Commentary on Sections Part 1 – Works Section 7 – Dredging etc.
33.Dredging in the Firth of Forth may be required to be carried out as part of the Forth Crossing works to enable the pillars and towers of the bridge to be located. Blasting of Beamer Rock may also be required to provide a platform for the Central Tower.
34.Section 7 provides the Scottish Ministers with the power to undertake activities such as dredging and blasting which affect the bed of the Firth of Forth. Subsection (1) provides that the Scottish Ministers may carry out such activities within the limits of deviation. Similar powers have been applied in previous Acts authorising such works.(4)
35.Subsection (2) permits the Scottish Ministers to use or otherwise dispose of anything removed as a result of dredging or blasting. Activities such as dredging, blasting or other activities associated with the carrying out of the works in the Firth of Forth are likely to result in an obstruction or danger to navigation.