Environmental Impact Assessment of Limestone Quarrying

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of limestone quarrying is a comprehensive study that evaluates the potential environmental and social impacts associated with the extraction of limestone from a quarry. EIAs can identify repercussions of a proposed project or development on the environment and can recommend measures to mitigate or avoid these impacts.

The EIA of limestone quarrying typically includes a detailed description of the project, including the location, size, and scope of the proposed quarry. The assessment also considers how the project will affect the physical, biological, and social environment. This may involve the identification and assessment of the following:

• Habitat loss or alteration
• Soil and water quality
• Air quality impacts
• Noise and vibration impacts
• Visual impacts
• Social and economic impacts

The EIA of limestone quarrying may also advise alternative project options and the recommendation of measures to mitigate or avoid negative effects. These may include measures such as the use of best available technology, restoration of disturbed areas, and compensation for any impacts caused.

Overall, the environmental impact assessment of limestone quarrying is an important tool for ensuring that the potential environmental and social impacts of a quarrying project are carefully considered and managed to minimise any negative results.

In the UK, an Environmental Impact Assessment of limestone quarrying is required when the quarrying activity meets certain thresholds and is covered by the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. The regulations set out a series of criteria that determine whether an EIA is required, based on factors such as the scale of the development, the sensitivity of the surrounding environment, and the potential impacts of the activity.

The criteria for requiring an EIA of limestone quarrying in the UK are as follows:

• The extraction of more than 500,000 tonnes of limestone per year.
• The extraction of more than 100,000 tonnes of limestone per year from an area of 15 hectares or more.
• The extraction of more than 25,000 tonnes of limestone per year from an area of less than 15 hectares.
• The extraction of limestone within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), or a Ramsar site.
• The extraction of limestone in an area designated as a National Park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

If any of these criteria are met, an EIA must be carried out before planning permission can be granted for the quarrying activity. The EIA must include a detailed description of the project, an assessment of the potential environmental impacts, and a description of any measures that will be taken to mitigate or avoid these impacts. Environmental Impact Assessments of limestone quarrying must be submitted to the local planning authority as part of the planning application process.

Environmental Impact Assessments for limestone quarrying is crucial for developers as it ensures compliance with legal requirements. Not conducting an EIA can lead to penalties and delays in obtaining permits or approvals.

An EIA helps developers to identify and assess potential environmental and social impacts of the project on the surrounding area and communities. This enables developers to develop strategies to minimise or avoid any negative impacts.

The EIA process provides opportunities for public participation and consultation, enabling developers to engage with local communities, stakeholders, and other interested parties. This can help to build support for the project, address concerns, and develop solutions that benefit all.

Conducting an EIA demonstrates the developer’s commitment to responsible environmental and social practices, which can enhance the project’s reputation and credibility.

In the UK, environmental impact assessment of limestone quarrying are typically carried out by qualified environmental consultants. They should have expertise in environmental assessment and planning, as well as the appropriate qualifications and experience to undertake an environmental impact assessment for quarrying projects for raw materials.

Ultimately, it is the responsibility of the quarrying operation developer to ensure that the environmental assessment is carried out by qualified and competent consultants and ecologists, in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.

At Collington Winter, we are dedicated to ecology and take a comprehensive and creative approach to development. We thrive in fast-paced environments and specialise in solving complex problems that others cannot.

Our Ecologist Director, Olivia Collington, is a highly skilled professional with a wealth of experience in delivering ecological services, such as ecological appraisals, ecological assessments and environmental impact assessments. We offer practical solutions to clients in the residential, commercial, and mineral sectors across the country. Our priority is to work closely with clients to provide a first-class service, meeting the developers’ needs while ensuring positive outcomes for wildlife and the environment.

If you are interested in learning more about the services we offer or wish to undertake an environmental impact assessment of limestone quarrying with Collington Winter, please contact us via the form below. You can also reach out to our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, at info@collingtonwinter.co.uk.

For information on our landscape architecture services, please refer to the relevant section on our website. Additionally, we provide protected species surveys and mitigation services.