Otters inhabiting the area near the proposed location for a recycling centre which has been mired in controversy could get an ‘animal subway’ in the name of protecting them from traffic noises in Denbighshire.
Wildlife specialists are proposing an underground walkway which would shield a family of otters from noise pollution if the construction of the waste centre gets the consent.
The wildlife experts are also proposing that vehicles entering the waste site, close to Rhuddlan castle, be made to cut speed as they deliver waste from households throughout North Denbighshire.
This follows concerns raised by the Environment Agency about the effects of the proposed recycling site on otters inhabiting a pond near the A525 at Rhuddlan.
Otters are safeguarded under the European Union and the United Kingdom law and it is against the law not only to cause them harm or kill them but also to cause damage, destruction or obstruct the way to their shelters.
An ecology expert, Jane Walsh was hired by Denbighshire to study the site. She came to the conclusion that the pond was providing food opportunities for the otters and could potentially become a breeding site for them.
And because the waste recycling site will bring about indirect disturbance to the otters, Ms Walsh advised the council to get a license from the Welsh Assembly Government which would allow them to disturb the habitat. She also suggested that a dry culvert be built for the otters under the access road which the otters would be using to reach the pond. Another recommendation she made was the speed limits on the road to the site be brought down further.
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