MINISTRY OF DEFENCE SHOEBURYNESS RANGES - FORTHCOMING ACTIVITIES TO DISPOSE OF REDUNDANT MUNITIONS AND POSSIBILITY OF SMOKE BEING VISIBLE TO RESIDENTS IN TENDRING

The MOD have arranged for Qinetiq to dispose of a large quantity of redundant anti-tank mines known as Barmines by burning, at Shoeburyness Ranges which may occassionally give rise to a plume of black smoke.

Barmines have been burned at Shoeburyness for 9 years and there is a well established and safe procedure for disposal which complies with Health and Safety Executive and Environment Agency recommendations. Disposal by burning also avoids possible nuisance arising from noise and vibrations which could result from exploding Barmines in controlled conditions.

The additional Barmine burning activity is expected to last for between 12 and 18 months beginning this January.

Each Barmine burn will last between 45 minutes and 1 hour and will mainly be carried out in the afternoons. Burning will be carried out from between 5 to 7 days a month subject to weather conditions, and will not be undertaken when the wind or other climatic conditions could create a nuisance to populated areas.

The Council has been advised that on the 16th or 18th January 2008 burning will be carried out at the Shoeburyness Ranges which may result in smoke being visible to members of the public within the proximity of the Thames Estuary. The dates however, are subject to change at short notice due to weather conditions.

If members of the public are worried they can call Qinetiq on 0800 0560108 to register their concern or they can speak direct to Caroline Circus the Management Support Assistant, Shoeburyness Range on 01702 383302.