DPI Update (Issue 67)

JOHN MITAS, General Manager Minerals & Extractive Operations, looks at the issue of Dust Control on a quarry site.

WITH the recent record dry spell, it is important that dust impacts from mining and quarrying operations are minimised. An extract from the Code of Practice for Small Quarries on dust control outlines recommended practice on how quarry owners can control dust for small quarries. The Code has been developed by the Earth Resources Regulation Division after consultation with stakeholders.

DUST CONTROL

Dust can impact on nearby residences and sensitive land-users. As a general rule, dust should be confined to the Work Authority area. However, certain weather conditions make dust control difficult. Dust can have health impacts and quarry operators should use best practice site management techniques for dust control.

Dust control and monitoring for quarries is specified in the EPA’s Protocol for Environmental Management Mining and Extractive Industries, which is required by the SEPP (Air Quality Management).

Quarrying, crushing and screening are also a significant source of dust from some quarry facilities. Some dust mitigation measures include:

• Minimising the area of disturbance and progressively re-vegetating to prevent the generation of dust.
• Minimising truck and vehicle movements onsite and on public roads that are often a source of dust.

RECOMMENDED PRACTICES

• Consider the direction of prevailing winds when designing the Work Area, plant, work faces and stockpile layouts.
• Plant trees as windbreaks or use topography and embankments to shield stockpiles and working areas from prevailing winds.
• Re-vegetate stockpiles that will not be used for some time.
• Minimise vehicle movements.
• Reduce onsite vehicle speeds, especially when dry or windy.
• Apply water to access tracks to prevent raised dust occurring.
• Use dust suppressants where watering is not possible or appropriate; oil must not be used as a dust suppressant.
• Cover or dampen loads leaving a site.
• Service and maintain plant and equipment so that it is in proper operating condition.
• Fit plant and equipment with appropriate dust suppression devices, such as water sprays.
• If required, locate crushers and conveyors within purpose built housing.
• Stop the crushing plant.
• Increase use of watering systems.
• Stop work in some areas of the site.

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