GELLIGAER QUARRY Consolidation Application. Non Technical Summary Volume 3. August 2013

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1 GELLIGAER QUARRY Consolidation Application Non Technical Summary Volume 3 August 2013

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3 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY VOLUME 3 GELLIGAER QUARRY Client: HANSON UK Job no Document title: Environmental Statement Non Technical Summary Volume 3 Status: Final Date: 9 August 2013 Ref: NTS Final

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5 CONTENTS CONTENTS 1.0 INTRODUCTION Background The Non Technical Summary Technical Studies Document Availability LOCATION AND MAIN FEATURES THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT Introduction Phasing Processing Plant Hours of Operation Output and Traffic Movements Surface Water Management Alternatives RESTORATION STRATEGY Design Rationale Restoration Aftercare Management SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES Introduction Landscape and Visual Effects Ecology Hydrology and Hydrogeology Noise Blast Vibration Air Quality Transportation Cultural Heritage PLANNING POLICY CONCLUSIONS LIST OF FIGURES Figure Site Location Plan... 3 Figure 1-2 Boundaries of 1983 and 1998 planning permissions... 4 Figure 3-1 Main Quarry Features Figure 3-2 Current Quarry Layout Figure 3-3 Quarry Development Phase Figure 3-4 Quarry Development Phase Figure 3-5 Quarry Development Phase Figure 3-6 Quarry Development Phase 4: Final Quarry Layout Figure 4-1 Restoration Strategy Gelligaer P a g e i SLR Consulting Limited

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7 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background A planning application has been submitted to Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council (MTC) which seeks planning permission for the consolidation of the existing planning permissions for quarrying at Gelligaer Quarry. The purpose of the application is to provide a single comprehensive quarrying and restoration scheme, and a single planning permission which will regulate the ongoing operation of the quarry. Gelligaer Quarry lies some 2km north east of the village of Trelewis and some 2.5km north of the village of Gelligaer. The location of the site is illustrated on Figure 1.1. The quarry site is some 23.2 hectares in extent, and benefits from two planning permissions for quarrying granted in 1983 and The boundaries of the respective planning permissions are illustrated on Figure 1.2. The planning permissions are subject to schedules of planning conditions, where the conditions are common in some respects, but different in others. In particular, the 1983 planning permission for the original quarry has no limitation on the depth of quarrying, whereas the 1998 permission for an extension to the quarry imposes a limit of 294m AOD relating to the area of the quarry covered by that permission. In addition, the 1983 permission has no specific condition relating to the time period of quarrying. In contrast, the 1998 planning permission is time limited to 31 st March The consolidation application for Gelligaer Quarry seeks to: Provide a comprehensive strategy for quarrying within the overall site area which comprises the two planning permission boundaries; Design a scheme of working to maximise the recovery of permitted reserves, but deliver improvements to the external visual appearance of the quarry, notably through the relocation of the current prominent fine aggregate stockpile to a location within the quarry, below ground level; Provide for the two different planning permission end dates for quarrying to be extended to a common end date to coincide with the anticipated time period for the extraction of the remaining reserves; Provide certainty regarding the recovery of the remaining reserves of high quality aggregate at depth within the quarry which, by virtue of the quality of the stone, constitute a resource of national importance; and Develop a restoration strategy for the full quarry area, as a long term concept for the restoration of the quarry to beneficial after uses. The consolidation application proposes no changes to the boundary of the currently permitted quarry area, as defined by the 1983 and 1998 planning permissions. All future quarrying will take place within the existing quarry footprint by progressively deepening the quarry. Similarly, the consolidation application will not, in itself, alter the current and historic pattern of vehicle movements from the quarry or the rate of output (which will be dictated by market conditions), but where there are currently no restrictions on rates of output. The submission of the consolidation application will however allow MTC to impose up to date planning conditions on the ongoing operation which reflect modern standards and requirements. 1.2 The Non Technical Summary This document is a non technical summary (NTS) of the Environmental Statement (ES), and presents the main findings of the Environmental Gelligaer P a g e 1 SLR Consulting Limited

8 Impact Assessment (EIA) in non technical language. The NTS, as the title suggests, provides only a brief summarised account of a large amount of technical reports and data. However, it is intended to provide a sufficient overview of the development scheme, and the environmental issues which would be associated with the ongoing operation, to allow the reader to gain an understanding of the key issues, and the way in which the EIA has informed the preparation of the mine extension development. The NTS comprises Volume 3 of a comprehensive submission which consists of: Volume 1: Volume 2: Volume 3: Volume 4: Volume 5: 1.3 Technical Studies Environmental Statement (ES); Technical Appendices; Non Technical Summary of the ES (i.e. this document); Planning application plans; and Figures in support of a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The content of the EIA and the respective technical studies has been informed by informal discussions held with MTC, by Hanson s experience of operating the quarry, and by the external consultancy services employed by Hanson. Landscape and visual effects Ecology Hydrology and hydrogeology Noise Air Quality Traffic In addition, technical inputs on the design of the working scheme, blast vibration, geology and reserve assessment, and surface water management have been provided by in-house expertise at Hanson. 1.4 Document Availability The volumes are available for inspection at the offices of Merthyr Tydfil Borough Council, Civic Centre, Castle Street, Merthyr Tydfil, CF47 8AN. Copies may be purchased from SLR Consulting Ltd, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5HF. The cost of volumes (inclusive of VAT and postage) is: Volumes 1-4: (Printed versions) Volumes 1-4: (CD version) 5.00 Volume 3 NTS: (Printed version) 5.00 The EIA and the preparation of the ES has been coordinated by SLR Consulting Limited. SLR are members of the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Management, with an awarded Quality Mark, and have specialist capability in mineral planning. As part of the EIA, and as informally discussed and agreed with MTC, specific technical studies have been undertaken by SLR to consider the effect of the ongoing development in terms of: Gelligaer P a g e 2 SLR Consulting Limited

9 Figure Site Location Plan Gelligaer P a g e 3 SLR Consulting Limited

10 Figure 1-2 Boundaries of 1983 and 1998 planning permissions Gelligaer P a g e 4 SLR Consulting Limited

11 2.0 LOCATION AND MAIN FEATURES Gelligaer Quarry lies on the plateau which divides the valleys of Cwm Bargoed to the west and Cwm Rhymney to the east. It occupies a relatively remote location, some 2.5km north west of the village of Gelligaer, some 3km north east of Trelewis, and some 2.5m west of Bargoed. Quarrying at the site was first authorised by planning permission in Current operations at the site are authorised by planning permissions granted in 1983 and 1998, the boundaries of which are shown on figure 1-2 and was subsequently extended in It produces dry stone aggregate, using mobile crushing and screening plant which is sited at the base of the quarry. The original prominent fixed crushing and screening plant was removed from the site in The application site, which is defined on figure 1-1, covers the full extent of the surface area of the existing permitted quarry. The site is some 23.2 hectares in extent and the main features of the quarry comprise: The active quarry operational area in the western area of the site, comprising a series of faces and benches developed down to a level of 295m AOD, compared to levels on the quarry rim of some 350m AOD along the northern edge of the quarry, and 325m AOD along the southern edge; Mobile crushing and screening plant sited at the current base of the quarry; Perimeter screen bunds, circa 3 m high along the western, southern and north eastern boundaries; An existing dust (sandstone fine aggregate) tip, approximately 30m in height located in the centre of the site; Stockpile areas for processed aggregate located in the northern and south eastern areas of the quarry; and A quarry access onto the unclassified public highway to the east, with a weighbridge and office close to the site entrance. 3.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 3.1 Introduction Gelligaer Quarry is operating on the basis of planning permissions for quarrying granted in 1983 and The respective planning permissions impose different conditions controlling operations, with different limitations on the depth of quarrying, and different end dates relating to the completion of quarrying. The current application does not incorporate any additional land that does not currently enjoy the benefit of an existing planning permission for quarrying. It therefore does not seek any lateral extension to the quarry beyond the currently approved limits. The function of the consolidation application, as the term indicates, is to consolidate the existing planning permissions in to one single permission, with the objective of allowing quarrying to continue in the context of an agreed working and restoration scheme, with a single set of planning conditions, and with an appropriate single end date to coincide with the anticipated exhaustion of the currently permitted reserves. 3.2 Phasing The quarry has been designed to progress in four generalised phases. Plans depicting the phased quarry development are provided in Volume 4 of the submission as application plans GQ3 to GQ8. The plans are reproduced at a smaller scale in this NTS as figures and illustrate: The main quarry features as at present (figure 3.1); The current quarry layout shown to provide a context for the subsequent phased development plans (figure 3.2); Phase 1, showing the fine aggregate (dust) tip being relocated within the north western area of the quarry and quarry Gelligaer P a g e 5 SLR Consulting Limited

12 development then progressing beneath the area currently occupied by the fine aggregate (dust) tip (figure 3.3); Phase 2, showing the progressive deepening of the quarry (figure 3.4); Phase 3, with deepening to a maximum level (figure 3.5); and Final quarry layout, with the development of the faces and benches to their final positions allowing the widening of the quarry floor (figure 3.6) Phase 1 The development of Phase 1 will require the relocation of the current central fine aggregate (dust) stockpile (circa 460,000 cubic metres of material), to a new location in the north western area of the quarry void, at the current quarry base level of 295 metres AOD. The creation of the stockpile has already commenced with the removal of scalping stockpiles from the south western area of the site, which will allow the quarry to develop into that area. Quarrying would then progress to the defined limits in the south western area and then, with the removal of the central dust stockpile, would develop in an easterly direction at the 327, 314 and 304 m AOD levels. Access to the 294 m AOD quarry level would be obtained via a new haul road and ramp constructed across the north west relocated fine aggregate (dust) stockpile. The existing weighbridge, office and south east stockpile areas would remain, with additional stockpile areas available on the 314 metre AOD level. Phase 1 would yield a reserve of some 5.09 million tonnes of saleable sandstone aggregate. Based upon notional sales of 300,000 tonnes per annum, phase 1 would extend over a time period of some 16 years. The quarry development scheme is based upon an assumption that the entirety of the current stockpile (460,000 cubic metres) will be relocated to the north west area, and that the stockpile will be increased based upon a net 12% of the in-situ reserve being placed into the fine aggregate tip. These assumptions indicate a stockpile of fine aggregate of some 690,000 cubic metres at the end of Phase Phase 2 During this phase, the quarry faces and benches would be developed in an easterly direction to the 294 and 282 m AOD levels, with faces and benches along the southern and eastern sides developed to their final configurations. During Phase 2, quarrying would also progress down to the 270 m AOD level. This contrasts with an average water table level of 276 m AOD. The development of the quarry at 270 m AOD will therefore mean that limited dewatering of the quarry void will be required at this stage. Phase 3 would yield reserves of some 5.4 million tonnes (cumulative reserve million tonnes) which, based upon the same notional 300,000 tonnes per annum output, would extend over a time period of some 18 years. Again, based on the same assumption of 12% of the in-situ stones being converted in to fine aggregate (dust), and placed into then north west stockpile, this would increase the stockpile to some 935,000 cubic metres by the end of Phase Phase 3 The quarry would be developed in an easterly direction by extending the faces and benches back to their final positions at the 327, 314, 304, 282 and 270 metre AOD levels. The quarry would also be deepened to the final base level of 234 metres AOD in the central area, with intermediate benches at 246 and 258 metres AOD. An anticlockwise internal haul route would be established from the north of the weighbridge area, westbound to the dust tip, with a haul road across the dust tip, and then a system of ramps along the western and southern sides to the 234 m AOD level. Gelligaer P a g e 6 SLR Consulting Limited

13 Phase 3 would yield reserves of some million tonnes (cumulative million), and would be worked over a time period of some 20 years, based upon the same output assumption as above. The phase would create some 252,000 cubic metres of fine aggregate (dust), again based upon the same assumptions, which would be added to the north west tip (cumulative million cubic metres) Phase 4: Final Quarry Development The final phase will require the relocation of the north west fine aggregate (dust) tip to a new location on the floor of the quarry, at the 234 m AOD level in the south/south eastern area of the void. This will then allow the reserves in the north western area, temporarily sterilised by the dust tip, to be extracted as a final phase. This is reflected on the final quarry development plan and would yield a reserve of some 2 million tonnes, giving a life of some 6.5 years. The combined reserve of some million tonnes would provide a life for the quarry of some 62 years based upon the same assumption of a 300,000 tonnes per annum output. In view of this timescale, and the uncertainty regarding sales of fine aggregate (dust), the precise location of the final dust stockpile has not been shown on the final quarry development plan. However, the scheme makes provision to accommodate the dust stockpile, of whatever size and extent in a below ground level location throughout the life of the quarry. If there are residual stocks of fine aggregate (dust) at the end of the life of the quarry, then these will be accommodated in the restoration scheme. 3.3 Processing Plant Historically, stone extracted from the quarry was transported from the quarry face by dump trucks to a fixed crushing and screening plant located to the north west of the quarry weighbridge. The plant was prominent in visual terms, and had been in existence for nearly 30 years by At that stage Hanson took the decision to decommission and remove the fixed plant from the site and to replace the plant with a mobile crushing and screening plant which could be located within the quarry void. The mobile plant is currently sited at the base of the quarry on the 295 metre AOD level. The plant is thus not visible from external vantage points, and this is a considerable visual enhancement compared to historical conditions. The mobile plant represents a conventional operation, with stone from the working face placed into a hopper which feeds a primary crusher which reduces the size of the sandstone. The resulting material is then fed through a secondary crusher and series of screens to produce the required single size of stone products. These are then fed by conveyors to initial stockpiles, which are then relocated to the defined stockpile areas ready for offsite transportation. The crushing and screening operation is regulated by an Environmental Permit, issued by Caerphilly County Borough Council (mobile plant contractor based in Caerphilly), which, inter alia, imposes restrictions and requirements relating to the control of dust emissions from the plant, stockpiles and haul roads, and which requires management and monitoring designed to minimise dust emissions. No changes to these established arrangements are proposed as part of the consolidation application. 3.4 Hours of Operation The current planning permissions confine quarrying operations to the hours of: 0700 to 1900 Mondays to Fridays 0700 to 1300 Saturdays (ref condition 4a of the 1998 planning permission reference P/97/0120, and condition 4 of the 1983 planning permission reference 52/82/0773). The 1998 planning permission also imposes restrictions on hours of working for servicing, maintenance and testing of plant, which are prevented from taking place between the hours of 2200 to 0700 on any day (condition 4b). No such restriction is imposed on the 1983 planning permission. Gelligaer P a g e 7 SLR Consulting Limited

14 The current application does not seek to modify the current permitted hours which would be applied across the full quarry area. 3.5 Output and Traffic Movements There are no restrictions on output imposed as conditions on either of the mineral planning permissions, and output and traffic movements are thus dictated by market conditions and customer demand. Recent production has ranged between 250,000 and 350,000 tonnes per annum. For the purposes of the traffic assessment, and a calculation of the duration of the development, an assumption has been made that future sales will average some 300,000 tonnes per annum. Based upon a 275 day working year (reflect the hours of working restrictions outlined above), and an average 20 tonne load size, this equates to an average of 55 deliveries per day (110 movements). All traffic is routed north along the Gelligaer Common Road / Fochriw Road to the T junction with Rhymney Common Road, just north of the A465 (via a tunnel beneath the A465). Weight restrictions on east to west links off Gelligaer Common Road / Fochriw Road prevent vehicle movements linking with the A4060 to the west (via Bogey Road), or with the A469 to the east at Pontlottyn via Fochriw and Pontlottyn Roads, or at Deri via Bailey Street. Rhymney Common Road is an unclassified single carriageway running from east to west, connecting with the A465 at both ends at the Asda roundabout at Dowlais to the west at Merthyr Tydfil, and at the Rhymney Valley roundabout at Bute Town to the east. Having reached Rhymney Common Road, depending on the markets to be served, traffic can be routed west via the A465 from the Asda roundabout or south via the A4060 and A470. To the east, via the roundabout with the A465 at Bute Town, traffic can either continue eastbound along the A465, or south along the A469 or A4059 to the inter valleys A469 link, to the east of Ystrad Mynach. 3.6 Surface Water Management Surface water at the quarry is currently managed via a settlement pond located close to the southern boundary of the site, from where water is discharged off site into an adjoining south flowing field drainage system which ultimately connects into the Nant Caiach. A separate system of lagoons is located in the central area of the site, primarily associated with the collection of discharge from the wheel wash system in the eastern area of the site. Discussions have been held with NRW regarding an upgraded surface water management system, and new concrete built settlement arrangements consisting of attenuation/settlement ponds have recently been designed to reflect those discussions. Future water management at the site can be considered in two stages Stage 1: Quarrying above the water table The new surface water management system has been designed to receive rainfall runoff water from 3 catchment areas within the quarry:- 1 Weighbridge/stocking area in the SE corner; 2 Old processing plant area; and 3 Extraction area floor. The general principle is that surface water run-off from catchment 1 will gravity feed to the attenuation pond. Surface water run-off from catchment area 2 will be controlled by pumping via a turbidity meter. Clean water which complies with the terms of the new discharge Permit to be obtained from NRW will be pumped direct to the discharge point. Water containing suspended solids which would not immediately comply with the restrictions of the discharge Permit will be pumped to the new attenuation and settlement ponds for treatment prior to discharge. Gelligaer P a g e 8 SLR Consulting Limited

15 The attenuation pond will have a gravity fed low level outlet into the settlement ponds and a high level storm overflow. The low level outlet from the attenuation pond will be sized so that only volumes of water that can be effectively treated will be allowed into the settlement ponds. This means that the settlement ponds would always discharge compliant water. During periods of heavy rainfall, the storage in the attenuation pond will gradually be used up. If the rain event continues and the attenuation pond becomes full, the storm overflow will operate, but the discharge will be diluted by compliant water coming from the settlement ponds. Surface water run-off from catchment area 3 will drain into the quarry sump from which pumped water will be controlled by a turbidity meter. Compliant water will be pumped direct to the discharge point. Non compliant drainage water within the void would be allowed to build up in the sump, increasing dilution, until the turbidity meter allows pumping of compliant water to the discharge point Stage 2: Quarry dewatering below the water table This stage (to be designed in the future) will cater for dewatering of the quarry void when the workings extend below the water table (during phase 2 of the quarry development in circa 20 years time). It is anticipated that the dewatering sump within the quarry void would operate using submersible pumps controlled by a turbidity meter and a high and low level float switch, which will ensure that only compliant water will be pumped straight to the discharge point (if non compliant it will not pump). The water level in the sump will normally be maintained at the low level which therefore incorporates storage capacity up to the high level. In the event of major rainfall events, the quarry floor may become flooded if the sump capacity is exceeded and will remain so until pumping restores the normal water level under the control turbidity meter. 3.7 Alternatives In terms of alternatives to the quarry development scheme, as now proposed, the scheme has been designed to maximise the exploitation of the high quality reserves from the current permitted area, and avoid any unnecessary sterilisation of the resource, which would not be in the interest of sustainability (particularly in view of the high quality of the material). In this context, any alternatives to the scheme as proposed would not be fulfil this key objective. Hypothetical alternatives would be to confine quarrying to the current operational area, but this would be associated with the retention and enlargement of the current dust stockpile. This would sterilise the majority of the resource, and would increase the visual impact of the current stockpile. It would also confine quarrying to a small footprint, within a constrained area. These alternatives are not considered to be in the interests of sustainable minerals planning, and have not been considered further. It follows that the Applicants consider that the scheme which is now proposed represents a logical means of continuing operations within the quarry, in a way which minimises environmental effects, whilst maximising planned reserves. These matters will be regulated by a variation to the site s discharge Permit which will be sought at the appropriate time. Gelligaer P a g e 9 SLR Consulting Limited

16 Figure 3-1 Main Quarry Features Gelligaer P a g e 10 SLR Consulting Limited

17 Figure 3-2 Current Quarry Layout Gelligaer P a g e 11 SLR Consulting Limited

18 Figure 3-3 Quarry Development Phase 1 Gelligaer P a g e 12 SLR Consulting Limited

19 Figure 3-4 Quarry Development Phase 2 Gelligaer P a g e 13 SLR Consulting Limited

20 Figure 3-5 Quarry Development Phase 3 Gelligaer P a g e 14 SLR Consulting Limited

21 Figure 3-6 Quarry Development Phase 4: Final Quarry Layout Gelligaer P a g e 15 SLR Consulting Limited

22 4.0 RESTORATION STRATEGY 4.1 Design Rationale The Conceptual Restoration Strategy has been designed to make best use of the materials available on site in order to improve the long term visual appearance of the site, draw strong links to the wider landscape character and be beneficial in terms of ecology including the provision of habitat resource. The strategy recognises that upon cessation of dewatering, the water levels in the quarry void will rise and settle at a level of approximately 275m AOD. A lake will thus form within the void, and restoration works will be confined to the quarry faces and benches above that level, and the perimeter margins. The site is at present surrounded by low level screen bunds which have been created using materials stripped from the surface of the site during the early stages of development, and partly using fine aggregate / dust. They contain what would broadly be described as soil forming materials ; the volume of material found within these bunds total c.113,000 m 3. Given that upon removal of the perimeter bunds, only the upper parts of the quarry void are likely to be visible in the surrounding landscape, visual mitigation measures have been concentrated in this area, with the aforementioned materials being placed on the upper and more visible quarry benches, providing a substrate for the establishment of pioneer tree species that would be introduced via hydro-seeding and natural colonisation. Some areas of upper quarry face would, however, be kept open where practicable, as they provide habitat for the Peregrine Falcons which have been identified as being present in the local area. parts of the quarry would be restored to a combination of upland species rich pasture land with hedgerows and small scale woodland blocks; this would be characteristic of the wider landscape context, which includes the open Gelli-gaer Common to the east and more intimate field pattern with woodland blocks to the west; the latter being associated with the farmstead at Gilfach-maen Uchaf. The establishment of surface vegetation is also beneficial in terms of both biodiversity and for surface stabilisation, with vegetation helping to bind the surface and improve the quality of any surface water run-off by reducing the potential for suspended solids. Other restoration materials include the contents of the relocated dust tip which will supply a large proportion of the total volume of material utilised within the site. The total volume of retained dust is assumed notionally to be of the order of 1.3m m 3, but this will be dependent upon demand for and sales of the material during the operational life of the quarry. The majority of this material would be redistributed in the base of the void, and taking into account the estimated final water level of approximately 275m AOD within the void, it is envisaged that this material would be completely submerged. A proportion of the material may also be used to bolster that placed on the upper benches and perimeter grazing where required to improve the structure of the substrate. Based on the estimated final water level of approximately 275m AOD it is likely that this will meet with the wide bench / haul route on the southern / south western side of the void. This would create a shallow marginal area with gently sloping gradients which would develop as a diverse aquatic habitat. The aforementioned internal haul road would be retained for access / maintenance purposes. Some material would be placed on the benches to reinforce the edge protection and introduce a swathe of grassland, but otherwise this feature and the mid-level of the quarry would be allowed to weather and regenerate naturally. Areas outside of the quarry void would also make use of materials stored in the screen bunds, including the ancillary area / weighbridge site, which would be broken up towards the end of the restoration works. Peripheral Gelligaer P a g e 16 SLR Consulting Limited

23 4.2 Restoration Aftercare Management The restored site would be closely monitored throughout a 5 year aftercare period so that the most suitable management regime could be defined on an area-by-area basis. An outline aftercare management scheme would be formulated in accordance with recommendations outlined within national minerals planning policy, advice notes and guidance. The outline aftercare scheme would provide the overall objectives for the management of the site and the main management operations, and subsequent annual, detailed proposals would be submitted to the planning authority in the autumn of each aftercare year. It is also proposed that an aftercare meeting would be held on an annual basis to allow the Operator to report on progress and discuss the condition of the site and to agree the aftercare requirements for the following growing season. Gelligaer P a g e 17 SLR Consulting Limited

24 Figure 4-1 Restoration Strategy Gelligaer P a g e 18 SLR Consulting Limited

25 5.0 SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES 5.1 Introduction The ES includes a detailed assessment of the effects of the quarry development and restoration scheme under a series of environmental and amenity topic headings. These are dealt with in detail in the ES and comprise: Chapter 6.0: Chapter 7.0: Chapter 8.0: Chapter 9.0: Chapter 10.0: Chapter 11.0: Chapter 12.0: Chapter 13.0: Landscape and Visual Impact Ecology Hydrology and Hydrogeology Noise Blast Vibration Air Quality Transportation Cultural Heritage The exercise has identified a number of issues which require control and mitigation, many of which are already covered by existing planning conditions and related regulatory controls, and has highlighted up to date advice regarding standards and criteria. As a summary of those issues, the following key issues have emerged: 5.2 Landscape and Visual Effects Landscape and Visual impact assessment The additional landscape effects caused by the proposed quarry development compared to the current circumstances are minimal given that it is already an operational site. Perceived landscape effects are also limited due to the enclosed nature of the void and screening provided by the peripheral bunds. Relocation of the dust tip would have a large effect on the appearance of the application site when viewed from the surrounding area, this having a beneficial effect on how the landscape is perceived. The viewpoint analysis demonstrates that the nature of visual impacts varies across the study area. It is unlikely that any significant visual impacts would be recorded for any receptors identified, particularly when taking into account the existing quarry operations at the site Mitigation Measures The site itself has a number of key aspects and existing features which offer mitigation, most notably the existing peripheral bunds which help to screen much of the buildings, vehicles, and activity in the ancillary areas and upper parts of the quarry. As illustrated by the quarry development plans, these features will remain in place throughout the operational life of the quarry, so the quarry will continue to benefit from their presence. Opportunities may be available to hydroseed the outer flanks of the bunds to improve their visual appearance. The most visually intrusive aspect of the quarry is the central dust tip. As part of the proposed development, this would be relocated at a lower level during Phase 1 of the quarry development, and therefore represents a designed in mitigation measure which is likely to deliver benefits early on in the process. The landscape and visual impact assessment has identified the main landscape and visual receptors against which the existing and ongoing landscape and visual impacts can be assessed. The main landscape and visual implications of the development, and the potential impacts have been identified, and mitigation measures have been proposed to further reduce the impacts. Gelligaer P a g e 19 SLR Consulting Limited

26 5.3 Ecology Ecology Study No nationally or internationally designated ecological sites such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI s) or Special Areas of Conservation (SAC s) are present within the 2km search radius of the application site. Furthermore, the application site is not subject to designation as a county level non-statutory site (i.e. Site of Importance for Nature Conservation - SINC). A number of SINC sites and ancient woodlands are present within the 2km search area. Of these, the Gelligaer Common SINC occurs adjacent to the site boundary to the north east and east. The SINC is of importance for acid grassland and heath but is in poor condition due to overgrazing and burning. The Phase 1 survey did not record the presence of any semi-natural habitats within the operational site. The operational areas of the quarry mainly comprise bare ground associated with the quarry. In areas which have not been recently disturbed there is a patchy cover of rock and colonising plant species. No records of great crested newt were returned in the data search exercise. The water-bodies within the site are relatively temporary in nature due to the shifting nature of the quarry operations. This combined with the lack of terrestrial or aquatic vegetation within or near to the water-bodies and the high sediment loads mean that the potential presence of great crested newt within the site has been considered highly improbable. The site is not considered to provide any significant opportunities for roosting by bats in the form of trees, buildings or crevices in cliff faces. The site is not considered to have the potential to support significant populations of reptiles due to the absence of suitable habitats. The Phase 1 survey found that the majority of the site provides limited opportunities for invertebrates, due largely to absence of flowering plants and the expanse of bare ground. Given the operation nature of the site, the only areas considered to have the potential to support breeding birds were the cliffs in the less operational areas of the site, in particular along the northern edge of the void. Evidence of peregrine falcon was recorded within the site and the cliffs on the northern side of the quarry have the potential to be used as eyrie locations Ecological Effects and mitigation measures No direct or indirect impacts upon statutory or non-statutory ecologically designated sites have been predicted. No additional species surveys or habitat evaluations were undertaken due to the absence of semi-natural habitats and other features of ecological significance with the potential to be impacted upon, either directly or indirectly by a continuation in quarrying activities. Provided that a watching brief is maintained in respect of nesting activity by peregrine falcon then a continuation of quarrying operations is unlikely to affect this species. The potential impacts to fauna are considered to be insignificant based on the lack of semi-natural habitats present within the site and ability to phase works around any critical times i.e. blasting cliff sections supporting nesting birds outside of the breeding bird season. Opportunities exist and will be taken to create habitats of ecological value during the restoration phase and aftercare. Gelligaer P a g e 20 SLR Consulting Limited

27 Overall, the continuation of quarrying at Gelligaer Quarry is not predicted to have any significant or long-term adverse ecological effects. 5.4 Hydrology and Hydrogeology Hydrology and Hydrogeology Study The Site is located in an isolated upland common location close to the catchment divide between the Bargod Taf catchment to the west, and the Nant Bargoed Rhymni catchment to the east. The catchment divide is located close to the eastern boundary of the Site. The Nant Bargoed Rhymni joins the Afon Rhymni at Bargoed, while the Bargod Taf joins the Afon Taf at Quakers Yard. Both rivers then flow in a southerly direction to join the River Severn Estuary at Cardiff. There are a number of springs located to the west and south of the Site, which are fed by groundwater baseflow derived from the Upper Pennant Measures bedrock aquifer. These springs form the source of the Nant Ddu to the west, the Nant Caeach to the south, and the Nant Bryncanol to the south-east. The existing quarry at the Site extracts Pennant Measures Sandstone. The sandstone bedrock is located below a thin overburden horizon (now fully removed). The strata dip at a low angle (2 o to 10 o ) to the south or south-south-east. There are no major geological faults exposed within the quarry faces. The groundwater flow direction below the Site is likely to be in a southerly direction under the influence of the shallow southerly dip of the bedrock strata. Groundwater levels measured in a borehole at the Quarry extend between mAOD (8 th December 2010) and mAOD (18 th November 2008), indicating a range of 11.49m Hydrological / Hydrogeological Effects and Mitigation Measures The water features survey has confirmed that the nearest private and licensed groundwater and surface water abstractions are located a significant distance (more than 600m) beyond the site boundary, and outside the potential drawdown cone of influence associated with dewatering when the quarry has been extended to its proposed maximum depth of 234m AOD. Also, at the time of the water features survey, one of the nearest groundwater fed springs (Nant Ddu) to the Site was noted to be dry under natural conditions. Therefore, it is considered that the impact on the local water resources is negligible, and no mitigation measures are therefore considered necessary. The Applicant has significant experience in managing surface water runoff and groundwater inflows generated at similar mineral quarry sites in order to reduce potential risk of water quality pollution. This experience will continue to be implemented during the ongoing development of the site. The site will continue to be developed on a phased basis in order to minimise the active area of working at any point in time, and thus reduce the potential for generation of contaminated water. Additional water treatment and settlement lagoons have recently been designed and will be commissioned at an early stage to ensure that all runoff generated at the site (including runoff from areas of stockpiling) is actively controlled and routed to these lagoons as necessary. In addition to the formal water treatment and settlement lagoons, temporary catch-pits and sumps will continue to be used to collect, gather and manage surface water runoff and groundwater inflows generated within the working areas at the site. The discharge of water from the site will be regulated by a Discharge Permit which is being sought from Natural Resources Wales. It is anticipated that the Discharge Permit will include maximum limits for potential contaminants in order to minimise off-site pollution risk. All Gelligaer P a g e 21 SLR Consulting Limited

28 water discharged from the site will comply with conditions of the Permit through the use of turbidity meters or through the passage of discharge through appropriately designed and maintained settlement lagoons. To minimise the risk of accidental spillage of fuels and oils or a vehicular accident occurring on site, conventional protocols will be adopted in accordance with national guidance. Where appropriate, electric pumps will be deployed in preference to diesel pumps. The above measures will significantly reduce the risk of suspended solids or other pollutants being discharged from the site, such that the potential impacts will be negligible.. The discharge of surface water or pumped groundwater from the quarry will be managed to ensure that under high rainfall and surface water runoff conditions, groundwater inputs to the local drainage network will not increase the risk of flooding downstream of the site. One management option that will be employed, if necessary, will be the temporary cessation of dewatering over the critical period, utilising the storage capacity within the quarry sump and extraction void. This approach will significantly reduce the likelihood of flooding, such that the potential impact will be negligible. 5.5 Noise Noise Study Environmental noise surveys were carried out at the noise-sensitive receptors closest to the site on 2 nd May 2013 to capture typical background noise levels. The noise surveys were carried out during daytime working hours, consistent with the prescribed hours of working regulated by current planning conditions. Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates (MTAN1) published by the Welsh Assembly Government in March 2004 contains the current government advice on noise from mineral extraction sites and is an appropriate starting point for the noise assessment (ref paragraph 88). This indicates daytime (07:00 to 19:00 hours) noise criterion of 10dB above background (as an L Aeq,1hr ) for normal daytime operations, and a night-time criterion of 42 db LAeq,1hr. A higher level of 67dB LAeq,1hr is set for temporary operations of up to 8 weeks per year. Noise predictions have been made based on the development scheme described in Chapter 3.0 of this ES. These confirm that the predicted noise levels for normal operations during each of the quarry phases will be below the limits derived in accordance with the guidance contained in MTAN1 at all locations assessed. The predictions also confirm that the combined noise effects of quarrying operations and the removal / relocation of the dust tip will not have any material adverse noise effect on the amenity of the area in the context of the guidance contained in MTAN Noise Mitigation Measures The site design incorporates several features that provide mitigation against potential noise nuisance; these features include, but are not necessarily limited to: activities are, where possible, undertaken in locations where noise attenuation from existing natural landforms would maximise the benefit to the noise-sensitive properties; all haul roads are kept clean and maintained in a good state of repair to avoid unwanted rattle and body slap from vehicles; drop heights for all loading activities are minimised; all mobile plant and heavy goods vehicles entering the site move in a manner to minimise, as far as is practical and safe, noise from reverse warning systems; plant is subject to regular maintenance: plant that is used intermittently, is shut down when not in use; and pumps, generators and compressors are located behind existing screening mounds, and are either electrically powered and are fitted with an acoustic covers where necessary. Gelligaer P a g e 22 SLR Consulting Limited

29 Given the low noise levels predicted at local noise-sensitive receptors due to the Site it is considered that no specific mitigation measures additional to those mentioned above are necessary. 5.6 Blast Vibration Blast Vibration Study At Gelligaer Quarry the rock is extracted by a succession of controlled blasts from quarry faces which breaks up the rock allowing it to be excavated and transported to the mobile crushing and screening plant for processing. Each blast is individually designed with boreholes charged with explosives and detonated in a way which loosen and breaks up the rock, which can then be excavated from a rock pile. Ground vibration arsing from blasting is calculated in terms of peak particle velocity (PPV), and is measured in millimetres per second (mms). Detailed research has determined that vibration levels well in excess of 50 mms are necessary to produce structural damage to residential type properties. For human perception, government advice is that levels should be set in the range of 6-12 mms as discussed further below. Vibration is also generated within the atmosphere where the term air over pressure is used to encompass both its audible and sub audible frequency components. Again, experience and knowledge and blast type and design enables prediction of levels and an assessment of their significance. However, unlike with ground vibration, predictions of air overpressure can be made less certain by the fact that air over pressure levels may be significantly influenced by atmospheric conditions. Hence, the most effective method of control is its minimisation at source. It is important to realise that for any given blast it is very much in the operators interest to always reduce vibration, both ground and air borne to the minimum possible in that this substantially increases the efficiency and hence the economy of blasting operations. Minerals Technical Advice Note 1: Aggregates (MTAN1) published by the Welsh Assembly Government in March 2004 gives advice on suitable planning conditions to control the environmental impact of blasting operations at quarries. This includes the advice that: Maximum level of ground vibration at sensitive locations: ground vibration as a result of blasting operations should not exceed a peak particle velocity of 6 mms -1 PPV in 95% of all blasts measured over any 6 month period, and no individual blast should exceed a peak particle velocity of 10 mms -1 PPV. These limits contrast with higher limits imposed on the current planning permission for quarrying at Gelligaer which refer to peak particle velocities of 10mms and 12mms. All blasts are monitored at Gelligaer Quarry, and detailed records are maintained. These records confirm that the currently imposed ground vibration limits are being adhered to, and can continue to be adhered to as part of the phased quarry development scheme Blast Vibration Mitigation Measures In view of adherence to the current blast vibration limits (and the MTAN 1 recommended limits if they were to be imposed), no specific additional mitigation measures are considered to be necessary. The opportunity is available via the consolidation application to impose updated conditions regulating blast vibration, which accord with modern standards and the advice set out in MTAN1. This would result in more stringent limits on blast vibration than currently apply, i.e. a reduction in the 95% limit from 10mm/sec to 6mm/sec, and the upper limit from 12mm/sec to 10mm/sec. Gelligaer P a g e 23 SLR Consulting Limited

30 5.7 Air Quality Air Quality Study The assessment considers the potential dust and PM 10 emissions as a result of extraction, storage, processing and haulage of materials and restoration activities and the potential exposure of sensitive receptors, including local residents and ecological receptors. The Government's policy on air quality within the UK is set out in the Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland (AQS) July The AQS sets out a framework for reducing hazards to health from air pollution and ensuring that international commitments are met in the UK. PPW stresses that Planning authorities should operate on the basis that the relevant pollution control regimes will be properly applied and enforced by other agencies and they should not seek to control through planning measures, matters that are the proper concern of the pollution control authority (ref para ). This is of relevance to the Permit which is in place at the quarry which regulates emissions from the processing plant and related operations. For the purposes of environmental assessment dust is generally categorised into two size classifications; suspended dust with diameters below 10µm (PM 10 ), and deposited dust with diameters between 10µm and 75µm. The impacts associated with deposited dust are related to potential nuisance effects, whilst for PM 10 air quality standards exist. The vast majority of particles responsible for annoyance are deposited within 100m 200m of the source 2, and hence it is in this zone that the 1 The Air Quality Strategy for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - Defra - July Based upon research document - DETR, The Environmental Effects of Dust from Surface Mineral Workings (Dec 1995) risk of problems from dust is greatest. Coarse dusts (for example greater than 30µm in diameter) will largely deposit within 100m of the source. For all sources, the creation and subsequent dispersion of dust will be highly dependent on the weather conditions. Wind speed can determine the amount of dust raised, while wind direction determines those areas that may be affected. Higher wind speed increases the potential for the generation of airborne dust due to the suspension and entrainment of particles in airflow; rainfall however, has a suppressive effect on the generation of dust. The sources of dust from the continued operation of the site are not considered to significantly change with the deepening and proposed development of the quarry, i.e. excavation, processing, internal movements, stockpiles and off site distribution. The closest receptors to potential sources of dust during site operations are Clawdd-Trawcase Farm and Craif-Fargoed which are the only receptors located within 500m of the site boundary. These receptors are located to the north of the site at 310m and 370m from the site respectively. These receptors are exposed to winds >3m/s from the direction of the quarry ( ) at a frequency of 10% of the year and are therefore not within the prevailing wind direction. Considering the sources of dust, the low frequency of winds from the south and large distance to the receptor, it is considered that dust impacts as a result of deepening and extending the life of the quarry would be insignificant at both of these receptors. With regards to PM 10 the background concentration are well below the AQS annual mean standard at 12.72µg/m 3. As there are no receptors within 200m of the site and the background concentration is low no receptors are classified as near and therefore and it can be considered dust concentration will remain well below the air quality strategy objectives. Gelligaer P a g e 24 SLR Consulting Limited