A temporary asphalt plant may be established within Bermuda Airport grounds as Airport Operations undertakes rehabilitation work on some of its runways.

The Department of Airport Operations submitted an application on November 21 to the Planning Department for final approval to establish the plant.

According to the proposal, the airport would operate the asphalt plant on eight-hour night shifts, six days a week for a ten week period, beginning in mid-February of 2003. The plant would be located on Apron 5 and would be used to resurface and rehabilitate runways 12 through 30.

The Ministry of Environment has already issued an Operating Licence for the plant which dictates it must minimise noise and be fitted with an air cleaning device.

The licence also notes: "(The plant) shall be operated in such a manner that the external effluent does not adversely impact nearby residents, the ventilation of buildings including windows and air intake points."

Airport Operations have submitted three possible scenarios for the operation for the plant and are seeking feedback from Planning on the best option.