The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by East Arm Resources Pty Ltd for East Arm Road Quarry intensification in the George Town municipality.
The proposal is to intensify the existing Level 2 quarry at the site, with rock being extracted from the working area, and then processed at a greater rate per annum, increasing from 50,000m³ to 130,000m³. The intensification will see the introduction of spot shipments (export) of aggregate to non-Tasmanian locations. Shipments will likely be via Bell Bay Port at Bell Bay. No new buildings or other infrastructure are proposed.
The Executive Director, Dr Martin Read who made the determination under delegation from the EPA Board, concluded the proposed development can be managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, with certain conditions. The Board requires these conditions to be included in any permit subsequently granted by the George Town Council.
“Various environmental issues, including dust emissions, water quality and noise emissions were considered in the assessment. These were addressed through management measures put forward by the proponent and are reflected in the environmental conditions to be imposed," Dr Read said.
One representation was received in relation to the permit application, however the submission was not related to an environmental matter and further information was not requested. Public consultation was open for a 28-day period from 3 June 2023.
The proposal was considered by the Executive Director in the context of the sustainable development objectives of the Resource Management and Planning System of Tasmania (RMPS), and in the context of the objectives of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control System (EMPCS) established by the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 EMPCA).
The functions of the EPA are to administer and enforce the provisions of EMPCA, to further the RMPS and EMPCS objectives and, in particular, to use its best endeavours to protect the environment of Tasmania.
The EPA undertook the assessment of the proposal in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Principles defined in Section 74 of the Act.
The environmental assessment report, including the environmental conditions, has been issued to East Arm Resources Pty Ltd, and George Town Council.
The decision by the Executive Director can be viewed at East Arm Resources Pty Ltd, East Arm Road Quarry Intensification, Hillwood.