THE discovery of a shelf of rock on the bed of the River Tamar, near where the Royal Navy is to build its weapons loading jetty at Bull Point, has led to plans for a series of underwater explosions.
The explosions are being undertaken by Navy specialists who will have to drill four metre deep holes into the 10x20 metre shelf of rock, and then fill these with explosives.
The area is to be cordoned off by Ministry of Defence police - and fish will be frightened away by a scare charge which will be dropped into the river before the blasts occur.
Those responsible for the RAFT (Remote Ammunitioning Facility Tamar) project have received official certification confirming the site is clear of any unexploded bombs etc. This follows a search of the river bed by divers near the end of last year. Little was found - but a depth charge was blown up by controlled explosion out at sea.
Before the charges are detonated a 30 second siren will be sounded. The Navy has said people living near the site, and those using the river, will not be inconvenienced.
It is thought the initial blasts may take place over three days, but if more rock is discovered further explosions may have to be considered.