Frequently Asked Questions
- the use of water trucks, spray and fogging systems and sprinklers
- using commercially available soil binding compounds
- covers and enclosures on certain machines and equipment (such as crushers) and certain stockpiled materials, such as fine sands.
Who regulates the quarry operation?
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) regulates the site in accordance with the Mining Act 1971. The EPA also regulates the site under the Environment Protection Act 1993, through an authorisation in the form of a licence (EPA Licence #2052).
What is the quarry approved to do?
Under the Mining Act 1971, the quarry is approved to undertake operations set out in the approved combined Mine Operations Plan and Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation (the Program) MOP/PEPR2015/005. The Program describes the operations that will be undertaken, sets out the environmental outcomes and measurement criteria that must be achieved, and the control strategies that will be implemented to ensure achievement of environmental outcomes.
How is dust managed on the site?
The quarry must comply with the air quality outcomes in MOP/PEPR2015/005 and the Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016. The quarry manages its dust impacts through its Dust Management Plan (DMP) and Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) which includes:
Implementation of a TARP restricts certain operations under particular weather conditions. Dust is monitored 24/7 through active dust monitors that alert the quarry to risks of excessive dust levels, and this information is regularly reviewed by DEM and the EPA. Further details can be found in the January 2025 DMP.
I can see dust rising out of the quarry, is this a risk to me?
Dust can often be seen rising above the quarry during blasting events or in the morning when the crushing machines first start up and the rising sun behind the quarry illuminates dust particles in the air.
Protecting the health and wellbeing of all South Australians, especially those in communities located close to mining and quarrying operations, is a primary function of both DEM and the EPA.
As regulators, our role is to ensure that operators in our state adhere to all relevant legislation. Understanding and responding promptly to community concerns is vital to our ability to regulate effectively.
To protect communities from potential risks from airborne dust, overarching policies (Environment Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016) apply to all operations in the state. Adbri must also adhere to site specific requirements in the combined Mine Operations Plan and Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation (MOP/PEPR2015/005), approved by DEM. Failure to comply with either of these will result in regulatory action by DEM or the EPA.
Am I at risk of silicosis or other health issues?
Advice from Professor Nicola Spurrier, Chief Public Health Officer, to Mayor Moira Were AM in December 2024, which was noted at the City of Onkaparinga’s January 2025 Council meeting, stated:
Based on evidence from available Australian and international monitoring carried out in communities that have an industrial source, such as a quarry, Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) has not been found to be a health concern in ambient air or in community settings. To develop silicosis, exposure to RCS generally needs to be long term and at high levels, and such high levels are usually not seen in community or ambient air settings.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of dust may pose health risks to some individuals, however, the air quality monitoring data indicates that dust from the quarry is nearly always below the national guideline concentrations recognised as impacting human health.
Why is there so much dust on my car and in my home?
The EPA conducted a detailed air quality study in 2017 that investigated sources of dust at Sellicks Beach. The study identified several local sources of dust, including the Sellicks Hill Quarry, as well as fine sand particles and salt from the sea and beaches. Further information can be found in the EPA’s Sellicks Beach air quality report.
How do I lodge concerns or complaints in regard to the quarry?
Complaints should be sent directly to the quarry for immediate action in the first instance. You can contact Adbri on:
Phone – (08) 8556 3007
Email – communityfeedback@southernquarries.com.au.
If you feel that your complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily, please direct your complaint to DEM or the EPA:
DEM
Email – DEM.MiningRegRehab@sa.gov.au
Phone – (08) 8463 3000
EPA
Email – engage.epa@sa.gov.au
Phone – (08) 8204 2004