Existing Dredge Site Polygons

asNeeded

To map the existing sites of dredging activity and where dredged material has been used beneficially, digital spatial extent data provided by the MMO was imported into the GIS with associated metadata. Two separate datasets were provided by the MMO; one containing historic and existing dredging activities, and the other containing historic and existing beneficial uses. The data supplied was exclusively Marine Licences and Applications since 2011, split into point data, line data and polygonal data. The data was checked visually, and a review of the tabulated data was completed to identify any anomalies. Anomalies included applications for licences which have not yet been granted. These projects were transferred into the relevant ‘future sites’ dataset, along with any projects labelled ‘alternative use’ which were not (this included several which were disposal licences, as well as aggregate licences). The data provided by the MMO did not include details on material type and volume. Hence, these data were collated using the MMO public register for the sites where licences have not yet expired, and included as part of the metadata. These data were not obtained for those sites where licences have expired, as this was outside the scope of this study. Data was gathered on potential future dredging and beneficial use sites through desk-based assessment of key strategic documents and stakeholder engagement. This has been informed by Shoreline Management Plans (SMPs), Estuary Management Plans (EMPs), Beach Management Plans (BMPs), and industry documents such as Port Master Plans. Two main tasks were completed to compile the data. Potential sites for beneficial use of dredged material were identified using a combination of existing knowledge, a review of management plans, and the MMO public register. Areas of the coast which may make use of dredged material for beneficial use were identified using the policy adopted within each Policy Unit of the relevant SMPs and EMPs. All the Policy Units which identified a potential opportunity for beneficial use of dredged material were collated, including sites where the preferred management policy is Hold the Line involving beach nourishment. In addition, potential sites of sandscaping (large-scale beach nourishment) were identified and integrated into the dataset along with applications for beneficial use on the MMO public register. See report for more detail, MMO5184: Alternative use of dredge material in the North East, North West, South East and South West marine plan areas.