By Halle Lujah
Special report: April 1, 2019 (San Diego) – In a joint announcement today, UCSD researchers and the County of San Diego revealed a major scientific breakthrough.
“Our technology team has developed a superior grade of artificial sand made from recycled products that can replace sand from riverbeds long used in construction of highways and other projects,” said Wei Tugo, lead researcher.
Dianne Jacob, Chair of the County Board of Supervisors, announced, “Thanks to this groundbreaking advance, the County of San Diego will no longer be buying sand for use in any of our roadways or other construction projects. Not only will this provide a use for recyclables that currently end up in our landfills, it will also eliminate the need for dredging scenic areas and wildlife habitat across our region to mine sand.”
Owners of properties proposed for sand mine developments at Cottonwood Golf in Rancho San Diego and El Monte Valley in Lakeside stated that due to the lack of a local marketplace for sand, they are abandoning their sand mining plans, said spokesman Rocky Crush. Details below: