And what about the protection of nature? How strict will be considered in the future when issuing a permit for sand extraction. According to the geologist, that is something to take into account.
During sand extraction in Echten, Hogewerf conjures up a plate with four lumps of sand. He points to a coarser grain. “You use this for concrete: it grabs more and stays stuck.”
Echten is one of the locations in Drenthe where sand is extracted. The place can last for a few more years and then Roelofs wants to open a new one. Also because of the ever-growing demand for the product. A new location would then be close to the current one.
But getting a permit takes time. “That has to do with the rules attached to it. Think of nitrogen emissions, the surrounding nature and much more. It is quite complicated and strict,” says Hogewerf.
Without new locations in the future, problems could arise. TenneT takes this into account. “Construction always starts with sand. And yes, if there is no sand, you automatically experience delays. It is something to take into account,” says Warners.
United Nations researchers recommend removing the raw material from existing objects and reusing it. Consider homes and buildings that are ready for demolition.
However, according to Roelofs Zandwinning, this is not easy. “Then it must first be possible to demolish enough to extract it. That is simply not the case at the moment, so the demand for excavated sand will always remain.”