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Coastal impact study - guidance on environmental impact
assessment in relation to marine minerals dredging applications
A recent review of the Government approach to the control of licensing of marine
minerals dredging applications has resulted in greater consideration being given
to their potential effect on onshore coastal systems. The following text is
taken from MMG 01 and provides guidance on issues that should be considered
when assessing the environmental impact of any proposed offshore dredging project.
Of particular relevance are Article 6 "Assessment of the Potential Effects
of the Dredging Activity" and the requirement to assess the physical impact
of aggregate extraction for coastal erosion (through a 'Coastal Impact Study'),
which should address the following:
- "the proposed dredging is far enough offshore for there to be no beach
drawdown into the deepened area;
- the proposed dredging will interrupt the natural supply of materials to
beaches through tides and currents;
- the likely effect on bars and banks which provide protection to the coast
by absorbing wave energy, and the potential impact on local tidal patterns
and currents which could lead to erosion;
- likely changes to the height of waves passing over dredged areas and the
potential effect on the refraction of waves which could lead to significant
changes in the wave pattern."
For further guidance on assessing the effects of dredging on the coastline
see Report (C505) 'Regional seabed sediment studies and assessment of marine
aggregate dredging' (Brampton & Evans 1998).
It provides a structured approach to studies of regional seabed sediment mobility,
plus guidelines for studies needed to assess the impact on the coastline of
proposed dredging operations.
References
Brampton, A.H. & Evans, C.D.R.
1998.
Regional Seabed Sediments Studies and Assessment of Marine Aggregate Dredging.
CIRIA.
Abstract...
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