On 20 May 2022, the Department for Energy and Mining (DEM) issued a compliance order to Hanson Construction Materials regarding the offsite release of sediment-laden stormwater into Third Creek from the White Rock Quarry. Refer to update dated 6 June 2022 for further details.

September 2022 progress updates against the key requirements of the compliance order include the following:

Prepare and implement a plan of action to reduce the amount of sediment-laden (contaminated) stormwater

  • On 1 July 2022, Hanson submitted to DEM a plan outlining the actions to be taken to reduce sediment-laden stormwater release into Third Creek.
  • DEM and the EPA have reviewed the plan and will continue to monitor implementation progress to ensure proposed actions are implemented and achieve the desired improvements to stormwater management.

Complete construction of an additional onsite sediment basin, which will allow for passive stormwater treatment (that is, without addition of chemical flocculant)

  • Hanson has commenced the construction of the infrastructure to provide additional capacity for the passive treatment of sediment laden stormwater.
  • The construction timeframe has been impacted by the amount of rain received during August and September, however it is anticipated these activities will continue through to completion prior to winter 2023. Further progress will be provided in future DEM updates.

Commence active treatment, using flocculants, to accelerate the removal of sediment from water

  • Use of chemical flocculants will not occur until DEM and the EPA are satisfied Hanson have demonstrated that any product used will not cause harm to the environment or freshwater ecosystems, and that adequate systems and controls are in place to manage flocculant use.
  • Once the related infrastructure works are completed and the proposed flocculants to be used are endorsed by regulators, the addition of active flocculant to stormwater within a purpose-built sediment basin will occur.
  • DEM and the EPA will closely monitor the construction, commissioning and operation to ensure Hanson complies with operational approvals and relevant environmental standards.

DEM is the lead regulator for the White Rock Quarry and works closely with the EPA to ensure Hanson addresses any non-compliances as a priority. Hanson must take all reasonable and practicable measures to improve stormwater management and minimise sediment-laden stormwater leaving the site during high rainfall events.

DEM respects and encourages the role communities play in referring concerns to the regulator. Communities should report any matters to DEM’s customer service number on (08) 8463 3000 or the EPA 24-hour Emergency Response Team on (08) 8204 2004 with dates, times, exact location and photographs.

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