Resources Victoria's regulator is using high resolution aerial imagery to identify sites where over-extraction may have occurred and is following up with on-ground inspections.
This includes disturbing areas outside the quarry's approved boundary and extracting materials in a way that is inconsistent with the site's work plan.
Over the last 12 months, the regulator has issued several remedial and stop work notices to address over-extraction.
Notices have been issued for operators disturbing areas outside their quarry's approved boundary, exceeding the maximum permissible area open within their quarry, digging deeper than allowed and creating pit slopes steeper than approved.
When a site is extracted beyond what has been approved there may be risks to the environment, infrastructure and the community that have not been appropriately addressed.
Extracting outside permitted areas may also require additional approvals and permits, as well as cultural heritage assessment. The site's rehabilitation bond amount may also be impacted.
Quarry operators should check that their activities are consistent with their Work Authority and the site's approved Work Plan. If a site operates under the code of practice for small quarries, its work authority and the code will contain the information required.
We've prepared a series of frequently asked questions to help quarry operators ensure their activities comply with their requirements.
