Resources Victoria’s regulator has issued notices to three quarries across the state for failing to appropriately store or manage on-site production waste.
Processing quarry materials produces waste, known in the industry as slimes, which must be appropriately stored to protect the environment and land.
“Operators must understand how to store waste, manage it appropriately and deliver what’s required,” Resources Victoria Executive Director Regulatory Operations, Chris Webb said.
“Properly managing a quarry waste storage area includes constructing it according to the standard approved by the regulator, maintaining and operating it safely, then decommissioning and rehabilitating the area once operations are complete.”
The offences contained in the notices include using unapproved designs for waste storage facilities, using larger dams than permitted, storing waste in unapproved areas and operating without a rehabilitation plan.
In each instance the operator was unable to provide the Earth Resources Regulator with important details about the waste storage dam, including its size, how it was constructed and its operating requirements.
Among many responsibilities, quarry operators must maintain safety plans, keep maintenance records and conduct routine inspections based. If a storage dam is not properly managed it may release waste material, posing a risk to the surrounding area and waterways.
Quarry operators must thoroughly understand their obligations and appropriately store waste onsite. Changes to how waste material is stored onsite must be approved by the Earth Resources Regulator.
