1.0 Aim

The aim of the Environmental Impact Assessment is to evaluate the impact of the proposed operations on the intrinsic value of the site. It should cover the following aspects:-

1. Location of the site and description of intended development
2. The current and projected need of the resource (aggregate)
3. Technical justification of resources
4. Major impacts of the quarry and mitigating measures
5. Quarry restoration

These short notes should be read in conjunction with the Code of Practice for Quarry Working and Restoration and Policy Min 8 of the Structure Plan.

2.1 Site Location: Description: to include present land and resource use, legal status,

extent of ownership, description of features on site and indication on 1:500 site

plan.

2.2 Geology: to identify the geological formation intended to be worked, its quality and quantity based on published geological maps and other literature, published and unpublished. Reference should be made to existing dissertations related to local aggregate and which are available through local and foreign sources. Other problems related to the geology of the area such as hydrology should also be studied.

2.3 Ecology: to carry out desk and field study to identify plant and wild life present and / or likely to be present in the locality. The likely effects of upsetting the ecosystem of the area and ways of mitigating impacts should be stated.

2.4 Existing Trees and Woodland: to include a 1:250 site plan with full tree/woodland survey. Trees are to be shown by species and in the case of single trees indicate their diameter at 130cm height from ground level. Trees which are less than 1.50m high are top be included and the presence of natural regeneration is to be especially marked, showing clearly the present extent of the area.

2.5 Archaeology: to outline the location, proximity and stability of any buildings or structures of historical and/or archaeological interest in view of assessing the likely impact of vibration generated by the workings. The area considered should be within a distance of say 500m from all points on perimeter of quarry or at such a maximum distance within which impact is envisaged. Such impact may include vibrations deriving from a specific method of extraction employed, transport movement, heavy vehicles, fixed quarry plant, etc. as well as dust emissions resulting from various stages of the operation.

2.6 Landscape and Visual Assessment: to assess the area including the degree of visual intrusion and its potential impact on areas of natural and / or man-made beauty and producing photomontages taken from at least three points to be agreed with Planning Directorate.

2.7 Social Constraints: A social cost benefit analysis shall be undertaken and shall include a comparison of social benefits emanating from the extraction of resource including employment and incomes generated with the social costs emanating from amongst others as a consequence of environmental, cultural, ecological an landscape damage.

2.8 Other Planning Constraints: to include rock material transport routes, soil and soil handling techniques, plant allocation, storage of aggregate, etc.

3.1 Need for the resource: to include associated current and projected end users and related applications. Expand on the competitive advantage of quarried rock from the site under consideration as compared to that produced from other sources and include any references to traditional use of adjacent areas for the production of good quality aggregate.

3.2 Choice of extraction method as against alternatives: to include details of the method considered most suitable in conjunction with the type of rock to be quarried and envisaged impacts on the area of influence of the quarry site. Explain advantages of choice of method over alternative extraction methods. Submit also cost benefit analysis of preferred quarrying method as compared to alternative methods and justification of choice.

3.3 Intended use of aggregate: to include a list of the envisaged sizes of aggregate and quantities of each size that will be produced. Areas of consumption of the produce need to be identified. A cost benefit analysis of envisaged income as against impacts should also be included.

3.4 Extent of quarry waste: to be quantified. Intended method of controlled disposal of inert solid waste and other generated waste should be clearly explained providing such details as location of disposal and method of transport.

In order to assess the quality and amount of reserves, an empirical assessment of the quality of the deposit intended for extraction under this application needs to be included. The range of samples to be tested ought to cover the whole strata intended for extraction. Minimum number of test samples required is eight (8). Data required included relative density, water absorption, aggregate impact value, and aggregate crushing value. All tests are to be executed according to B.S. 812.

The sampling points should be marked and the markers need to be visible in a photo taken such as to serve as a visual record of the strata sampled. The Minerals Planning Unit reserves the right to demand further testing and /or to redo any part of the testing programme submitted with the report at the applicant’s cost.

Both sampling and testing should be carried out by a competent independent civil engineering body that has received prior approval by Minerals Planning (EMU). A copy of the results is to be forwarded to this unit by the analytical laboratory.

5.1 Environmental: Noise and dust pollution and control both from plant and traffic generated by the works, vibration generated by the works, etc.

5.2 Cultural and visual: archaeological, historical, access to adjacent areas and especially scenic and historic sites.

5.3 Ecology: local fauna and flora species, access to sites of ecological importance.

5.4 Landscape: assess site intrinsic features giving rise to characteristic scenic views and produce ways of mitigating present and envisaged impacts.

6.1 Envisaged site re-use: to submit a programme for the restoration of worked out quarry sites, starting at an early stage of the quarry life. Identify applications of a suitable restoration scheme and assess the environmental and socio-economic value of such a scheme on the immediate quarry surroundings.

6.2 Tree cover: a programme of tree planting is to be provided and should include provisions for securing healthy growth up to a period of fifteen years after planting. Details with respect to planting locations,, tee types / species and overall management of scheme should also be included.

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For planning Directorate