Department of Parks and Recreation issues
public notice to ban sand mining
Parks and Recreation Director Taamuvaigafa Iakopo did not approve the removal of sand from Utulei Beach for the golf course and now he is urging the general public to call his office or the Department of Public Safety to report any removal of sand from local beaches.
(Taamu’s department is responsible for issuing permits for sand mining).
In a statement, Taamu wrote, “The Department of Parks and Recreation again reminds the general public that sand mining is not allowed, due to shoreline being washed away.” He added, “The removal of sand from Utulei Beach, Fagaalu Beach, and Fatumafuti is banned from the public.”
Taamu has become vocal about the sand mining issue after local media published photos of sand being removed from the Utulei Beach and later transported to the golf course.
The practice of removing sand from local beaches is very common in the territory, with many residents using the sand for landscaping purposes.
Taamu has informed the directors of the Department of Commerce and the American Samoa Environmental Protection Agency about his action and has requested cooperation from all agencies to help in enforcing the sand mining ban.
In addition, he is also seeking assistance from the police, hoping that they will take action when members of the public call in to report cases of sand mining.
The continuous mining of sand may not seem like a big deal but if the practice is not stopped, erosion will become a major problem for coastal roads and local wildlife will be affected.
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