Thus, the global use of aggregates for concrete is estimated to be 25.9 billion to 29.6 billion tonnes per year in 2012. The building industry requires approximately six to seven times more tonnes of sand and gravel for each tonne of cement used in the preparation of concrete (USGS, 2013b). Sand and gravel are widely used in construction. Where there are access roadsĬrossing riparian areas may have an impact on the local environment. Sand mining increases vehicle traffic, which has a negative impact on the environment. If extraction continues, the entire streambed may degrade to the depth of excavation. These physical impacts degrade riparian and aquatic biota and may result in the collapse of bridges and other structures. Bed degradation, coarsening of the bed, lower water tables near the streambed, and channel instability are all consequences.

Through large changes in channel morphology, instream sand mining destroys aquatic and riparian habitat. Sand mining also has an impact on the nearby groundwater system and the river’s uses by the locals. Any amount of sand extracted from streambedsĮxcessive instream sand mining endangers bridges, river banks, and other nearby structures. The impact of mining is exacerbated by the impact of sea level rise. It may also result in the intrusion of saline water from the nearby sea. Sand depletion in the streambed and along coastal areas causes rivers and estuaries to deepen and river mouths and coastal inlets to enlarge. Instream mining causes stream bottom erosion, which can lead to bank erosion. Rivers are degraded as a result of excessive instream sand and gravel mining. Any amount of sand extracted from streambeds and coastal areas is a system loss. In-stream mining causes stream bottom erosion, which can lead to bank erosion. Rivers are degraded as a result of excessive in-stream sand and gravel mining. Mining companies, in collaboration with relevant resource agencies, must work to ensure that sand mining is done responsibly.

Today, the demand for sand and gravel is increasing. Sand and gravel have been used in the construction of roads and buildings for thousands of years. IMPACT OF SAND AND GRAVEL DREDGING ON THE ENVIRONMENT

What is sand dredging