We estimate that around 1,000,000 tonnes of poorly processed stone have been discarded within the curtilage of the quarry during previous working. This is a waste of a valuable resource and usable primary aggregates can be recovered from this material. In addition, we have identified an opportunity for a facility to recycle construction and demolition waste to produce high quality, certified secondary aggregates for our own and other construction projects. The equipment and process for recovering primary aggregates from the materials within the quarry and from construction and demolition waste is the same. It comprises crushing to reduce the size of large pieces, followed by a wet screening and separation process to produce aggregate products from around 40mm in diameter to smaller fractions including sand and clays.
Were the new plant to be used solely for processing quarried materials it could be installed under the quarry’s existing IDO consent (subject to approval from the local authority), rather than needing a planning application to be submitted. However, as our intention is to also import and use this equipment to recycle waste materials, which requires planning permission, we have prepared and submitted an application to the Local Planning Authorities. Further details can be found here.
It is proposed to located the plant on a level area of land located to the south east of the quarry void, with a crushing and storage area located on land between the plant and void (see site plan of the proposed development plan below).
Excavation and Regrading Works
Limited excavation and regrading works are needed to create the area on which the Aggregates Recovery Plant will be constructed. This will require the regrading and limited widening of the existing plateau to the south to sit at a level surface of 64.0 – 65.0m AOD (Above Ordnance Datum). Two concrete pads at elevations of 63.0m and 64.7m AOD will then be constructed on this plateau as a base for the Recovery Plant. A small access ramp will also be constructed to the north of the concrete pads to enable loading of the infeed hopper by a front-loading shovel.
To the west of the site, two plateaus will be constructed to accommodate crushing, tipping and storage areas. These require limited regrading and/or excavation to create plateaus at 68.0m and 70.0m respectively. A ramp between the plateaus will facilitate access by HGVs.
Aggregates Recovery Plant
The image below displays a typical design and form of an aggregate’s recovery plant. It is anticipated that the proposed development plant will look similar to the plant displayed below.
The aggregates recovery equipment has been designed to process up to 200,000 tonnes per annum of aggregates. Operational demands are likely to vary depending on construction and highway works taking place in the local area. Where there is available processing capacity between the quantity of imported Construction &Demolition waste and the 200,000 tonnes maximum plant throughput per annum, the Applicant will process the on-site by-products to recover aggregates. The usable primary aggregate and soil recovered from this material will then be used to supply local markets.
Acoustic screening bund and acoustic barriers
Acoustic bunds and screens will be located around the crushing area, to the south of the tipping and storage area, and between the two concrete pads of the processing area. The acoustic screening bund will be at a height of 4m.
Ancillary Works
Landscaping of the development will take a low-key approach to avoid an ornamental appearance to the site.
Planting is proposed to complement the landform, to further screen the facility from view, and to create a more attractive setting around the site. This will be implemented with the aims to improve the quality of the immediate environment, and to offer amenity benefits for staff and visitors to the site. The design of the site also looks to increase habitat diversity which will result in benefits to the biodiversity value of the site.
The acoustic bund and earthwork batters constructed around the processing and Aggregates Recovery Plant will be planted with native hedgerow species.
Ryan Jones Group, Garth Isaf Farm, Efail Isaf, Pontypridd CF38 1SN
© 2023 Ryan Jones Group | Privacy policy