Erosion fears over dredging contract
By Emily Dennis (Eastern Daily Press, 04 April 2005)
Norfolk coastal defence campaigners last night hit out at plans to renew an offshore dredging licence off the coast at Yarmouth.
They claim the application by Hanson Aggregates Marine would accelerate coastal erosion and put homes and businesses at risk.
Malcolm Kerby, chairman of the Coastal Concern Action Group, said he was convinced that offshore dredging was responsible for coastal erosion and urged the Government to stop the process from being carried out while further research is undertaken.
He said the Government's proposed new shoreline management plan (SMP) stated the effects of offshore dredging on coastal erosion were "uncertain" and that research conducted by experts at the European Union had confirmed it played a major role.
Mr Kerby called on the Government to inject more funds into research and said it was unfeasible that local people should have to foot the bill.
Pat Gowen, head of the North Sea Action Group, said it was opposed to the renewal of the licence for a number of reasons, including the fact that no indication has been given as to the need or use of the aggregate.
In a report, the group said that in the past more than a third of material from the area had been exported to the Netherlands, which severely restricts offshore dredging because of the damage it believes is caused to the shoreline, marine ecosystem and fish stocks. The document also cites global warming as a concern.
Hanson Aggregates Marine wants to renew its offshore dredging licence for an area in the North Sea 22km east of Yarmouth.
In a bid to dispel concerns, it has organised a consultation exercise in the town on April 19.
A spokesman for the company said: "We believe there is a lot of misconception in the area about the perceived link between marine aggregate dredging and coastal erosion.
"A 10-year study carried out on our behalf shows there is no link between sand loss, coastal erosion and marine aggregate dredging."
He said members of the public had been invited to the consultation in the Lord Nelson Grandstand, Yarmouth Racecourse, between 11am and 7pm.
There will be a series of 10-minute presentations at 12pm, 2pm, 4pm and 6pm when people will be able to put questions to experts.
A final decision on the application will be made by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).