The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by B.C. McConnon & J.L. McConnon for McConnon's Quarry - Change to Processing Capacity, at Buckland in Glamorgan Spring Bay.
McConnon's Quarry is an existing Level 2 rock and gravel quarry, located nine kilometres north of the Buckland township. The proposal involves the addition of a mechanical screen and crushing plant to existing quarry operations and an increase in the maximum materials handling and processing limit from under 1,000 cubic metres to 12,500 cubic metres (approximately 20,000 tonnes) per annum. No increase in extraction quantity was proposed.
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 Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.
“Various environmental issues, including expected increases in noise and dust emissions, were considered by the Board in its assessment. These were addressed through management measures put forward by the proponent, including maintaining operating hours consistent with the Quarry Code of Practice and covering all vehicles exiting the site that are transporting excavated materials. 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 25 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 Glamorgan Spring Bay Council for their information.
The decision by the Executive Director in relation to B.C and J.L McConnon, McConnons Quarry, Buckland can be viewed on this website.