MP demands investigation into effects of aggregates dredging News – June 20, 2008
EDP 24 reports that a Norfolk MP has called for a full investigation into the system of allowing offshore dredging because of his concerns about coastal erosion.
Earlier this month, EDP reported that environmental pressure group Marinet, which is affiliated to Friends of the Earth, had asked the National Audit Office for an investigation into whether dredging for material which is then used to build coastal defences is doing more harm than good.
Now North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb says that because of the amount of money the government makes by granting offshore dredging licences, there may not be sufficient safeguards that the process is not damaging the coastline.
Said the report: “The Crown Estate, which grants licences for dredging, makes millions of pounds a year from this – £10 million in 2001-2 alone.”
Much of it takes place off the Norfolk coast – the seabed off Yarmouth is the most intensively dredged place in the country.
Most of the sand and gravel is used for roads and building.
Mr Lamb’s letter to the National Audit Office says: “I would be very grateful if you would agree to carry out a full investigation into the granting of dredging licences, the income received to the exchequer and the question of whether there is a sufficiently robust system given the amount of income received, set against the concerns I have already expressed about the possible increase in the impact of coastal erosion.”
The National Audit Office has not committed itself to carrying out a full investigation, but says it will look at the issues. A spokesman said: “We will look at the issues and the information and decide whether we need to carry out a full investigation. We carry out different types of study, including good governance reviews, and that may be something we would do.”
The British Marine Aggregate Producers’ Association denies that offshore dredging causes coastal erosion. It says that it helps to solve the problem by providing material for coastal defences, and says careful tests are carried out to make sure no harm is done.