The helicopter landing pad on Surtsey, a protected volcanic island off Iceland’s south coast, is set to nearly triple in size. The decision followed the approval by Vestmannaeyjar Town Council of an application submitted by the Surtsey Association.
The pad will be expanded from 36 to 100 square metres because the Icelandic Coast Guard specialists consider the existing facility too small for safe landings by the service’s current helicopters. The existing pad was installed in 1993.
What’s the Story?
Original source: RÚV
- The Surtsey helicopter pad will increase from 36 to 100 square metres.
- Coast Guard specialists say the current pad is too small for safe landings by its helicopters.
- The project has been approved subject to strict environmental conditions.
Strict Conditions Apply
The estimated cost of the work is ISK 9 million, with four workers expected to complete it within six days. The Prime Minister’s Office has approved the project on condition that all required permits are in place.
The Nature Conservation Agency of Iceland granted permission for the work in July, subject to strict conditions. Surtsey is owned by the Icelandic state, is a protected area and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
All clothing, construction materials and luggage must be thoroughly cleaned to prevent organisms, plant material or soil from being brought to the island by people. Disturbance to the landscape and soil must also be kept to a minimum.
Vegetation and soil around the edges of the existing pad will be temporarily removed and reused when the site is restored. The extension is designed so it can be removed relatively easily, allowing all traces of the work to be erased.
Surtsey emerged from a volcanic eruption which began 130 metres (430 feet) below sea level and burst through the surface on 14 November 1963. The new island was named after Surtr, a giant from Norse mythology.
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