Environment Agency visits Swinden Quarry

Thirty-two representatives view entire operation including site’s complex water-management system

TARMAC’s Swinden Quarry in North Yorkshire recently welcomed a delegation of 32 representatives from the Environment Agency.

The visit, which was hosted by a team from Tarmac’s Land and Natural Resources department and Yorkshire Area operational team, began with an introduction to the company and the history of the Swinden site, and its important role in the local economy, before continuing with a tour of the quarry.

The Environment Agency representatives saw the entire operation, including the site’s complex water-management system.

Craig Arditto, geology manager for strategic planning North and Scotland, said: ‘It was great to be able to host the visitors and to show them around the site.

‘Environmental legislation on water in quarries has changed and, therefore, the visit was a great way to showcase to both operators and the regulator the importance of water management for our industry.

‘This visit reinforced the need for Tarmac’s operations to maintain good records of water movement following the introduction of new planning laws.’

Environment Agency hydrogeologist Ruth Buckley said: ‘We are grateful to Tarmac for the opportunity to visit Swinden Quarry to examine its dewatering operations.

‘Until 31 December 2017, quarry dewatering over 20 cubic metres per day was exempt from the Water Resources Act and could be carried out by quarry operators without permission from the regulator.

‘However, the Water Abstraction (Transitional Provisions) Regulations 2017 removed the right to exempt dewatering from regulation, so from 1 January 2018, operators have had to apply for permission to undertake dewatering operations.’