 17th February. A vote returned a unanimous decision, (apart from two abstentions) that; a fixed link that stopped or restricted the tidal flow and prevented navigation was the worst possible outcome. The use of a high level bridge or tunnel that did not restrict tidal flow or navigation was found to be acceptable. Special Area of Conservation The Firth of Lorn has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) under the European Commission’s Habitats Directive; Natura 2000. Rocky tidal reefs with strong tidal flows are the qualifying feature, with porpoise being found in significant numbers. Within the Cuan Sound the SAC’s eastern limits end at the Cleit Rock; which lies at the eastern end of the Sound close to the island of Torsa. The exceptionally strong tidal flows are vitally important to the protected ecosystem of the area; an ecosystem that supports numerous priority protected habitats and species. Closing off this important stretch of water could have serious implications to cetaceans and other aquatic animals in general. Migrating cetaceans could become especially affected by the closure of the Cuan Sound, salmon farms in the area use acoustic deterrent devices; these are known to have adverse effects on cetaceans including disorientation. In the event of tidal disruption by a closed fixed link cetaceans could be prevented from returning to open sea; the risk of mass cetacean strandings could increase. While pipes allowing some flow of water might reduce the effect on the ecosystem it would not help the larger Cetaceans. Both larger fish and marine mammals can be expected to suffer; the effect on smaller animals is not well understood. Any restriction to tidal flows in this complicated region could have serious effects elsewhere. Tidal Problems Restrictions to the tidal flow will alter a much larger region than just the Cuan Sound. Amphidomeic points are important when considering altering tidal flows. From the amphidrome near Machrahanish to The Clachan Sound, the rising tide can only pass through narrow passages between Islands. While the effect of closing one of these 6 outlets requires a full hydrographic study there is no doubt that it will affect the tidal flow through the Clachan sound, Sounds of Seil and Luing, the Grey Dogs, Corryvreckan, and possibly even the Sound of Islay. The hydrography, bathymetric nature and morphology in the region is such, that blocking the Cuan Sound could be expected to result in faster flows through the other passages and could have catastrophic knock-on effects in neighbouring areas; such as the Clachan Sound, Seil Sound and Balvicar. The road at Balvicar is already subject to flooding; numerous houses are situated close to the water’s edge and any restriction to the water flow would be exacerbated by the funnelling effect of the surrounding land; potentially making the narrow Clachan Sound treacherous or at least less suitable for moorings. Southerly gales with low pressure systems would push up dangerously high waters causing flooding of houses, including the Balvicar store and post office. The main road could be subject to periodic flooding cutting of the people of Luing, Easdale and Balvicar. Insurance premiums would soar. Storm surges might be catastrophic. It has been suggested that an increase in tidal flow could undermine the foundations of the “Atlantic Bridge”. The sustainability of the islands would be affected if residents sell up and businesses close. Safety Issues Changing the tidal pattern would require a completely new tidal stream survey of the Sound of Jura and Firth of Lorn at least 4 Admiralty charts would have to be revised. Until this work was completed vessels of all kinds would be unable to accurately determine the effect of tide on their passage. Already notorious sea passages such as the Dorus Mor, Gulf of Corryvreckan, Grey Dogs and Sound of Luing might become more dangerous. All vessels are required by the Safety of life at Sea legislation (SOLAS 5) to have a bolt hole in bad weather. At present vessels heading south from Oban and the Sound of Mull can enter Cuan Sound and in 10 or 15 minutes they are in sheltered water with a choice of 8 anchorages. The passage through the Sound of Luing would be almost certainly become more hazardous than at present and add as much as 14 miles or 20 miles ( 4 Hours) for a vessel that has to tack into a storm. Some vessels would be unable to cope with the adverse conditions and some would not be able to cope with the tides. Local fishing boats, tourist boats, aquaculture service boats, and local yachtsmen would be the most affected, along with boat owners and businesses at Balvicar Boatyard, Kilmelford and Croabh Haven. Island Life & the Rest of Argyll Islands and the island way of living are dramatically altered when an island is joined to the mainland. Not all of Luing residents are in favour of a fixed link. Whichever method of crossing is backed, the cost during these “cash strapped” times will not be cheap. Currently, there even appears to be financial problems to fix the terrible state of Argyll’s roads, let alone undertake vast expensive projects such as fixed links. Many residents in Argyll will be understandably angry that £17 million (10 times the Argyll wide roads budget) should be spent apparently for the benefit 150 voters, when it will adversely affect a much greater number of people, putting vessels and homes at risk. To summarise LEAF feel that a closed fixed link should be completely ruled out due to its negative environmental impact, problems to navigation, safety of mariners, its threat to local business, and increased risk of damage to property and the sustainability of both islands. .
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