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RAF Boeing C-17 Globemaster flying low over Straitgate Farm
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Perhaps they have higher standards in New Zealand, where Christchurch International Airport (CIAL) and Air New Zealand say a proposed quarry poses a risk to passengers and pilots from the increased probability of bird strike:
In its submission, CIAL says the proposed quarry "is likely to have more than a minor adverse effect on the safe, efficient and unrestricted operation" of the airport. Ponds for quarry wash and sediment treatment, along with puddles after heavy rain, could attract seagulls and other scavenging birds, "increasing the risk of bird strike". The proposed quarry was also in line with the centre of the main northeast-southwest runway and as a result directly beneath the flight path for arriving and departing planes.
Air New Zealand says it opposes the quarry development for the same reasons. "The risk of bird strike occurring is increased by factors such as bird concentrations as a result of storage of water on sites near to flight paths. Bird strike has the potential to cause serious damage to aircraft and consequently impact the safety of passengers and crew."
Exeter Airport has not objected to quarry proposals at nearby Straitgate Farm, directly below its landing approach –
– but then again they were spun a story from Aggregate Industries that no bodies of water would be created by its quarry proposals; Aggregate Industries being the same people who plan to dig down to the maximum water table at the site, but have not yet been able to work out exactly how high the groundwater rises, the same people whose infiltration ponds can't work in the areas proposed because the groundwater is so close to the surface, the same people whose restoration plans propose "Ephemeral water bodies and species-rich wet grassland to be encouraged in low-lying infiltration areas", the same people who made similar assurances about dry-working elsewhere in the area.
– but then again they were spun a story from Aggregate Industries that no bodies of water would be created by its quarry proposals; Aggregate Industries being the same people who plan to dig down to the maximum water table at the site, but have not yet been able to work out exactly how high the groundwater rises, the same people whose infiltration ponds can't work in the areas proposed because the groundwater is so close to the surface, the same people whose restoration plans propose "Ephemeral water bodies and species-rich wet grassland to be encouraged in low-lying infiltration areas", the same people who made similar assurances about dry-working elsewhere in the area.
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Holidaymakers returning to Exeter Airport, flying low over Straitgate Farm
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Canada geese flying over AI’s nearby Blackhill Quarry:
