19 July 2013
Environmental excellence in quarries
It’s a turnaround for most people to recognize that quarrying operations can be havens for the environment. But this
year’s prestigious MIMICO Environmental Excellence Awards were presented to four companies for their work to enhance the
natural world.
The awards were judged by former Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Morgan Williams, and sponsored by MIMICO, a
well-respected company that sells, hires and services heavy machinery to the quarrying, mining, contracting,
construction, recycling and forestry industries.
Entries were judged on the degree of positive environmental impact, originality and innovation and the degree of
difficulty involved as well as if the project was voluntary or mandatory. Particular note was taken of the extent of and
nature of relations with local tangata whenua, though this criteria was not part of the formal scoring
The Gold Award went to Rodney Aggregate Supplies, Whangaripo Quarry, Matakana
Jason Hinton, Quarry Manager, sums up the teams approach “quarries are part of the community, and although we may not be
everyone’s first choice of neighbour, it is possible for us to be a good neighbour.” The site liaison group is
represented by the local community iwi and quarry management meet regularly to set actions plans for environmental
management. In the past months this has included native plantings, maintenance of existing plantings and managing weeds
and animals. The quarry has also worked closely with the landowner to schedule screen planting to achieve coverage while
minimizing impact on his farming operations.
The quarry has also established a Wai Care programme to monitor stream quality and enhance wetlands systems. The water
health and water quality monitoring tools, provided in a simple and quick to use field kit used by Wai Care include
tests for pH, temperature clarity nitrates and nitrites, phosphorous and dissolved oxygen. It is also encouraged to
take a macro invertebrate (bug) sample to complete the overall 'picture' of water quality/health. These resources and
the water quality data collected can be accessed by others by people and organisations, including care groups, councils,
universities, and government agencies such as Landcare Research and the Department of Conservation.
The Silver Award was presented to Tony Hunter, General Manager of Blackhead Quarries in Dunedin. The quarry is a in the
city and the focus of the entry is its rich history and the proactive approach the quarry team has always taken to
managing its effects on the city and its people. Tony Hunter provides an excellent example of how a quarry retains its
‘social licence’ to operate by always recognising its impacts, responding early, being open to visits and focusing on
providing value to a multitude of small business customers. Key highlights were:
The quarry has a 132 year history that has obtained, without legal challenge, consents for another 50 that include the
slow filling of the quarry and its transition to new roles.
The team have long been leaders in environmental measurement commissioning the construction of instruments to record
vibrations long before they could be purchased off the shelf. As a result they have stayed ahead of any concerns their
neighbours or the council may have.
As good neighbours there has been proactive sponsoring of quarry visits by all who are interested from community groups,
schools, university and professionals.
Tony Hunter said “best practice is always getting better,” and at Blackhead they are.
Two Bronze Awards were presented to Fulton Hogan Ltd, Gore Crushing, Gore, and Winstone Aggregates, Three Kings Quarry
and controlled fill, Auckland city.
The highlights of the Fulton Hogan entry included the strong focus on water qualities – very important given the
crushing plants proximity to the Mataura River. The detail of good environmental management and compliance but the whole
team was impressive - all staff undertake an onsite environmental management training module. There is a well developed
environmental management and safety plan which is clearly displayed on the office work-room wall. It has an established
community liaison group of near neighbours and encouragement of community and other groups visits.
On site and in the whole Fulton Hogan team there is excellent leadership on all matters environmental.
The Three Kings quarry and fill is a small inner city quarry in transition from extraction to re-fill. The entry focuses
on several innovative engagements with the drivers re-filling trucks to reduce the environmental impacts of their
movement and enhanced driver safety. . Key highlights included the passionate and innovative leadership of environmental
management and compliance by the Three Kings quarry and wider Winstone Aggregates team. As the quarries environmental
coordinator, Elyse Laface, says “a non compliance incidence, even if from a storm, is considered a personal failure
regardless of whether the results are minor”
The team is committed to liaison with local community groups via quarterly meetings and quarry visits by community
groups.
All four entries were very good examples of what can be achieved by committed staff in companies that truly understand
the value of being a good neighbour and operating their sometimes challenging business in an environmentally sustainable
way. They are all excellent illustrations of good leadership and passion to do things better.
"MIMICO is pleased to be able to continue our support of the industry through our sponsorship of the MIMICO
Environmental Excellence Awards," says Rex Davies, MIMICO's Managing Director. "I'm pleased to see the high calibre of
entries this year and I'd like to congratulate all the winners."
ENDS