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Media Release The Sands of Time are Running Out Plaid Cymru's two South West Wales Assembly Members, Janet Davies and Dr. Dai Lloyd, have welcomed the clear stance taken by the Environment Agency on the issue of doubling the current volume of sand dredging off the South Wales coast. The Environment Agency have spoken out against the extension of licenses for sand dredging off Porthcawl and Gower, relating their concerns to the probable link with beach erosion and the effects on the coastal ecosystem. Janet Davies stated, "The Environment Agency do not take such decisions lightly, and have further highlighted an environmental issue that we can no longer sweep under the carpet. Dai and myself will not support an increase in the volume of dredging." The topic of coastal sand dredging has been a sensitive issue for many years, mainly due to the difficulty in scientifically proving a link between dredging and beach erosion, and the need for sand in the Welsh construction industry. Dr. Dai Lloyd stated, "The Assembly
has to take into account the notion of sustainability on every issue that
it deals with. In looking at the subject of sand dredging, we have to
consider the potential alternative sources of sand and the environmental
impact that such extraction would have. I do though, applaud the position
taken by the Environment Agency and other The potential harmful effects of excessive coastal sand dredging off the coast of South Wales include damage to marine fauna and flora, loss of sand from the tourist beaches and the real potential of increasing the chances of coastal flooding. Janet Davies concluded, "Our sandy beaches not only attract tourism but also act as the only barrier of flood protection along many of our lower lying coastal areas. With global warming taking place and the sea levels predicted to rise, we would be very foolish indeed to erode the very sand that protects us." END Dr. Dai Lloyd tel. 01222 898283 / 07974 001076 |