Adbri - Sellicks Hill

On 3 July 2024, Adbri recommenced the Sellicks Hill Community Consultative Group (CCG) to ensure the company is proactive and transparent in its engagement with the community. Adbri met regularly with DEM, the EPA, and the appointed independent facilitator to draft appropriate terms of reference that included a broad representation of the community. The first meeting was held on 3 July 2024 following an expression of interest process with community residents, local council, and local businesses.

Meetings are currently intended to be held quarterly. DEM and the EPA have agreed to attend CCG meetings on invitation of the independent facilitator, where there are relevant matters the CCG have raised for discussion.

Further information on the CCG is available on the Adbri website, or by contacting:

Adbri – (08) 8556 3007 or communityfeedback@southernquarries.com.au

Brenton Chappell (independent facilitator) – 0409 155 743 or simplyconnecting.chappell@gmail.com.

DEM and the EPA are aware of a number of complaints from the Sellicks Beach community in regard to dust generated at the Sellicks Hill Quarry. DEM and the EPA have jointly investigated the concerns raised, and have taken the following actions:

• Increased regular site compliance monitoring, including scheduled and unannounced site inspections, and regular visual observations from within nearby localities to establish off-site impacts. Drone photography is also used to check visual dust levels and confirm that the quarry operator is undertaking the required dust controls.
• In January 2024 the EPA conducted comprehensive air quality monitoring data analysis.
• The EPA are assessing Adbri’s revised Dust Management Plan (DMP), including the Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP), which aims to reduce the volume of dust produced.
• In 2023, the EPA conducted a comprehensive air quality data review and identified nuisance dust impact from the quarry. Following further investigation, DEM required the operator to:
  • Implement a plan to accelerate rehabilitation of the western screening mound to reduce the risk of dust lift from the area. Adbri has prioritised the completion of the western screening mound and a revegetation program is scheduled to begin in 2024.
  • Identify an alternative location to store fine material stockpiles to reduce exposure to wind and risk of dust lift. Adbri identified a protected area within the existing site and the stockpiles have since been moved to this location.
  • Install two new water tanks for additional water storage onsite to assist with dust suppression.
  • Construct a second wheel wash station to reduce drag-out of material onto South Road – this is now operational.
  • Engage a suitably qualified independent party to undertake a review of the existing DMP, including the TARP, and the air quality monitoring network.

In addition to the above, Adbri have:

• Committed to installing new BAM units (dust monitors) in 2024. The company will work with the EPA and DEM to ensure optimal placement of the new units. As a condition of Adbri’s lease, dust monitoring data will be published on the company’s website. The EPA will regularly review this data to ensure compliance with the national air quality standards.
• Installed a camera with capacity to save data to ensure actual site conditions can be assessed at any time. This will assist with addressing community complaints.
• Committed to reviewing and updating its website to provide greater transparency on its TARP and dust management measures. The company has also reinstated its blasting notifications to ensure the community is advised of planned, postponed and fired blasts.

Some of the questions we are frequently asked include:

• Who regulates the quarry operation?
• What is the quarry approved to do?
• How is dust managed on the site?
• I can see dust rising out of the quarry, is this a risk to me?
• Am I at risk of silicosis or other health risks?
• Why is there so much dust on my car and in my home?
• How do I lodge concerns or complaints in regard to the quarry?

Answers to these questions are available on our Frequently Asked Questions page.