Second Tyne Tunnel waste to extend dock

Jul 10 2009 by Sonia Sharma, The Journal

But the Port of Tyne has been able to arrange with the contractors of Tyne Tunnel 2 to use excavated waste from their work to fill Tyne Dock.

Around 400,000 cubic metres will be pumped directly via a pipe system and discharged into the dock.

The other 120,000 cubic metres would be imported by road from Wardley disposal point, which has been given permission to temporarily store waste from the tunnel building scheme.

The report adds: “The Port of Tyne is recognised to be of huge importance to the local economy and that of the North East. It also supports a large number of direct and indirect jobs either at the site or in the region.

“The PoTA considers the proposed development would deliver positive benefits including construction-related jobs together with the growth of business, such as additional land for the storage of cargoes or containers. The proposal would support the objectives to ensure the promotion and success of the port and its links with regeneration of the area and employment creation.”

Over the years, land has played a crucial role in the ability of the Port of Tyne to diversify from being a harbour into a port with five business areas – bulk and conventional cargo, car terminals, cruise and ferries, logistics and estates.

Chief executive Andrew Moffat said: “Last year the port was approached by Bouygues Travaux Publics, the contractors of the second Tyne Tunnel, who explained their plans to dredge the Tyne. We talked about how they could recycle the spoil from construction of the tunnel by using it to infill Tyne Dock. Not only would this help create 13 acres of land for operations, it would give us greater flexibility to offer our customers.’’