Resources Victoria's regulator has issued several remedial notices to quarry operators following a targeted blitz across the far west of the state.
Resources Victoria's Earth Resources Regulator has conducted a series of inspections between Port Campbell, Dartmoor and Casterton targeting excavation in unapproved areas and the extracting of more materials than permitted.
Remedial notices were issued to three quarries and several others were provided with advice on how to correct minor site issues.
The notices relate to operators removing more raw materials than permitted and digging in areas without permission. To ensure risks are properly managed, the areas that can be disturbed and any restriction on depth are outlined in a site's Work Plan or is guided by the Code of Practice for Small Quarries.
When a site is developed beyond what is permitted, there may be additional risks to the environment, infrastructure, community and cultural heritage that have not been assessed by the regulator.
Each site will be reinspected over the next six months to ensure all issues identified are corrected.
Attribute quotes to Chris Webb, Resources Victoria Executive Director Regulatory Operations
"Our inspectors frequently conduct checks right around the state to ensure quarries are operating lawfully and we'll continue targeting over-extraction."
"We'll be checking that quarries are within their extraction limits and using aerial images to monitor compliance with work authority boundaries."
"We will continue to issue notices when we find site operators not complying with their requirements and creating unnecessary risk."
