The government has submitted plans to move silt from Peel up to the former mine land at Snuff the Wind, where most of it is believed to have come from.
Outlined in a planning statement by Wardell Armstrong LLP, the plan aims to mitigate heavy metal contamination in the River Neb catchment and Peel Marina by treating and reusing sediment stored in a temporary lagoon.
The application, submitted by DEFA, seeks approval to transport approximately 16,000 cubic metres of dredged sediment from Peel Marina to Cross Vein Mine, near Foxdale.
The sediment, currently stored in a lagoon, contains elevated levels of lead and other heavy metals, making it unsuitable for disposal at sea.
Objective
Supporting documents state: “The primary objective of the Proposed Development is to mitigate heavy metal contamination migration into the River Neb catchment and Peel Marina.
“The Isle of Man Government further aim to empty the now-full silt lagoon by late 2027.”
The remediation scheme involves capping an area of mining spoil known as the “deads” with treated sediment and a growing medium to restore heathland habitats.
The project includes constructing a settlement pond, temporary treatment plant, and access tracks, with works expected to take place between August 2026 and February 2027.
Public access to the remediated site will be restricted for up to 10 years to allow heathland to establish.
You can find the full application here.
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