Jimmy91
Junior Member
Posts: 111
Registered: 04-06 |
A corporation called WBB Minerals is seeking planning permission to build an immense quarry directly next to my village. The residents are outraged as not only is this going to leave a gigantic blemish in the otherwise peaceful-looking countryside around us, but also poses a serious threat to the villagers' health.
The mineral corporation plan to mine out quartz, or "respirable crystalline silica" from the ground. The mining process for this generates thin dust - that if inhaled can lead to developing cancer. The field immediately to the west of East Winch, designated "MIN 40" is almost twice the size of the village's covered ground itself. WBB Minerals is also planning to build even more quarries in what looks like a huge line down Norfolk and other neighbouring counties. A quarry that villagers were not even alerted about has already begun extraction of what we assume is RCS 400 metres to the north of East Winch, which means villagers could also be exposed to the dust from this quarry as well.
Our research has told us that this dust caused by the extraction process of silica sand is carcinogenic. The corporation plans to send down workers to extract this sand (wearing protective clothing, of course) but doesn't seem to care the village RIGHT NEXT TO THE SITE is completely exposed to the dust - which will blow directly into them. Silicosis has been known to develop in mining workers even if they do wear protective clothing, so it's entirely possible that it could spread to the villagers: who might have to resort to wearing gas masks whenever they expose themselves to the dust.
A spokesman for WBB Minerals has responded by saying there is no risk to residents from inhaling the carcinogenic dust created by the extraction process, and that silica sand is completely harmless when it's under the ground. So why not leave it WHERE IT IS? What's interesting about this claim is that only two surveys investigating it have been taken out - and the first one didn't take any actual exposure (to residents) data into account... and the second one was never published. Hmm.
Furthermore, and even more bizarre, is that WBB have described silica sand as a "mineral of national importance". What, more important than people and their health? Wow. :eek:
My dad, chairman of the East Winch Action Group (or EWAG) has set up a blog where you can receive daily updates as to what's happening. UK residents can sign their name on the online petition as well.
He also been on BBC Radio Norfolk and has appeared in the local Lynn News artices relating to the quarry.
"Save East Winch" Blog: http://www.saveeastwinch.blogspot.com/
10 Downing Street petition: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/East-Winch/
The full facts are available on my dad's blog. They, and the images, are somewhat disturbing, but downright outrageous.
Please, save East Winch! :(
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04-22-08 19:52 
