Quarrying and Environment
Quarrying Equipment:
Quarrying has environmental issues which
need to be taken into account in the quarry
planning, design and choice of quarry equipment.
The quarrying industry takes its responsibility
to the environment very seriously and is
committed to minimising the environmental
impact of its operations. The Quarry Products
Association has introduced an environmental
code of practice and is continually pushing
to improve environmental standards set.
The industry is primarily concerned with
the following areas as regards environmental
issues:
- Recycling
- Creation of new wildlife habitats through
restoration of quarry sites
- Creation of Special Scientific Interest
(SSSIs)
Recycling
The industry is now committed to
keeping the use of primary aggregates to
a minimum and is heavily investing in facilities
maximising the proportion of recycled and
secondary aggregates. To a certain extent
this has already been achieved. In fact
recycled and secondary material now make
up 25% of the British aggregate market,
making GB the European leader. In fact the
increasing use of recycled materials within
the industry is an integral part of the
idea of a sustainable approach to quarrying.
There is, however, a need to ensure that
recycling operations can continue be carried
out in an environmentally sensitive manner
and that it is economically viable as the
amount of material available for recycling
is limited, virgin materials will still
be required.
Creation of new wildlife habitats
The restoration of quarry sites
gives the industry an opportunity to work
together with local conservationist groups
in creating a wildlife friendly area through
the planting of trees and redevelopment
strategies. Gravel pits are restored to
provide wetland conservation areas in which
wildlife can thrive. The quarry industry
is estimated to plant a staggering 500,000
trees per annum in their bid to promote
a sustainable approach to quarrying.
If you are interested in purchasing high
quality quarry equipment then simply get
on touch with N.H.Greaves & Co Ltd.
on 01709 582381.
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