November 2008 

STUDENTS SUSS OUT CROAGHAN QUARRY

Northstone (NI) Limited Quarry & Asphalt Division hosted an afternoon visit by Dr Declan Lawlor and ten students from the North West Regional College (NWRC) on Wednesday 26th November at Croaghan Quarry. Dr Lawlor (Environment Officer, Loughs Agency), lectures on the part-time course in Countryside & Fisheries Management at the Derry Campus. The students were looking to gain a working knowledge of the industry, the local geology and management of the environment.

The visitors were guided around the site by Paul McCollum, Northstone (NI) Ltd Quarry & Asphalt Environmental Officer, and Angus Kennedy, Northstone (NI) Ltd Quarry & Asphalt Quality, Technical & Environmental Manager. Paul explained to the NWRC visitors our ISO 14001 Environmental Management System, how it is put into practice, and all the necessary controls and best practice that goes into maintaining air and water quality, preventing pollution, increasing biodiversity, maintaining good relations with neighbours, and many other environmental issues. Angus gave a brief overview of the geology of the basalt rock quarried and how aggregate and asphalt is produced. The group enjoyed their visit, asking questions and taking photographs. They also appreciated the detailed handouts produced for the visit by Paul and Angus.

The visit was facilitated by Laverne Bell, QPANI's Biodiversity Officer, and stemmed from an initial contact at QPANI's Environment Conference in October.

For more information on the company Northstone (NI) Limited visit their website here.      

For further information about educational visits please contact Laverne Bell ( 02890824078)