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| Blackhill Quarry - click to enlarge |
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| Blackhill Quarry - click to enlarge |
Exeter Airport are against the introduction of any bodies of water close to and in line of their runway, and you have to look no further than Blackhill Quarry, and the bird life attracted to the ponds there, to see why. Exeter Airport pointed out to DCC that "Under the Air Navigation Law, it is a criminal offence to endanger an aircraft or its occupants by any means." Inevitably, quarrying at Straitgate would introduce bodies of water. Straitgate is directly in line and only 6000m from Exeter Aiport's runway. Aircraft flying over Straitgate on their descent land just 90 seconds later. The Civil Aviation Authority say "Over 80% of birdstrikes occur on or close to aerodromes and their operators are required to take necessary steps to ensure that the birdstrike risk is reduced to the lowest practicable level." Gulls, as in the photographs, are one of the most hazardous species in terms of the birdstrike risk to aircraft. The aviation industry has never lost a public inquiry regarding an objection if an unacceptable birdstrike risk has been predicted from a development - see Quotes.
