Resources Victoria’s regulator has reminded quarry operators about the importance of appropriately storing and managing on-site production waste.
Processing quarry materials creates waste known as slimes. These waste materials need to be stored correctly 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 for 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.”
It comes after Resources Victoria’s regulator issued notices to some Victorian quarries for “failing to appropriately store or manage on-site production waste.”
According to the regulator, the notices concerned using unapproved designs for waste storage facilities, using larger dams than permitted, storing waste in unapproved areas and operating without a rehabilitation plan. Any changes to how waste material is stored onsite must be approved by the Earth Resources Regulator.
The regulator reminds quarry operators they 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.
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