The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by Wayne Johnston for the intensification of Kryden Quarry in Meander Valley.
Kryden Quarry is an existing level 1 gravel quarry operating under a planning permit issued by Meander Valley Council. The proposal is to increase production over the level 2 threshold to 31,250 cubic metres per annum. The activity will include drilling and blasting. Crushing and screening will also occur on site two to three times per year for short periods of seven to ten days.
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 Meander Valley Council.
“Various environmental issues were considered by the Board in its assessment, particularly the risk for potentially acid forming (PAF) material to be exposed. This was addressed through the management measures put forward by the proponent including maintaining the existing working level of the quarry and regular water quality sampling of drainage from the quarry site. These measures are reflected in the environmental conditions to be imposed," Dr Read said.
No representations were received in relation to the permit application. Public consultation was open for 14 days from 18 June 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 EMPC Act.
The functions of the EPA are to administer and enforce the provisions of the EMPC Act, 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 was undertaken 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 proponent and Meander Valley Council for their information.
The decision in relation to Wayne Johnston, Kryden Quarry Intensification, Meander Road can be viewed on this website.