Environmentalists object to sand quarry capacity increase in Meriç River

Environmental groups and NGOs in Edirne have filed an official objection against a sand and gravel quarry company's proposal to significantly increase its processing capacity along the Meriç River. The company is seeking to raise its annual capacity from 10,000 tons to 396,000 tons.

Ayten Eren, president of the Edirne Environmental Volunteers Association, stated that the project poses serious environmental risks. She noted that similar applications for capacity increases and concrete plants by the same company were canceled in 2022 following legal challenges from civil society organizations and professional chambers.

While the company claims that removing sand islands will reduce flood risks and prevent coastal erosion, activists argue that intensive material extraction from the riverbed could deepen the bed. They warn this could threaten the safety of local bridges and the Archimedes Hydroelectric Power Plant.