EPA considers proposal for Montumana Gravel Quarry, Montumana

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has concluded its assessment of a proposal by MV Shelverton for Montumana Gravel Quarry in Montumana, Circular Head.

The proposal is to intensify operations at the quarry, located off the Bass Highway, approximately 24 kilometres west of the Wynyard township. The proponent seeks a production increase from 5,000 cubic metres to 20,000 cubic metres per annum.

EPA Manager Assessments, Helen Mulligan, who made the determination under delegation from the EPA Board, concluded that the proposed development can be managed in an environmentally sustainable and acceptable manner, with conditions. The Board requires these conditions to be included in any permit subsequently granted by the Circular Head Council.

“Various environmental issues were considered in the assessment, particularly water quality regarding stormwater management and potential leachate from acid forming material.

Conditions have been imposed requiring regular water quality monitoring and upgraded stormwater management systems," Ms Mulligan said.

Public consultation was open for 14 days from 7 September 2024. No representations were received in relation to the proposal.

The proposal was considered by the Board's delegate 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 to use its best endeavours to protect the environment of Tasmania.

The Manager Assessments undertook 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 MV Shelverton and Circular Head Council.​

This decision and all assessment documents can be viewed at Michael V Shelverton, Montumana Gravel Quarry, Montumana​.

Published on: 8/11/2024