IMPACTS OF SAND EXCAVATION AND MINING TO ENVIRONMENT IN THANG LOI COMMUNE, VAN GIANG DISTRICT, HUNG YEN PROVINCE

Abstract

This study aims to assess the impact of sand mining activities on the environment and public health in Thang Loi commune, Van Giang district, Hung Yen province. The study conducted a field survey and 40 households’ structure interviews in three villages with the closest distance to the sand mining site. The results show that the excavation and transportation of sand caused dust stick on surface of the leaves, slowing the tree’s growth; land subsidence, landslides, sedimentation of canals near the mining site and some areas where sand trucks pass through. Specifically, the estimated amount of dust emission was 99 kg per day, NO_x reached 95.04 kg per day when the trucks speed are at 60 km per hour. These results provide qualitative and quantitative evidences for scientists and environmental managers for proper proposal of suitable management solutions and sand mining strategies toward environmental and local public health protections.