Physical impacts arising from sandmining include:
- The undercutting and collapse of river banks.
- The loss of adjacent land and/or structures.
- Upstream erosion as a result of an increase in channel slope and changes in flow velocity (headcutting).
- Downstream erosion due to increased carrying capacity of the stream (hungry water).
Water Quality
Chemical or water-quality impacts include poorly planned stockpiling and uncontrolled dumping of
overburden, chemical/fuel spills, increased cost for downstream water treatment plants and poisoning of aquatic life.
Ecological
Ecological or biological impacts include the direct loss of stream habitat, disturbances of species attached to
streambed deposits, reduced light penetration, reduced primary production, and reduced feeding opportunities.