Keynote 4: Do marine aggregates make sense?
Type:
Presented during:
CEDA Dredging Days 2007 - The Day After we Stop Dredging, Rotterdam
Authors:
Ian Shelby, Operations and Resources Director, Hanson Aggregates Marine, United Kingdom
Abstract: Marine aggregate dredging will be considered in the context of sustainable development with a brief examination of key elements. The scale of marine aggregate activity will be translated into a series of land-based impacts followed by reflection on the value of marine aggregate dredging. Impacts considered will include spatial & planning, transport, social, economic and environmental issues. These issues range from the aesthetic to economic sourcing and from chemical (eg. emissions) to noise. The strategic contribution in the supply network will also be explored. Having established the value and contribution of marine aggregate production, the concerns and issues that restrict our ability to maximise the use of our assets will be outlined. Typical issues which lead to difficulties in obtaining dredging permits include environmental concerns which are commonly knowledge-related, for example association with coastal erosion, conservation designations, ecological changes, heritage and fisheries. Other issues include the policy, planning system, governance and our political profile and influence.
What are the consequences of not dredging then?
The results would include time effects (delay), cost effects (financial, environmental and social) arising through the restriction to supply opportunities.
Keywords: marine aggregates, sustainability, scenarios