Regulator Enforces Quarry Rehabilitation

Resources Victoria’s regulator has issued remedial notices to a quarry operator requiring the site to be managed in a way that supports its timely restoration.

With a sand quarry in Langwarrin having reached the end of its productive life, with resources fully extracted, significant rehabilitation is now required by the site’s operator.

The notices require the operator to produce a detailed plan to deliver rehabilitation at the site, to regularly submit site surveys and progress reports to the Earth Resources Regulator so the process can be monitored and assessed.

Diligent planning is required to run a quarry, operators must ensure they understand their obligations and deliver what is required as soon as possible. Failure to adequately progress rehabilitation will result in the regulator enforcing an appropriate restoration program.

Quarries operate for a set period and once production is complete, it is important that the site is made available for its next use as soon as possible.

The Earth Resources Regulator oversees Victorian mines, petroleum and quarry sites to protect public safety and the environment.

Attribute quotes to Chris Webb, Resources Victoria Executive Director Regulatory Operations

“Operators must demonstrate rehabilitation is being delivered effectively so the site can be used for another purpose.”

“When operators are taking too long to restore sites and falling short of their obligations, we’ll step in to ensure rehabilitation is delivered as soon as possible.”

“Our inspectors frequently conduct checks around the state to ensure quarries are operating lawfully and delivering their site rehabilitation obligations.”

/Public Release. View in full here.