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The Eastern half of Rutland is known for its deep limestone beds, a nationally important resource for building infrastructure. Consequently, mineral extraction is permitted in this area as long as there are no adverse environmental impacts from quarrying activities.
In recent years, the region has transitioned from small-scale quarries operated by local companies to large-scale operations run by national
and international organisations. These large-scale operations have the potential to increase the scale and degree of their impacts, which, if left unchecked, can have dire consequences on local nature and public health.
Adverse quarry emissions can be a short-term nuisance and build up in the environment over time, causing long-term impacts known as creeping pollution. Without proper scientific monitoring of site operations, these potential impacts can continue unchecked. Properly controlled and managed sites can effectively mitigate any impacts to prevent harm.
The increasing number of larger scale applications around the region led to the formation of the Rutland Quarry Forum (RQF). Membership of the forum comprises representatives from the Mineral Planning Authority, CPRE, and local Parish Councils affected by quarrying activities within their area. The forum aims to ensure this nationally important industry develops effective controls and mitigation to avoid adversely impacting local communities or the environment.
The main focus of the forum is to ensure potential environmental impacts are properly understood and there is effective enforcement of planning conditions controlling site operations. The forum has already achieved significant milestones, including a better understanding of dust emissions from sites and the resulting requirement for greater monitoring of emissions. This robust scientific approach helps mitigate real risks and informs changes to site management practices.
Further work is needed, but it is anticipated that changes to air quality legislation currently being developed by the government will drive quarry operations to develop more meaningful dust management plans. Current industry guidance is outdated, and the forum aims to ensure the industry adopts a scientifically-based approach to monitoring emissions.
The forum also serves as a vehicle to lobby local authorities to ensure adequate resourcing of their Mineral Planning Authority to protect local communities effectively.
RQF will use the CPRE webpage to update progress on these important initiatives. In the meantime, if you would like any further information or wish to contribute to the Forum, please contact:
David Baker – RutlandQuarryForum@gmail.com
7 Hawthorn Drive, Uppingham, Rutland, LE15 9TA
01572 495050 / 07710 328469
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