UPDATE FROM AARON MCNEILL, FCERM MANAGER, FLOOD & COASTAL EROSION RISK MANAGEMENT, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY COUNCIL:
"To update you on our progress in developing the scheme. We have this week begun additional site investigation works involving trial pits and boreholes to take further soil and water samples. We expect this investigation to last approximately 2 weeks after which the samples will undergo laboratory testing. A small compound has been set up within the Coal Authority site to aid this work.
In addition, the phase 1 Habitat Survey and topographic surveys have now been completed. Interestingly, the habitat survey revealed that a protected lizard species (Common Lizards) occupies the site in addition to Sand Martins which we are aware of nesting in the cliff face between March and September. We are currently liaising with the County Ecologist (David Feige) for advice which will likely result in some mitigation works in the lead up to construction".
Northumberland County Council's website includes some photographs of the plant on site at the moment.
