Frequently Asked Questions
- the use of water trucks, spray systems and sprinklers
- using commercially available soil binding compounds
- covers on certain machines such as crushers and certain stockpiled material such as fine sands.
Who regulates the quarry operation?
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) is the lead regulatory agency and regulates the site in accordance with the Mining Act 1971. DEM works closely with the EPA, which provides specialised technical review and regulatory requirements to DEM for a co-regulatory strategy under the Environment Protection Act 1993.
What is the quarry approved to do?
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 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 Dust Management Plan.
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 the dust particles.
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 (Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016) apply to all operations in the state. Operators must also adhere to site specific requirements (MOP/PEPR2015/005). A failure to comply with either of these will result in regulatory action by DEM or the EPA.
Adbri’s control strategies implemented to ensure its compliance with legislation governing safe dust levels require Adbri to undertake its own monitoring of weather conditions and air quality.
Am I at risk of silicosis or other health risks?
The local rock resource is of low silica content and poses minimal risk of silicosis to the community.
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 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 an 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. 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:
DEM.MiningRegRehab@sa.gov.au