Updates on Sellicks Hill Quarry
20 March 2024 Dust Investigation
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) and the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (EPA) are aware of a number of complaints from the Sellicks Beach community in regard to dust generated at the Sellicks Hill Quarry, operated by Adbri.
DEM and the EPA have jointly investigated the concerns raised, and have taken the following actions:
- Increased regular site compliance monitoring, including scheduled and unannounced site inspections, and regular visual observations from within nearby localities, to establish impacts on them. Drone photography is also used to check visual dust levels and confirm that the quarry operator is undertaking dust controls required of it.
- In January 2024 the EPA conducted comprehensive air quality monitoring data analysis.
- The EPA has its own independent dust monitoring stations positioned in nearby localities to assess the effectiveness of the quarry’s dust monitoring technology, and to measure concentrations of dust leaving the quarry site.
- DEM and EPA are assessing Adri’s revised Dust Management Plan that seeks to reduce volumes of dust produced and leaving the quarry site.
- In 2023, EPA conducted a comprehensive air quality data review and identified nuisance dust impact from the quarry. Following further investigation, DEM required the operator to:
- implement a plan to accelerate rehabilitation of the western screening mound to reduce the risk of dust lift from the area. Adbri has prioritised the completion of the western screening mound and a revegetation program is scheduled to begin in 2024.
- identify an alternative location to store fine material stockpiles to reduce exposure to wind and risk of dust lift. Adbri has identified a protected area within the existing site; stockpiles have since been moved to this location.
- investigate options for additional water storage onsite to assist with dust suppression. Two new water tanks have been installed and are connected to the SA Water pipeline.
- investigate options for a second wheel wash station to reduce drag-out of material on to South Road. Adbri has constructed the second station, and it is now operational.
- engage a suitably qualified independent party to undertake a review of the existing air quality monitoring network and the Adbri’s Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP). Adbri has completed the review and submitted it to DEM for review.
15 March 2024 Dust Investigation
- Adbri has committed to procure and install new BAM units (dust monitors) as soon as possible. The company will work with the EPA and DEM to ensure the optimal placement of the new units. As a condition of Adbri’s lease, dust monitoring data will be published on the company’s website.
- Adbri will install a camera with capacity to save data to ensure actual site conditions can be assessed at any time. This will also enable the company to address community complaints.
- Adbri will be revising its website to provide greater transparency on its TARP and dust management measures. The company will also reinstate its blasting notifications to ensure the community is advised of planned, postponed and fired blasts.
- Adbri will also recommence Community Consultative Committee (CCC) meetings to ensure the company is proactive and transparent in its engagement with abroad representation of the community, and to work through community concerns. Adbri will work with DEM to appoint an independent chair and draft appropriate terms of reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates the quarry operation?
The Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) is the lead regulatory agency and regulates the site in accordance with the Mining Act 1971. DEM works closely with the EPA, which provides specialised review and regulatory requirements to DEM for a consolidated regulatory strategy under the Environment Protection Act 1993
What is the quarry approved to do?
The quarry is approved to undertake operations set out in the approved combined Mine Operations Plan and Program for Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation (the Program) MOP/PEPR2015/005. The Program describes the operations that will be undertaken, sets out the environmental outcomes and measurement criteria that must be achieved, and the control strategies that will be implemented to ensure achievement of environmental outcomes.
How is dust managed on the site?
The quarry must comply with the air quality outcomes in MOP/PEPR 2015/005 and the Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016. The quarry manages its dust impacts through its Dust Management Plan which includes:
- the use of water trucks, spray systems and sprinklers;
- using commercially available soil binding compounds; and
- covers on certain machines such as crushers and certain stockpiled material such as fine sands.
Implementation of a TARP restricts certain operations under particular weather conditions. Dust is monitored 24/7 through active dust monitors that alert the quarry to risks of excessive dust levels; this information is regularly reviewed by DEM and the EPA. Details of these can be found in the Dust Management Plan.
I can see dust rising out of the quarry, is this a risk to me?
Dust can often be seen rising above the quarry, during blasting events, or in the morning when the crushing machines first start up and the rising sun behind the quarry illuminates the dust particles.
Protecting the health and wellbeing of all South Australians, especially those in communities located close to mining and quarrying operations, is a primary function of both DEM and the EPA and is governed by robust and detailed legislation.
As regulators, our role is to ensure that operators in our state adhere to all relevant legislation. Understanding and responding promptly to community concerns is vital to our ability to regulate effectively.
To protect communities from potential risks from airborne dust, overarching policies (Environmental Protection (Air Quality) Policy 2016) apply to all operations in the state. Operators must also adhere to site specific requirements (MOP/PEPR 2015/005). A failure to comply with either of these will result in regulatory action by DEM or the EPA.
Adbri’s control strategies implemented to ensure its compliance with legislation governing safe dust levels require that the company undertake its own monitoring of weather conditions and air quality.
Am I at risk of Silicosis or other health risks?
The local rock resource is of very low silica content and poses minimal risk of silicosis to the community.
Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of dust may pose health risks to some individuals, however, the air quality monitoring data indicates that dust from the quarry is below the national guideline concentrations recognised as impacting human health.
Why is there so much dust on my car and in my home?
The EPA conducted an air quality study in 2017 that investigates sources of dust at Sellicks Beach. Further information can be found in the EPA’s Sellicks Beach air quality report.
How do I lodge concerns or complaints in regard to the quarry?
Complaints in the first instance should be sent directly to the quarry for immediate action. You can contact Adbri here:
08 8556 3007
communityfeedback@southernquarries.com.au
If you feel that your complaint has not been resolved satisfactorily, you may direct your complaint to DEM here:
About the Sellicks Hill Quarry
Resource and location
The Sellicks Hill Quarry is located in Sellicks Hill, approximately 3 km southeast of Aldinga Beach covering an area of approximately 261 hectares. The Quarry produces limestone, shale, marble and dolomite for construction material. The Quarry provides a range of products to the construction and agricultural markets in South Australia.
Sellicks Hill Quarry has been identified as a strategically important mineral resource area. More information about South Australia’s strategic mineral resource areas can be found here.
Company and tenement information
Adbri Concrete and Quarries SA Pty Ltd
08 8556 3007
communityfeedback@southernquarries.com.au
Sellicks Hill Quarry currently consists of extractive minerals leases (EMLs) 5440 and 6552, and private mines (PMs) 163 and 237.
Hours of Operation:
The Site operates continuously Monday – Sunday 24 hours / seven (7) Days.
The typical hours of operation are as follows;
Monday – Friday: 6.00am to 6.00pm
Saturday: 6.00am – 12.00pm
Sunday and Public Holidays – varied based on market demand/s.
Where necessary operations extend outside of the abovementioned hours based on market demand. Generally, maintenance activities continue outside of the typical hours of operation.
Application and approval process
EML 6552 was granted on date 30/10/2023, for purpose of expanding the pit.
Prior to commencing quarrying in this area, the proposed operations must be incorporated and approved by DEM in a revised MOP/PEPR.
MPLA 2023/000341 was submitted on 28/11/2023, for the extension of the western screening mound to reduce impacts. The submission is currently under assessment with DEM.
Documents and reports
A MOP/PEPR for the Sellicks Hill Quarry was approved in May 2018. As this document includes information pertaining to Private Mines, in accordance with Section 73Q of the Mining Act 1971, a mine operations plan (MOP) is not available for public inspection.
Compliance report: January 21 – August 21
Compliance report: 31 August 21 - 30 August 22
Compliance report: 31 August 2022 - 30 August 2023
More information including community updates, air monitoring reports and dust management plans is available on the Environment Protection Authority website: https://www.epa.sa.gov.au/business_and_industry/industry-updates/southernquarries
Contact information
For enquiries relating to the mining operation contact:
Mining Regulation
Department for Energy and Mining
Email: DEM.MiningRegRehab@sa.gov.au
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