The States-owned developer, which is also behind the International Finance Centre project, moved to reassure Islanders saying that ‘strict environmental measures’ were in place to ensure dust, which is thought to contain asbestos, is minimised to safe levels during construction.
In a letter published on page 12 of Friday’s edition, JDC managing director Lee Henry hits back at comments made by JEP columnist and former Senator Ben Shenton.
In his column, Mr Shenton raised concerns about dust clouds that could be generated during the construction of the Horizon development and suggested that such pollution could fuel a rise in the number of mesothelioma cases in the Island.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer, which is caused by asbestos poisoning and develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the internal organs.
Mr Henry’s letter says that the ‘strict environmental measures’ include: damping down the site, covering the back of vehicles removing material from the site and vehicles leaving the site going through a wheel washer.
The letter says: ‘In addition, dust monitoring stations have been set up on the site to record the actual position.’
It adds: ‘There were no dust clouds when the International Finance Centre was excavated and there has not been an increase in the number of mesothelioma patients as a result of these developments, as irresponsibly insinuated by your columnist.’
