Linwood Quarry
Background
The Linwood Quarry is quite unique being cheek by jowl with residential development; although the “mine “predates the subdivisions of Marino, Hallet Cove and Seacliff Park. Based on a recent application back in 2018/19 to extend the Mine Licence (in process) and Community Consultation in 2019 it is clear that the Mine/Quarry has an expected life of up to 100 years! There has been a long series of campaigns lead by the community in relation to the Quarry activities related to dust , air pollution and health impacts. There was in fact an Asphalt Plant on the site with noxious fumes which the community rallied to successfully facilitate its closure. There has been ongoing monitoring and campaigning about the impacts of Blasting and dust within the community lead by the Association over 40+ years.
Whilst there have been significant improvements as a result of community pressures, led by the Association over the years, it is still important to continue to input into the long term operations and development of the Quarry. Boral have received awards for their site management and innovation.
The Linwood Quarry is quite unique being cheek by jowl with residential development; although the “mine “predates the subdivisions of Marino, Hallet Cove and Seacliff Park. Based on a recent application back in 2018/19 to extend the Mine Licence (in process) and Community Consultation in 2019 it is clear that the Mine/Quarry has an expected life of up to 100 years! There has been a long series of campaigns lead by the community in relation to the Quarry activities related to dust , air pollution and health impacts. There was in fact an Asphalt Plant on the site with noxious fumes which the community rallied to successfully facilitate its closure. There has been ongoing monitoring and campaigning about the impacts of Blasting and dust within the community lead by the Association over 40+ years.
Whilst there have been significant improvements as a result of community pressures, led by the Association over the years, it is still important to continue to input into the long term operations and development of the Quarry. Boral have received awards for their site management and innovation.
Dust Monitoring
Boral have a range of state of the art air monitors on the site and in conjunction with the EPA regularly report on the dust generated by operations relative to the background dust levels and weather. Generally they are understood to comply with the EPA requirements. However the experience by many residents is that the dust still impacts at a nuisance and health level.
Some residents are concerned about the small particulate dust size (unseen pm 2.5) which has proven to have serious health impacts in other industrial environments. Boral and the EPA are satisfied that the levels are within the current guidelines. However there is some anecdotal evidence that there may be a cluster of respiratory related ailments in the immediate community. However there is no substantiated evidence of this or the cause.
Because of the ongoing impacts of Dust the Association has lobbied the EPA and with the assistance of local member David Speirs and Marion Council, the EPA agreed to relocate some of their monitors from Hallett Cove to Marino and conduct an independant Dust Study incluidng consukltation with a registered group of voluntes.
EPA Dust study 2021/22
May 2022 update ( Fran Southern - 5049 Marino Resident and JWG rep)
An EPA Dust study information meeting was held at the Marino Rocks Social on 23rd May.Approximately 20 people attended with Boral sending 2 persons and EPA attendees numbering approximately 10.
The usual complaints were heard about dust especially bad in the months of March and April 2022
The EPA dust monitors mirrored the Boral monitors mostly and showed that dust was definitely falling on Marino residents. All dust was of concern, the Chief Health Officer said, but did not comment on quarry dust especially.
A resident of Spinks Rd said she had been diagnosed with lung problems. It was also noted that another resident had emphysema and told not to return to Marino. Her lung capacity improved when she had moved away from Marino.
The group discussed where the dust had emanated from and talked about the crusher and the mounds. It was noted by Boral that the crusher is receiving new parts to help, but the mounds are still a problem. A memeber of the community reminded the group of the effective barrier sytem put on mounds on Barrow Island.
There was a concensus in the community members that the national standards should not be applied to a residential area as close to as mine as Marino.
From EPA web page about 23 May session:
The EPA’s lead air quality scientist Dr Pushan Shah(External link) presented the latest air quality monitoring results from the dust study.
Following the presentation EPA, SA Health, DEM and Boral staff participated in a Q&A session answering community members questions on a range of subjects including; how the data is interpreted, monitoring equipment capabilities, health impacts, current mitigation and management actions undertaken by Boral, recent legislative changes by DEM and compliance management by the EPA.
The EPA is working with the lead regulator, the Department for Energy & Mining, to review Linwood’s current dust control strategy against their approvals for the site. This review will also identify possible improvements that Boral can make to better manage dust from the site.
October 2022: study conclusion and presentation of findings.
The EPA and SA Health will present the findings and conclusions from the 12 month study
Earlier meetings
Previous presentation to the Marino Dust Study project website. You can also visit this page to access the real-time data link and to download the new air quality infosheet located in the document library. This infosheet has been compiled by listening to and providing further information on queries that you raised at our first community working group meeting.
In the meantime please contact EPA with any questions you have regarding the curent results of the dust study in general. The EPA value their relationships with the Marino community and as such value feedback.
Join the community working group
If you would like to work with the EPA to determine the location of dust monitors, participate in quarterly meetings to discuss the data, and speak in person with staff from the EPA and SA Health, please register your interest in joining the community working group.
Read more about the Marino Dust Study community working group here...
Boral have a range of state of the art air monitors on the site and in conjunction with the EPA regularly report on the dust generated by operations relative to the background dust levels and weather. Generally they are understood to comply with the EPA requirements. However the experience by many residents is that the dust still impacts at a nuisance and health level.
Some residents are concerned about the small particulate dust size (unseen pm 2.5) which has proven to have serious health impacts in other industrial environments. Boral and the EPA are satisfied that the levels are within the current guidelines. However there is some anecdotal evidence that there may be a cluster of respiratory related ailments in the immediate community. However there is no substantiated evidence of this or the cause.
Because of the ongoing impacts of Dust the Association has lobbied the EPA and with the assistance of local member David Speirs and Marion Council, the EPA agreed to relocate some of their monitors from Hallett Cove to Marino and conduct an independant Dust Study incluidng consukltation with a registered group of voluntes.
EPA Dust study 2021/22
May 2022 update ( Fran Southern - 5049 Marino Resident and JWG rep)
An EPA Dust study information meeting was held at the Marino Rocks Social on 23rd May.Approximately 20 people attended with Boral sending 2 persons and EPA attendees numbering approximately 10.
The usual complaints were heard about dust especially bad in the months of March and April 2022
The EPA dust monitors mirrored the Boral monitors mostly and showed that dust was definitely falling on Marino residents. All dust was of concern, the Chief Health Officer said, but did not comment on quarry dust especially.
A resident of Spinks Rd said she had been diagnosed with lung problems. It was also noted that another resident had emphysema and told not to return to Marino. Her lung capacity improved when she had moved away from Marino.
The group discussed where the dust had emanated from and talked about the crusher and the mounds. It was noted by Boral that the crusher is receiving new parts to help, but the mounds are still a problem. A memeber of the community reminded the group of the effective barrier sytem put on mounds on Barrow Island.
There was a concensus in the community members that the national standards should not be applied to a residential area as close to as mine as Marino.
From EPA web page about 23 May session:
The EPA’s lead air quality scientist Dr Pushan Shah(External link) presented the latest air quality monitoring results from the dust study.
Following the presentation EPA, SA Health, DEM and Boral staff participated in a Q&A session answering community members questions on a range of subjects including; how the data is interpreted, monitoring equipment capabilities, health impacts, current mitigation and management actions undertaken by Boral, recent legislative changes by DEM and compliance management by the EPA.
The EPA is working with the lead regulator, the Department for Energy & Mining, to review Linwood’s current dust control strategy against their approvals for the site. This review will also identify possible improvements that Boral can make to better manage dust from the site.
October 2022: study conclusion and presentation of findings.
The EPA and SA Health will present the findings and conclusions from the 12 month study
Earlier meetings
Previous presentation to the Marino Dust Study project website. You can also visit this page to access the real-time data link and to download the new air quality infosheet located in the document library. This infosheet has been compiled by listening to and providing further information on queries that you raised at our first community working group meeting.
In the meantime please contact EPA with any questions you have regarding the curent results of the dust study in general. The EPA value their relationships with the Marino community and as such value feedback.
Join the community working group
If you would like to work with the EPA to determine the location of dust monitors, participate in quarterly meetings to discuss the data, and speak in person with staff from the EPA and SA Health, please register your interest in joining the community working group.
Read more about the Marino Dust Study community working group here...
Joint Working Group ( JWG)
The Association has an ongoing commitment to ensure Quarry activities has the least amount of impact on nearby residents as possible. We liaise with Quarry management via their quarterly Joint Working Group ( JWG) Meetings and bring forward resident concerns to them. The JWG comprises: Boral, Dept of Mines, EPA, local residents from Hallet Cove, Marino, Association reps, Marion Coastal Ward Councilors, Marion Council officers, David Speirs, and Amanda Rishworth's Nominee.
The Joint Working Group has not met for nearly 12 months but we hope that something will happen soon.
Go to Boral Website here for latest news and terms of reference. Latest JWG meeting notes May 2021 here
The Association has an ongoing commitment to ensure Quarry activities has the least amount of impact on nearby residents as possible. We liaise with Quarry management via their quarterly Joint Working Group ( JWG) Meetings and bring forward resident concerns to them. The JWG comprises: Boral, Dept of Mines, EPA, local residents from Hallet Cove, Marino, Association reps, Marion Coastal Ward Councilors, Marion Council officers, David Speirs, and Amanda Rishworth's Nominee.
The Joint Working Group has not met for nearly 12 months but we hope that something will happen soon.
Go to Boral Website here for latest news and terms of reference. Latest JWG meeting notes May 2021 here
Blasting
As an operating quarry, Boral do undertake blasting approximately once a fortnight. The impact of this in terms of vibration is felt locally and the resultant dust plume can be seen and depending on the wind direction drift onto local residential areas. The evidence is usually a fine grey dust on external surfaces and if windows are open internal. Boral measure and record the vibration impacts as part of their statutory monitoring and they issue notice of the results after every blast day to those registered for Blast notices.( see below)
Boral will notify you via email when Linwood Quarry is blasting. If you wish to be added to the notifications fill in the form below. We'll also keep you informed of public meetings about quarry activities.
As an operating quarry, Boral do undertake blasting approximately once a fortnight. The impact of this in terms of vibration is felt locally and the resultant dust plume can be seen and depending on the wind direction drift onto local residential areas. The evidence is usually a fine grey dust on external surfaces and if windows are open internal. Boral measure and record the vibration impacts as part of their statutory monitoring and they issue notice of the results after every blast day to those registered for Blast notices.( see below)
Boral will notify you via email when Linwood Quarry is blasting. If you wish to be added to the notifications fill in the form below. We'll also keep you informed of public meetings about quarry activities.
New Haul Road
As part of the Sale and Redevelopment of the cement Hill Site there is an agreement for the existing Quarry access road from Oceans Boulevard to be diverted south through the Quarry to Majors Road /Lonsdale Highway junction with traffic light control. This will improve the amenity of the existing and proposed residential development and relieve pressure on Brighton Road from heavy trucks..
Despite delays the Haul Road finally commenced in April 2021 and is potentially to be completed by Christmas!! This long awaited project has now allowed the developer of the Seacliff Park Development Site to proceed to the next phase of planning.
As part of the Sale and Redevelopment of the cement Hill Site there is an agreement for the existing Quarry access road from Oceans Boulevard to be diverted south through the Quarry to Majors Road /Lonsdale Highway junction with traffic light control. This will improve the amenity of the existing and proposed residential development and relieve pressure on Brighton Road from heavy trucks..
Despite delays the Haul Road finally commenced in April 2021 and is potentially to be completed by Christmas!! This long awaited project has now allowed the developer of the Seacliff Park Development Site to proceed to the next phase of planning.
Boral News
Their website is now up to date. Here is a link to the July 2021 community newsletter
From the recent JWG in April 2021, it would appear that operations are continuing as normal during Covid-19. They are continuing to trial alternative methods to effectively manage the dust nuisance. The new mine extension application process continues. Boral made a submission in March 2020 to the Department of Mines in response to the previous consultation and public submissions process in 2019. The Mines website has this document June 2020 which is a detailed response to the public submissions.
For more information on the eastern extension of the mine as proposed in 2019 visit our article here. And see Dept Mines website
If you are experiencing any issues feel free to contact Boral Anna Whybird Stakeholder Relations Manager on 0411 311 256 anna.whybird@boral.com.au and cc 5049communicator@gmail.com.
Their website is now up to date. Here is a link to the July 2021 community newsletter
From the recent JWG in April 2021, it would appear that operations are continuing as normal during Covid-19. They are continuing to trial alternative methods to effectively manage the dust nuisance. The new mine extension application process continues. Boral made a submission in March 2020 to the Department of Mines in response to the previous consultation and public submissions process in 2019. The Mines website has this document June 2020 which is a detailed response to the public submissions.
For more information on the eastern extension of the mine as proposed in 2019 visit our article here. And see Dept Mines website
If you are experiencing any issues feel free to contact Boral Anna Whybird Stakeholder Relations Manager on 0411 311 256 anna.whybird@boral.com.au and cc 5049communicator@gmail.com.
Geological & Seismic activity
Many residents in our coastal area have been concerned by the sounds of seismic rumblings and bangs in recent times .Linwood Quarry inform us in advance of their dates and times of blasting in the quarry. We have discovered through discussions with Boral and local knowledgeable residents that the loud noises and rumbles occurring outside these dates are most likely to be created when the Port Wakefield Army Barrack's firing range are conducting exercises. The impacts are transmitted through the shared geological strata and air borne noise depending on weather conditions.
We have been in contact with Port Wakefield and they are more than happy to share their firing schedule with us.
Any residents who may feel the effects of the work being conducted are invited to email Brett Dodd brett.dodd2@defence.gov.au with dates and times. Their website here
This information will allow them to examine conditions of the day to assist in developing information on the impacts of weather patterns as well.
Hopefully this may allay any concerns on those days. That is not to say that there are natural rumbles in our area here are some sites from knowledgeable local residents that provide information on earthquake/seismic activity
Earthquake monitoring network
The South Australian seismic network
Many residents in our coastal area have been concerned by the sounds of seismic rumblings and bangs in recent times .Linwood Quarry inform us in advance of their dates and times of blasting in the quarry. We have discovered through discussions with Boral and local knowledgeable residents that the loud noises and rumbles occurring outside these dates are most likely to be created when the Port Wakefield Army Barrack's firing range are conducting exercises. The impacts are transmitted through the shared geological strata and air borne noise depending on weather conditions.
We have been in contact with Port Wakefield and they are more than happy to share their firing schedule with us.
Any residents who may feel the effects of the work being conducted are invited to email Brett Dodd brett.dodd2@defence.gov.au with dates and times. Their website here
This information will allow them to examine conditions of the day to assist in developing information on the impacts of weather patterns as well.
Hopefully this may allay any concerns on those days. That is not to say that there are natural rumbles in our area here are some sites from knowledgeable local residents that provide information on earthquake/seismic activity
Earthquake monitoring network
The South Australian seismic network
