Tarmac has hosted 32 guests at its Swinden Quarry from the Environment Agency, the organisation responsible for the protection and enhancement of the environment in England.
The event was hosted by a team from Tarmac’s Land and Natural Resources and its Yorkshire Area Operational team.
The visit began with an introduction to Tarmac and the history of Swinden and its important role in the local economy, before moving onto a tour of the quarry.
The representatives from the Environment Agency were also able to see the entire operation including the complex water management for the site.
Craig Arditto, geology manager for strategic planning North and Scotland said: “It was great to be able to host the visitors and to show them around the site.
“Environmental legislation on the water in quarries has changed and therefore the visit was a great way to showcase to both operators and the regulator the importance of water management for our industry. This visit reinforced the need for Tarmac’s operations to maintain good records of water movement following the introduction of new planning laws.”
Environment Agency hydrogeologist, Ruth Buckley said: “We are grateful to Tarmac for the opportunity to visit the Swinden Quarry site to examine its dewatering operations. Up until the 31 December 2017, quarry dewatering over 20 cubic metres per day was exempt from the Water Resources Act and could be carried out by quarry operators without permission from the regulator. However, the Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 removed the right to exempt dewatering from regulation, so from 1 January 2018, operators must apply for permission to undertake dewatering works.”
Mineral extraction is essential to the UK’s infrastructure pipeline, and Tarmac is committed to careful planning both before and after quarrying operations to ensure sites are managed responsibly and sustainably to conserve and enhance natural habitats, wildlife and cultural heritage. The company focuses on contributing to the economic and social well-being of local communities within national parks and other operations across the UK.
