THE Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Stoneco Pty Ltd $15,000 for illegally extracting quarry material in the Upper Hunter.
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EPA investigating officers allege that 166,994 tonnes of material was extracted from the Robertson’s Knob Quarry near Scone over a four-year period.
Starting in July 2013, the excavation exceeded the mandated level that requires an Environment Protection Licence.
EPA director Hunter Karen Marler said Stoneco Pty Limited held environment protection licences for two other quarry sites in the Upper Hunter region and were fully aware of their licensing obligations.
“All quarry operators should be aware that an environment protection licence is required where extraction exceeds 30,000 tonnes in any year,” Ms Marler said.
“Fortunately, there was minimal harm caused to the environment as the quarry is remotely located and the unlicensed activities did not impact any residents or the local environment.”
Stoneco Pty Limited no longer operates Robertson’s Knob Quarry near Scone.
The current operator of the quarry now has an environment protection licence in place which authorises the quarrying activities and includes strict conditions to manage environmental impacts, including a pollution reduction program to upgrade water management on the premises.
