Environmental
Cairdshill Quarry
We are working with a team of specialists to carry out detailed environmental assessments on the proposed extension and continuation at Cairdshill Quarry. This helps us to ensure that our design considers and mitigates any potential impacts on our closest neighbours, the community, and the wider local environment. It also helps us to establish a benchmark for future monitoring and compliance at the site.
To date, this work has included ecological studies to monitor habitats and species, an archaeological study, and visual modelling to assess potential views of the new area. Further work is ongoing to cover noise, dust and water.
All our studies will be encompassed in an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) which will be submitted to Moray Council alongside the planning application.
Minimising impacts
Visual Impacts
The visibility of the existing quarry is dependent on location. Views from the north, east and south are largely restricted by the existing landscape. From the northwest, west and south-west the eastern quarry faces are already visible.
With the development of the proposed extension there will be no significant change to views from the north and north-east. The change in views from the east and south will relate mainly to the screening and storage mound that will be formed on the southern boundary of the extension area and will represent a slight change to the visible skyline. The grassed storage mound will also be visible from the northwest, west and south-west and the eastern quarry face will continue to be visible, although the upper part of this face will be subject to partial restoration during the first phase of operations. On the whole, excavation operations will be largely screened from view.
Dust/air quality
The existing quarry at Cairdshill operates without any significant impact in relation to dust or air quality. The same method of quarrying and the intensity of operations would not increase so we do not anticipate an increase in dust. However, a detailed Dust Management Plan (DMP) will be produced that encompasses the extension and will be submitted as part of the planning application.
Noise
The noise levels created in the proposed extension area would be the same as the existing quarry operations as production levels will be the same, using the same methods of extraction and processing equipment.
A noise impact assessment is however looking at potential impacts from soil stripping, mound formation, drilling, excavation, traffic/haulage and processing works. The results of the noise impact assessment will be considered against current guidance and the site shall be designed to ensure noise from operations is within acceptable limits at all residential properties.
Blast vibration
Normally the quarry works the quartzite deposit by means of ripping using mechanical excavators to maximise the recovery of high‐grade quartzite and separate the low‐grade material. However, very occasionally, there may be a requirement to undertake limited drilling and blasting to break through areas of harder ground. A professional blast impact assessment will assess potential blast vibration and will be used to inform any blast design to ensure that blast vibration is well within acceptable limits.
Transport
Production levels will remain broadly the same as the existing operation at Cairdshill, so there will be no increase in traffic levels and vehicle movements. Vehicles entering and leaving the quarry will continue to use the unclassified road which runs generally east to west from the A96 to Blackhillock Substation. The access was constructed to the satisfaction of the Moray Council, and the access route and drains will be maintained throughout the duration of operations.
Hydrology and Hydrogeology
Cairdshill Quarry currently operates above the watertable. Whilst the proposed southern extension will also operate above the watertable, the excavations at depth within the quarry could encounter groundwater. Current data indicates that limited dewatering could be required during operations. A scheme for surface and groundwater management will be prepared for both the quarry and the extension area to ensure that there is no surface or groundwater issues. The proposed operations would not increase the risk of flooding within the site or elsewhere off-site.
Ecology
An Ecological Impact Assessment has been undertaken to assess any potential impacts on flora and fauna.
The northern half of the site comprises the active quarry with small pockets of mixed plantation woodland and dense scrub. The proposed southern extension consists of arable and improved grassland of ‘negligible’ ecological value and, as such, loss of these habitats is not thought to be of ecological significance.
The assessment found that there are no statutory or non-statutory designated sites, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Area of Conservation (SAC) or Special Protection Areas (SPA) within the site or within such proximity that the proposed works is likely to have an impact.
The ecological report recommends mitigation measures and biodiversity enhancements, and these will form part of the proposals within the planning application. Assuming successful implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, no significant impacts are anticipated with respect to local habitats, flora and fauna.
Archaeology
An archaeological desk-based assessment, supported by a walkover survey, has been undertaken. No significant archaeological features have been identified on site. However, as there is potential for the presence of currently unknown archaeological sites within the development area it is proposed that soil stripping works will be supervised and if any features are identified provision will be made for appropriate investigation and, if necessary, excavation and recording prior to the commencement of excavation operations.
There are no nationally significant monuments within 2km of the development site. The proposed extension will have no impact on the setting of features outwith the site.