2008 Environmental Awards

The QPANI Environmental Awards Scheme promotes goods practice and awareness of environmental and sustainability issues within the quarry products industry. This year the award categories are based on four key environmental issues and sustainability themes.

• Environmental Project of the Year – Sponsored by Marenco Environmental Consultants
• Carbon Reduction Plan of the Year – Sponsored by Carbon Trust
• Best Pollution Prevention Initiative – Sponsored by Kingspan Environmental
• Corporate Social Responsibility – Sponsored by Firmus Energy

Entries from aggregate and quarry products companies demonstrate that they are making an effort to have a beneficial effect on the environment and that they are embodying the principles of sustainable development into their everyday operations. In each submission companies were asked to show why they merited the award in particular demonstrating environmental benefit, innovation, commitment led by senior personnel and staff involvement, any wider social benefits in the local community, measured and long term benefits, future development plans to build on success, experiences learned and possible adoption by others.

Environmental Project of the Year

This award was presented to the company that has implemented a project or plan dedicated to an environmental issue or issues. We received a wide range of submissions on issues such as reducing & recycling aggregate in the Ready Mix plant; a new product on the market that is a manhole base section using less raw materials to produce and eliminates material wastage; a new tile plant that incorporated water, energy conservation, SUDs systems into the design & build, demonstrating payback to the environment and business; company site biodiversity action plans for each company quarry and achievement in recycled aggregates; an environmental planning & improvements project dealing with the drainage system in and around the quarry.

Runner-up Tarmac Ltd Northern Ireland

Winner Northstone (NI) Limited Concrete Division

            

 

Carbon Reduction Plan of the Year

This award was presented to the company that demonstrated through the implementation of a programme of policy for the reduction of energy usage; cutting emissions to the environment; increased environmental efficiency; commitment to the use of renewable energy sources. Both submissions demonstrated good sensible projects: good savings that can be replicated; improved use of materials which is inherently carbon reducing.

Runner-up Northstone (NI) Limited Quarry & Asphalt Division

Winner F.P. McCann, Knockloughrim Quarry, Magherafelt

 

                   

Best Pollution Prevention Initiative

Pollution prevention pays and this award was presented to the company who dealt with and demonstrated solutions to pollution prevention to air, land or water and includes how this is communicated to employees for example procedures in place and training initiatives.

All companies were judged on awareness of natural resources, compliance, evidence of pollution prevention, monitoring, contingency planning, re-use of water and economic benefits.The winner was the highest scoring on all the key aspects and clearly demonstrated best practice.

Runner-up Quinn Group, Doon Quarry, Aghindaiagh

Winner Clarke Group, Slushill Quarry, Lisnaskea

                   

Corporate Social Responsibility

This award was presented to the company demonstrating their commitment to CSR. Showing evidence of CSR Strategy with examples of how polices and projects positively impact in the local community in terms of environment, local employment, local education or charitable work.

All the companies have demonstrated clear social progress within their organisation; how they are aiming to improve the image and perception of their operation and numerous community and public engagement events such as developments on communicating their company CSR on website through interactive design, visual improvements on site and local community open days, sponsorship for educational event and competitions. Events, polices and literature in place to host educational visits into company quarries. Key involvement by company staff, engaging with organisations, forging relationships, bringing improvement and support for the environment, communities, the economy and charities.

The winner of the CSR Category strongly identified with all the principles of CSR where it is seen as the very core of their business and strongly identifies with the important aspect of corporate development and how the company’s impact on society is strategically managed fulfilling its potential in its region and community.  

Runner-up Northstone (NI) Limited Quarry & Asphalt Division

Winner Norman Emerson Group

                       

Better Regulation

Through its ‘Better Regulation for a Better Environment’ programme, Dr Sara McGuckin ( Head of NIEA Better Regulations Team) explained how the NIEA will support businesses by providing clearer guidance, better information and a simpler permitting process. Dr McGuckin outlined how NIEA are working with industry to make regulation work for both the regulator and the regulated and explained how significant changes will be made to take away the mountains of paperwork and replace them with sensible, streamlined measures such as on-line application and payments. QPANI is very strong supporter of the Better Regulation Programme and is working closely with NIEA to simplify regulations affecting the quarry products industry and to make sure there are incentives out there for companies who are doing the right thing in environmental compliance. The principles of 'proportionate, accountable, consistent, transparent and targeted' are at the core of the Better Regulations programme that aims to deliver more effective, risk-based and streamlined regulation and greater protection for the environment.

The Better Regulations Team will be carrying out an awareness survey about compliance issues with the industry. QPANI members' were pleased to learn from Dr McGuckin that Quality Protocols Programmes will be put in place for Used Oil, Asphalt Road Planings and Topsoil in the coming months.

• Download Sara's presentation

Learn more about what Legislation and Regulation affects the Quarrying Industry on the NetRegs - Environmental Regulations Online.

Mining Waste Directive

Paula Coopland (Golder Associates) and Billy McCabe (Planning Service) updated the conference on the EU Directive 2006/21/ EC on the management of waste from the extractive industries. The Mining Waste Directive ("the MWD") provides for measures, procedures and guidance to prevent or reduce as far as possible any adverse effects on the environment, and any resultant risks to human health, brought about as a result of the management of waste from the extractive industries. Such "waste" includes tailings (i.e. the waste solids or slurries that remain after the treatment of minerals by a number of techniques), waste rock and overburden (i.e. the material that extractive operations move during the process of accessing minerals, including during the pre-production development stage), and topsoil (i.e. the upper layer of the ground) provided that they constitute waste as defined in Council Directive 2006/12/ EC ("the Waste Framework Directive"). Member States are required to transpose the MWD into national law by 1 May 2008. The Northern Ireland Government's intention is to modify existing planning application procedures so that they explicitly incorporate most of the requirements of the MWD.

The requirements of the MWD impact on planning, environmental and health and safety regulation and there is a need for the relevant regulatory bodies to work closely together to ensure that the objectives of the Directive are delivered as efficiently as possible. QPANI have committed their assistance to Planning Service staff on the implementation of MWD.

• Download Paula's presentation
• Download Billy's presentation

Read more – the full text of the Mining Waste Directive can be found here

EPIC and ROMPS Online Application

Eamon Lenghan gave everyone a preview of the new electronic Planning Information for Citizens (ePIC) Planning Service “portal”, that will enable the industry to submit, pay for and track the progress of planning applications on-line in a secure environment.  The online demonstration specifically looked at ROMPS applications, entering all the required information, selecting maps and inserting model conditions. Facilities include save & return later functionality, volume & fee calculators, site plotting and the ability to upload any necessary documents drawings, elevations, photographs etc.

Benefits of using ePIC: With the publication of planning policies, development plans, planning histories, case file details and appeal information the planning process becomes more transparent and open.  The interactive nature of the e-Forms should also reduce the number of invalid applications submitted (currently upwards of 20% of all applications are incomplete when received) removing the delays at the start of the application process.  Online tracking will provide the applicant/agent with information regarding the process of the application thorough each of the key stages.

Eamon demonstrated the convenience and simplicity for applicants and agents using the online system and outlined the many benefits. The new Planning Service Portal and EPIC service will be launched later this year.

Managing Aggregate Sites for Biodiversity

Andrew Whitehouse from Buglife - The Invertebrate Conservation Trust gave his presentation on how aggregates sites present fantastic opportunities for habitat creation and on how site restoration projects can contribute substantially to halting the loss of invertebrates and to delivering UK Biodiversity Action Plan targets. The aggregates extraction industry can, and does, play an important role in nature conservation as expressed in Our Nature with Aggregate Strategy.  Many of the UK’s best wildlife sites are on former extraction sites (such as quarries), and as active sites come to the end of their working lives, they present great opportunities for creating habitats of high value for bees, butterflies, beetles, spiders and other invertebrates.  Through careful planning and sensitive management aggregates sites can also support an amazing diversity of invertebrates during extraction activities.

There are many circumstances where there can be a biodiversity gain by the activities of the minerals and aggregates industry, positives rather than negatives, and perhaps none more so than for invertebrates. Buglife have recently published a best practice guide to managing aggregates sites for invertebrates, this has been funded by Natural England through Defra’s Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund.  The guidance has been produced with input from the industry, and partners in the nature conservation sector.  It aims to promote the value of aggregates sites for invertebrate conservation, encourage best practice in site management and restoration, and focus more effort into managing sites for invertebrates.

• Download Andrew's presentation

The biodiversity project webpages include downloadable resources and can be accessed through the Buglife website www.buglife.org.uk

To acces their aggregates web page please click here.

Archaeological Planning Conditions

Stephen Gilmore explained the legislation which governs planning, archaeology and built heritage (PPS 6) and the archaeological specific policies BH1 to BH4. He explained more about excavation licences (which is a legal requirement in Northern Ireland), the organisation and management of an archaeological excavation, the recording of archaeological data, the processing of excavated material (including artifacts, environmental samples and human remains), and the preparation and publication of reports. Case study examples were described including the excavation of a late Neolithic Burial Cairn at Brackagh Sand Pit for Creagh Concrete Products. Conference delegates were able to handle Neolithic artifacts such as arrow heads, hollow scrapers, polished stone axes and late Bronze Age pottery that Northern Consultancy Ltd had kindly put on display.

• Download Stephen's presentation

For more information about archaeology go to www.ni-environment.gov.uk/built

Maze/ Long Kesh Prison Regeneration Case Study

Dr Ian Garner spoke on WRAPs involvement in the Maze/ Long Kesh Prison Regeneration. WRAP helps individuals, businesses and local authorities to reduce waste and recycle more, making better use of resources and helping to tackle climate change. Ian highlighted the printed and web-based guidance on Resource Efficiency in Regeneration.

The project was managed by Central Procurement Directorate and the main contractor was John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd. Eugene McQuillan give the conference delegates an insight into the scale of the project, applying sustainable construction principles and material resource efficiency. Conclusions were made using the WRAP Regeneration Guide and it demonstrated cost savings of approximately £550-600,000 in the recovery of demolition materials on site, for potential use as recycled aggregates – when compared with traditional disposal methods.

• Download Ian and Eugene's presentation

Read more about WRAP and Construction here.   

Brian O’Neill (NIEA Planning Environment Policy Group) gave a positive update and perspective on the industries compliance with Aggregates Levy Compliance Scheme (ALCS). It was pleasing to note that the majority of the industry is moving into legal compliance or better. This is where we need to be for a further derogation. However he did highlight 3 sites that have been suspended and further suspensions would be likely if companies do not work within their planning conditions and work to have their improvements carried out in the specified time scales.  Brian once again emphasised the open door policy the ALCS Team have, and he encouraged QPANI Members’ to contact them right away if they require guidance or direction.

• Download Brian's presentation

If you need to speak with any of the ALCS Team you can contact either Maureen Chambers, Brian O’Neill on Tel 028 90544593.

Legal Update on Environmental Legislation

Claire Duffy gave an overview of the environmental issues and legislation affecting the quarrying industry from noise, dust, and waste disposal to licenses/ consents, environmental management systems to industry standards. Claire referred to the key players involved with the industry and explained the variety of legislation and environmental designations such as Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs), Natura 2000 sites, The Water Framework Directive and Strategic Environmental Assessments.

• Download Claire's presentation

Water Framework Directive – Catchment Stakeholder Group Meetings

This autumn NIEA are holding their Catchment Stakeholder Group meetings regarding Water Framework Directive. Meetings will include presentations, updates on pollution incidents and will give everyone with an interest in local water management an opportunity to have their local issues discussed and addressed.

QPANI Members’ are encouraged to attend their local Catchment Stakeholder Group meetings.  

Click here to jump to the timetable of events taking place in your local area.

NIEA and QPANI launch the New Guidance Documents for the Wise Use of Water in the Aggregates and Quarry Products Industry.

At the conference NIEA and QPANI launched a new Guidance Document for the Wise Use of Water. It is recommended that quarry businesses take the key principles contained in this guidance and incorporate them into the heart of their environmental management strategy. Peter Close, NIEA Water Resources launched Wise Use of Water as a CD to all Environment Conference Delegates stating "It is intended that quarry managers adopt this document and apply its many recommendations and develop their own site specific water management plan. Through the adoption of recommended pollution prevention measures, by incorporating 'best practice' advice for treating effluent, and by actively managing water within their site, quarry managers will see environmental quality and financial benefits."

The document is written in five sections, each section focusing on a particular water related topic. The first section focuses on water and why it should be managed, the second section on pollution prevention, and the third on discharge consent compliance monitoring and maintenance, the fourth on the importance of water for biodiversity. The last section gives key recommendations. Links are made to Pollution Prevention Guidelines (PPGs) and related information including the NIEA's Water Calculation Tools.

Loughs Agency provided guidance on The Importance of Our Natural Rivers detailing their ongoing programmes of habitat improvement works and public money spend. The Loughs Agency wish to work with QPANI in developing partnerships and education rather than being a purely based regulator and looks forward to any proposal or suggestions from within the industry.

The key message emanating from this document is that "effective water management within the quarry will deliver both environmental and commercial benefits to the business".

Both NIEA and the QPANI would like to recognise and thank the companies and individual quarries who contributed 'best practice cases' to the document. It is intended that this is a guidance document will remain a 'living document'. As knowledge in this area of environmental management improves, this document will reviewed, updated and re-issued.

• Download Peter's presentation

Download the guidance documents:

Guidance for the Wise Use of Water in the Aggregates and Quarry Products Industry Northern Ireland (2.06 MB)

Importance of our Natural Rivers (4.05MB)

Download the Conference presentations below by clicking on each icon.

Each powerpoint presentation has been created as a PDF for ease of downloading.

	Planning Service 'new' Portal as demonstrated at the Conference will be going live in the coming months. Check Planning Service website for updates. QPANI Members' will be kept informed .

Exhibitors at this year's Environment Conference

Belfast Hills Partnership

CDE Ireland Ltd

Environment Link

Firmus Energy

Golder Associates (UK) Ltd

Invasive Species Ireland

Kingspan Environmental

Marenco Environmental Consultants

McLorinan Consulting Ltd

NetRegs

Netwatch - intelligent visual security

Northern Consultancy Ltd

Northern Ireland Environment Agency

Quarryplan

RPS Planning and Environmental

Six-west Ltd