The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal East Arm Resources Pty Ltd for Infrastructure upgrade to East Arm Quarry, Hillwood in George Town municipality.
East Arm Quarry is an existing Level 2 quarry. The proposal is to install buildings and construct ancillary infrastructure to support the existing quarry operating at the site, with works extending the footprint of the quarry to the southwest. The quarry has approval to extract and process up to 50,000m³ of rock per annum and has been operating since 2013. The proposal does not seek to intensify or change the use.
The Executive Director, Environmental Assessments, 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 by the Board in its 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 related to a Council planning matter. No representations were received relating to environmental matters and further information was not requested. Public consultation was open for a 14-day period from 15 October 2022.
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 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 the East Arm Resources Pty Ltd, and George Town Council for their information.
The decision in relation to East Arm Quarry can be viewed on this website.