Quang Ngai allows businesses to sell salt-contaminated sand after dredging

Instead of dumping into Dung Quat sea, Quang Ngai authorities allowed the investor to sell 900,000 m3 of salty mud and sand after dredging to exploit minerals.

The information was stated in the decision approving the environmental impact report of the dredging project of the port area and shipping channel serving Dung Quat Economic Zone, signed by Chairman of Quang Ngai People's Committee Dang Van Minh on August 22.

Accordingly, 900,000 m3 of mud, soil, and saline sand will be transported and dumped in a 50-hectare area about 11 km from the dredging site (near shore) in Dung Quat sea area. During the dredging and sinking process, if any unit needs sand for filling, the project owner is allowed to prioritize the supply to take advantage of minerals.

The entrance to Hao Hung port in Dung Quat Economic Zone. Photo: Pham Linh

Previously, mud and sand from dredging were often dumped into the sea at other locations, but many experts believe that this mud and sand can be reused instead of being dumped into the sea.

Hao Hung Quang Ngai Company - the investor of the dredging project, said that this amount of mud and sand can be used for construction. However, to sell it, this company must complete procedures and documents according to regulations.

Hao Hung Port in Dung Quat Economic Zone has been operating since 2017, including 4 berths for ships of 30,000-50,000 tons and other technical and auxiliary infrastructure works to meet the import and export of goods. Due to high demand, the investor has proposed upgrading the specialized berth for 70,000-ton ships to the port.

Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee requested investors to carry out dredging and dumping when the weather is good, limit water turbidity; have a plan to collect waste generated during the dredging process to limit the impact on the ecosystem; and at the same time ensure safety for vehicles.

Previously, Binh Dinh province also agreed to let the Ministry of Transport dredge and submerge 3.8 million cubic meters of mud and sand 12 km off the coast of Quy Nhon.

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