CASE STUDY PREPARATORY SITE REPORT (PSR) OF ARAXOS QUARRY Activity 3.1 (Environmentally Friendly Practices)
Final Version October 2010
DISCLAIMER FOR CASE STUDY REPORTS The present report was prepared in the framework of the project SARMa – Sustainable Aggregates Resource Management, which is co-financed by the EU within the South East Europe Transnational Cooperation Programme. The information reported is accurate according to the best knowledge of the authors and is the sole responsibility of the authors of this report. The publication reflects the views only of the authors; and therefore the rest of project partnership and the South East Europe Programme Managing Authority cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
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DELIVERABLE SUMMARY PROJECT INFORMATION Project acronym: SARMa Project title: Sustainable Aggregates Resource Management Contract number: Starting date: 1. 5. 2009 Ending date: 31. 10. 2011 Project website address: www.sarmaproject.eu Lead partner organisation: Geological Survey of Slovenia Address: Dimičeva ulica 14, SI-1000 Ljubljana Project manager: Slavko V. Šolar E-mail: [email protected] DELIVERABLE INFORMATION Title of the deliverable: Activity 3.1 Preparatory study report of Araxos Quarry WP/activity related to the WP3 / Activity 3.1 Environmentally friendly extraction practices deliverable: Type (internal or restricted or Public public): Location (if relevant): - WP leader: Institute of Geology & Mineral Exploration, Greece Department of Mineral Resources Engineering, Technical University of Grete, Activity leader: Greece Participating partner(s): IGME Author(s): Kiki Hatzilazaridou, Fotini Chalkiopoulou, Chara Papantoni E-mail: DELIVERY DEADLINES Contractual date of delivery to the
JTS: Actual date of delivery to the
JTS:
PREPARATORY REPORT OF ARAXOS CASE STUDY – CONTENTS iii
Preparatory Site Report (PSR)
ACTIVITY 3.1 ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EXTRACTION PRACTICES
CASE STUDY: ARAXOS QUARRY
QUARRY OPERATOR: HELLENIC QUARRIES S.A
Municipality of Larissos, Prefecture of Achaia, Region of Western Greece
AUTHORS: Kiki Hatzilazaridou, Geologist MSc, Institute of Geology & Mineral Exploration Fotini Chalkiopoulou, Mining Engineer, Institute of Geology & Mineral Exploration Chara Papantoni, Mineral Resources Engineer, External Associate
Athens, July 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
No TITLE OF CHAPTER page
1. DESCRIPTION OF LOCATION 1 1.1 Geographical data/coordinates 1 1.2 Administrative and legal framework 2 1.3 Demographic issues 3 1.4 Infrastructure 4 1.5 Land use planning 5 1.6 Presence of integrated land-planning framework seeking to balance competing 7 interests between national and local levels, and between quarrying and conservation 1.7 Biodiversity features 9 1.8 Operational status 13
2. GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND RESOURCES 14 2.1 Type of aggregates 14 2.2 Structural geology conditions 14 2.3 Estimated reserves and ore resource potential 15
3. OPERATIONAL AND MARKET CHARACTERISTICS 15 3.1 Quarry infrastructure 15 3.2 Extraction methods and processing techniques 15 3.3 Existence of codes of practice to achieve technical excellence 17 3.4 Providing an overview of production figures 17 3.5 Uses and present market destinations 17 3.6 Operating system for remote monitoring of illegal quarrying 18
4. WASTE AND POST-CLOSURE MANAGEMENT 18 4.1 Disposal and handling of quarry waste 18 4.2 Quantification, characterization, feasibility and potential applications of recycled 18 wastes 4.3 Fit-to-purpose re-use opportunities of wastes/by-products 19 4.4 Remediation practices 19 4.5 Restoration, post-closure planning and immediate aftercare works 20 4.6 Presence of quarry closure, rehabilitation and after-use plans 21
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No TITLE OF CHAPTER page
5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 22 5.1 Geomorphologic exposure and visibility aspects 22 5.2 Protected areas status 22 5.3 Water (surface and groundwater), soil and air quality conditions 22 5.4 Existence of codes of practice to achieve environmental excellence 25 5.5 Systematic operation of environmental monitoring and control programme 25 5.6 Engineering geology issues 27 5.7 Noise, visual impacts, dust and emissions and aggregates extraction vs. 27 environmental management and pre-, syn -, and post-quarrying land use
6. SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS ASSESSMENT 29 6.1 Local/regional employment situation 29 6.2 Workforce directly and indirectly related to local aggregates extraction 29 6.3 Health and safety aspects (on- and off-site) 29 6.4 Local communities’ engagement and involvement in decision making and available 30 mechanisms to increase communication and discussion between stakeholders.
7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS 30 7.1 Early stage evaluation with respect to the seven questions framework to 30 sustainability 7.2 Way forward e.g. LCA study approaches 31
8. BEST PRACTICES APPROACH 31 8.1 Possibilities for new technology applications 31 8.2 Sought operational improvements 31 8.3 Expected impacts towards sustainability 31 8.4 Optimising the efficiency of primary aggregates production e.g. water & energy 32 consumption, transport 8.5 Targeting better practises that can help achieve a better relationship between 32 protected areas and other land uses, such as how to incorporate areas of known aggregates potential into decision-making about new protected areas 8.6 Collect information on best practices and failures for aggregates extraction, e.g. 33 environmental management 8.7 Develop guidelines for post quarrying restoration 33 8.8 Determine impediments to best practice e.g. lack of knowledge, regulatory blocks 33 8.9 Prepare recommendations for industry and government actions to encourage best 34 practice
9. REFERENCES 36
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TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure No TITLE OF FIGURE Page
Fig. 1 Quarry location 1 Fig. 2 Quarry location (Detail) – Municipality of Larissos 3 Fig. 3 Road network around the quarry 4 Fig. 4 Site of Community Importance, GR 2330007 4 Fig. 5 Special Protection Area, GR 2320001 5 Fig. 6 GR 2320011 5 Fig. 7 Protection Zones of the Strofilia-Kotihi National Park 6 Fig. 8 LAND USE MAP OF GR 2320011 “WETLANDS OF KALOGRIA-LAMIA AND 7 STROFILIA FOREST Fig. 9 Spatial relation of quarry site to wetlands 9 Fig. 10 Prokopos lagoon 9 Fig. 11 Pappas lagoon 10 Fig. 12 Glareola pranticola 10 Fig. 13 Sterna albifrons 10 Fig. 14 Salicornia sp. 10 Fig. 15 Salicornia sp. 10 Fig. 16 Buteo buteo 11 Fig. 17 Falco peregrinus 11 Fig. 18 Strofilia forest 12 Fig. 19 Kotihi lagoon 12 Fig. 20 Araxos quarry 13 Fig. 21 Quarries in Araxos Quarring Area 13 Fig. 22 Internal road network 15 Fig. 23 Auxiliary buildings 15 Fig. 24 Processing plant 18 Fig. 25 Bag-filter 19 Fig. 26 View of de-dusting system 19 Fig. 27 Planting in exhausted faces 19 Fig. 28 Planting along the external access road 19 Fig. 29 PHOTOREALISTIC DISPLAY OF THE ARAXOS QUARRY ZONE AS IT WILL 21 RESULT AFTER RESTORATION BY 2014 Fig. 30a Dumper – internal transport of rock 24 Fig. 30b Loading of processing unit 24 Fig. 30c Mobile unit – Crushing, screening 24 Fig. 30d Track – transportation of final products 24
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Figure No TITLE OF FIGURE Page
Fig. 31 Vibration monitoring stations 26 Fig. 32 Dust monitoring stations 26 Fig. 33 Water sprayed road 27 Fig. 34 Water lorry spraying roads 27 Fig. 35 Part of the de-dusting system (Conveyor belts covered) 27
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Preparatory Site Report (PSR) ACTIVITY 3.1: ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY EXTRACTION PRACTICES
CASE STUDY: ARAXOS QUARRY
1. DESCRIPTION OF LOCATION
1.1 Geographical data/coordinates
Araxos quarry (red triangle in maps), is located in the quarrying area of Achaia Prefecture of the Region of Western Greece. It belongs to the municipality of Larissos.
It is located in a distance of:
260km west of Athens 30 km west-southwest of Patras 1km northwest of Araxos village >3km from other local settlements 2,9km north-west of the Araxos airport 2km from coastal line
Coordinates of location using WGS84 system: 002-71-785 E 042-27-518 N
Fig. 1: Quarry location
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1.2 Administrative and legal framework
Greek legislation (Mining Code), distinguishes mineral resources in “ores” and “quarry minerals”. The distinction is made on the basis of the difference in ownership rights. The Mining Code 210/1973 defines that: “the quarry minerals, including primary aggregates, belong to the landowner” whilst the “ores” either superficial or underground, do not belong to the owner of the land.
Law 669/1977, which is still in force, sets the basic lagislative framework for the exploitation of primary aggregatess (and the “quarry minerals” in general).
Law 1428/1984 and its basic amendment Law 2115/1993 specialized the legislative framework for the exploitation of primary aggregates. Interventions in several points of the basic legislative framework have been made by the laws: 2576/1998, article 8 paragraph 4 2702/1999, articles 6&8 2837/2000, article 7 2947/2001, article 9 paragraph B1 3190/2003, article 19 3335/2005, articleS 13&17 3438/2006, article 14
Law 1428/1984 and its amendments contain all the essential issues related to the exploitation of primary aggregates such as: exploitation rights, process for definition of “quarrying areas”, licensing process related to mining, installment and operation of machinery, obligations of the quarry operator, authorisation process, treatment of illegal quarrying, process for exploitation of public quarries, etc.
The environmental licensing of projects and activities come within the jurisdiction of Law 1650/1986 “For environmental protection”, as amended by Law 3010/2002 and by Common Ministerial Decisions regulating issues covered by the Law.
All projects and activities that require environmental licensing are grouped and classified into categories and sub categories (A1, A2, B3 & B4). Depending on the type of activity, different type of environmental study needs to be submitted for evaluation and approval: a) Preliminary Environmental Impact Assessment study and Environmental Impact Assessment study, or b) Environmental Report when the project/activity is classified under the sub category B4, excluding specific cases.
The approval of Environmental Conditions is given either by the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change or by Common Ministerial Decisions of the latter and other Ministries (national level) or by the General Secretary of the relevant Region (regional level) or by the relevant Prefecture (local level), depending mainly on the category-subcategory of the activity in question.
Competent authorities to evaluate and issue the Environmental Conditions approval and depending on the group, category or subcategory of the project/activity are either the
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Environmental Department of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change (for A1 and A2 subcategories of project/activities that are located in a protected area such as Natura 2000) or the Environmental departments of the relevant Regions and Prefectures. The submission of an Environmental Impact Assessment is obligatory and the exploitation license is granted after the approval of the Environmental Conditions. The latter is usually valid for 5 years
As it was mentioned before, the private landowner or the owner of concession rights to whom were legally granted by the landowner holds the rights for the exploitation of primary aggregates in Greece.
The exploitation of aggregates is permitted only within the legally defined quarrying areas on the level of the Prefecture. In certain cases, exploitation permits, outside the specified quarrying areas, can be granted.
The exploitation license is granted for 20 years with the possibility to extent it for another 5+5 (in total 10) years.
The Greek State has proceeded, over the last years, to the elaboration of a new bill for the exploration and exploitation of quarries, in order to simplify, update and codify all the relevant legislation. After a long time of public consultation and the cooperation of several Ministries, the bill has been completed and it is going to be submitted to the Greek Parliament.
1.3 Demographic issues
Fig. 2: Quarry location (Detail) – Municipality of Larissos
Prefecture of Achaia
Municipality of Larissos
Araxos quarry
The Prefecture of Achaia covers an area of 807.937 ha (3.271 km2) and has a population of 322.789 inhabitants (data 2001). Its population density (98,7 inhabitants/km2) ranks it 5th among the 51 Prefectures of Greece. It is divided into 23 municipalities.
The municipality of Larissos (orange area in Fig. 2) where the Araxos quarry site is located, covers the west part of the Prefecture and an area of 55.822 ha (226 km2). Its population is
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8.683 inhabitants (data 2001). Permanent infabitants are around 7.500. During summer months the number of inhabitants reaches the amount of 20.000. Its population density is 39,15 inhabitants/ km2. Human activities include arable agriculture, stock-raising, fishing, hunting and recreation. One third of the population is engaged in the primary sector, 485 inhabitants are engaged in the secondary sector and 527 in the tertiary sector.
The closest settlement to the quarry site is Araxos village, with around 631 (40 permanent) inhabitants.
1.4 Infrastructure
The quarry site (red rectangle in Fig. 3) has been developed in an area very well supported by primary and secondary asphalt roads. It is close (around 8 km) to the Patras-Pyrgos higway (yellow spots on the map in Fig. 3) A network of asphalt secondary roads (green spots in Fig. 3) connect the quarry site with the highway and major cities, facilitating the transportation of the quarry products up to a distance of 50-55km.
Fig. 3: Road network around the quarry
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1.5 Land use planning
The quarry site is surrounded by areas (wetlands, Pappas and Prokopos lagoons, Strofilia pine QUARRY SITE forest, Kotihi lagoon, e.t.c.) which, due to their significant ecological
value, are protected on regional, (SCI, 92/43 EEC Directive)
national and international level Update: 1/5/2009 (National Park, Natura 2000 network, Ramsar convention, see Fig. 4 & Fig 5).
Source: http://natura2000.eea.europa.eu/
Fig. 4: Site of Community Importance, GR 2330007
More specifically, the Araxos quarry site is located within the protected area of “Strofilia forest-Kotihi lagoon and surrounding area” which constitutes a habitat of international interest, protected by Ramsar Fig. 5: Special The quarry site is located convention and included in <2km from the north Protection Area, GR Natura 2000 network with the 2320001 boundary of the Natura GR2320001 area code numbers GR 2320001 (Fig. 5) and GR 2330007 (Fig. 4). In April 2010, the database of Natura 2000 Site of Community Importance network was updated and the (SCI, 92/43 EEC Directive) and Special Protection Area (SPA, SPA–SCI area with the code 79/409 EEC Directive), GR GR 2320001 shown in Fig. 5 2320001 remains in the database with
the same code as only SCI area. As a SPA it was
extended (Fig. 6) and took a Update: 1/5/2009 new code GR2320011. Sourchttp://natura2000.eea.europ /
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Source: www.oikoskopio.gr - Scale: 1:125.000
GR 2320011
QUARRY SITE
ROADS
Fig. 6: GR 2320011
Achaia’s Prefecture Decision 39417/2.12.85 and especially its amendment Decision Φ.27/1516/4.6.92 concerning the designation of the “Araxos aggregate quarrying area” took under consideration the protection status of the surrounding the Araxos quarry site area. The Common Ministerial Decision 66289/25-6-2-93 concerning the “Measures for the protection of the habitats Strofilia forest, Kotihi lagoon and the surrounding area” incorporated the Araxos quarrying area in regional protection zone B where aggregate extraction activities are allowed.
A recent Common Ministerial Decisison 12365/29-4-2009, declared the area surrounding the quarry site as a National Park, namely the National Park of Strofilia-Kotihi (Fig. 7). The Araxos quarry site is located in the quarrying zone BA. The latter is located in the core zone A of the Park. Quarrying activities in BA zone are allowed to carry on until the end of 2010. From 1st of January 2011, all extraction activities will be prohibited due to the absolute protection status of zone A (includes the Strofilia forest, the Prokopos, Pappas, Kotihi land Lamia lagoons, wetlands, dunes e.t.c.).
It has to be mentioned here that the approved Special Environmental Study (Decision 12618/20111/25-5-03 of the competent Ministerial authority) proposed in the first place, the exclusion of the Araxos quarrying zone from the absolute protection status of zone A up to the year 2014 (expiry date of the exploitation license).
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PROTECTION ZONES OF THE STROFILIA-KOTIHI NATIONAL PARK
A ZONE (NATURE RESERVE AREA)
B ZONE (REGIONAL PROTECTION ZONE)
BA ZONE (QUARRYING ZONE)
Fig. 7: Protection Zones of the Strofilia-Kotihi National Park
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According to ground morphology and employment features, the area surrounding the quarry site (Araxos, Lakopetra and Metohi areas) is considered agrotouristic. The agricultural activities prevail but tourism is also in dynamic development (Fig. 8).
QUARRY SITE
WETLAND NOT COVERED WITH VEGETATION
AGRICULTURAL LAND AND SETTLEMENTS
SAND DUNES
WETLAND COVERED WITH VEGETATION
LIMESTONE ROCK SLOPES
GARRIGUE OAK AND PINE FORESTS
Fig. 8: LAND USE MAP OF GR 2320011 “WETLANDS OF KALOGRIA-LAMIA AND STROFILIA FOREST
1.6 Presence of integrated land-planning framework seeking to balance competing interests between national and local levels, and between quarrying and conservation
Spatial planning is mainly regulated by the Law 2742/1999 on “Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development and other provisions” in direct relation with the Law 2508/1997 for "Sustainable urban development of cities and villages of the country " and Law 1650/1988 for " Protection of the environment”.
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The National Spatial Policy is set at three spatial levels: National level spatial planning (General Framework for Spatial Planning) Regional level spatial planning (Regional Framework for Spatial planning and Sustainable Development) Lower to regional level spatial planning
The General Framework for Spatial Planning (GFSP): a) records and assesses the factors that affect the long term spatial development and structure of national territory, b) evaluates the spatial impact of international, European and national policies and c) identifies, with a 15 years perspective, the key priorities and strategic directions for the integrated spatial development and sustainable organisation of national territory.
In the GSFP (national level) general directions are given for the spatial planning of aggregate extraction activities where it is clearly stated that ” land use planning should safeguard areas for aggregate production activities especially near centres with great demand offering low transportation costs and the least environmental impact”. Also “safeguard the areas for extraction activities development from other competing uses especially if are spatially related to Natura 2000 sites or near coastline, considering environmental impact and scarcity of exploitable resources issues”.
In the Regional Framework for spatial planning and Sustainable Development (regional level) sets as a target for extraction activities: “environmentally sustainable management and organised development as well as spatial planning and designation of aggregate quarrying zones where aggregate extraction activities will be allowed”.
Since 1937, Greece has started to identify natural areas of specific ecological importance (forests, wetlands etc.) and place them under special protection. In the early stages of this special protection, all human activities were prohibited. Later on, this concept is abandoned and a new approach is followed, that of associating its protection with the sustainable use of natural resources.
In Greece natural areas are identified as protected areas either according to existing national legislation, or through international conventions and international or European initiatives.
In order to declare an area as protected, under national legislation (Law 1650/86), a Special Environmental Study needs to be prepared and approved by the competent authorities. This study registers the physical, social, economic and other aspects of the study area and proposes draft Regulations (Presidential Decree or Common Ministerial Decision) that declare the area as protected, with the necessary zoning, and the general conditions and restrictions on producive and other activities permitted, with reference to the ecological requirements of the habitat types and species that are of significance. The parts of the protected areas of exceptional natural value are usually included in the core zone where the necessary protection measures are scaled up in zones.
After adoption of the Environmental Study from the competent authority on national level (Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change), the draft Regulations are promoted to relevant Prefecture authorities for public consultation. The final decision of the
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Prefecture is communicated to the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change which in turn puts forward the draft regulation to the competent Ministries for final approval.
The protected areas are managed by management agencies or existing public bodies, special services and public legal entities of public law, through management plans accompanied by detailed action plans.
In addition to the declaration of protected areas at national level, their management is also promoted through the Special Land Use Plans, the Forest Management Plans and the relevant agro environmental measures. The implementation of these measures is monitored by specific public services such as the Directorates of Forests.
According to national legislation, in the areas of Natura 2000 network, the environmental licensing is given by authorities of higher administration level in order to ensure greater objectivity, better environmental management and thorough supervision of the combined impacts (Law 3010/02, Common Ministerial Decision 11014/703/F104/03).
The definition of areas where aggregate extraction activities are allowed (“quarrying areas”), following decision on regional and local level, takes into account, among other things, other land use issues such as residential and urban areas, environmental restrictions, archaeological sites, etc.
Identifying areas where extraction is allowed does not always work in practice since authorities on national level may alter the designation under the pressure of local communities especially where nature conservation issues are at stake. The Araxos quarry site is such an example.
1.7 Biodiversity features
The area around the quarry site is characterized by high biodiversity due to Pappas lagoon its proximity to the wetlands of Strofilia- Kotihi Natural Park. A water system, consisting of permanent and seasonal slowly moving and stagnant water, runs through the area. Some of these water bodies are isolated while others establish seasonal communication, during winter. Prokopos lagoon The bulk of the water forms three lagoons, namely Kotihi, Prokopos and Pappas. In this environment, the largest Kotihi lagoon and most beautiful pine forest of Strofilia Fig. 9: Spatial relation of quarry site to flourished which is a highly valued wetlands habitat, designated as a Special Protection Area by E.U. The protected area is the responsibility of the Management Authority of Strofilia-Kotihi.
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The quarry site (red rectangle in Fig. 9), is located in the Nature Protection Zone of the Natural Park and in between Prokopos (south) and Pappas (north), lagoons.
T h e
Fig. 10: Prokopos lagoon c h anges of the water level, give to the 371 ha Prokopos lagoon, (photo on the right – Fig. 10) a depth ranging from 0,5-1,5 meters and a great ecological interest. It is characterized by rich and remarkable bird–fauna and it is considered very important for the reproduction of hundreds couples of Kala-mokanades (Himantopus avosetta). It is used for extensive fish farming and fishing with traditional methods.
The approximately 1000 ha of Pappas lagoon (also known as Kalogria lagoon, photo on the left – Fig. 11) with an average depth of 0,5-2,5 meters, offers winter shelter for many aquatic birds. Its water is brackish and of higher salinity compared to the rest of the wetland areas. Seagulls and herons are permanent residents of this lagoon, which is also a fishing area.
The meadows and marshes which are located around the lagoons, get flooded certain times of the year. During the warm months the meadows are dry and offer nesting places to rare birds such as collared pronticoles (Fig. 12 - Glareola pratincola) and little terns (Fig. 13 - Sterna albifrons).
Fig. 12:
Glareola pratincola
Fig. 13: Sterna albifrons
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Vegetation varies depending on the soil, the grazing that took place during the previous season and land farming in previous years. Salicornia (Salicornia sp.) is widespread, covering the soil with an impressive deep red carpet during autumn months as shown in photos (Fig. 14 & Fig. 15) below.
T h e
B l Fig. 14: Fig. 15: a Salicornia sp. Salicornia sp. c k Mountains (limestone hills surrounding the quarry site) are located between the Pappas and the Prokopos lagoons, next to the latter. The biggest part of the mountains, which reach a height of 240 meters, is covered by sparse Vallonea oak forests (Quercus ithaburensis Decaisne subsp. Macrolepis), low perennial and wide keafed shrubs, evergreen and fragrant herbs and garrigue. Endemic fauna such as Centaurea niederi, grows on the rocks and on the garrigue. Typical shrubs that grow here are a form of schinus (Pistacia lentiscus), junipers (Juniperus squamata), oleasters (Elaeagnus angustifolia), Judas trees (Cersis siliquastrum) and almond leaved pears (Pyrus spinosa). Jerusalem sage (Phlomis fruticosa) is quite common. Due to intense grazing and the occasional fires in summer months, the dominant vegetation is low, mainly herbaceous shrubs.
The rocky slopes of the Black Mountains Fig. 16: constitute an ideal habitat for many predators of the area. Some of them build their nests there, while some others spend the winter there. The main species of predatory birds met at the Black Mountains are: Pontikovarvakina (Buteo buteo – Fig. 16) Buteo buteo
Xefteri (Accipite nisus)
Fig. 17: Petritis (Falco peregrinus – Fig. 17)
Fidaetos (Circaetus gallicus)
Sfikorvarvakina (Pernis apivorus)
Livadokirkos (Circus pygagrus)
Falco peregrinus
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Kalamokirkos (Circus aeruginosus)
Valtokirkos (Circus cyaneous)
Southeast to the quarry site is the famous forest of Strofylia (Fig. 18). It is the largest pine forest in Greece and one of the largest pine forests in Europe. The forest covers an area of around 5.500 ha and is found over a coastal strip averaging 1250 meters in width. Strofilia forest has three dominant species of trees: stone pines (Pinus pinea), Aleppo pines (Pinus halepensis) and Vallonea oaks (Quercus macrolepis). Aleppo pines occupy the largest area. Stone pines occupy a smaller area and almost exclusively the eastern part of the forest. The majority of the stone pines are 100-200 years old. The Strofilia forest is natural shelter for a variety of animals such as the Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanii), foxes (Vulpes vulpes), weasels (Mustela nivalis), field and tree mice as well as a number of birds such as cuckoos (Cuculus canorus), long eared owls (Asio otus), and leaf warblers of the family Phylloscopidae etc.
Fig. 18:
Strofilia forest
Around 25km south from the quarry site is the Kotihi lagoon (Fig. 19). It is approximately 1800 ha whilst the average depth is 0,4-1,0 meters. It is of crucial importance for the safe wintering, migration and breeding of a number of aquatic migratory birds. It is also quite important for the safe migration and survival of fish and eels throughout the year until the breeding season arrives. Hence it is a natural fish farm which is exploited using traditional fishing methods (the so called vivaria or divaria).
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Fig. 19: Kotihi lagoon
1.8 Operational status
The Araxos quarry (photo below) operates in the legally defined quarrying area of Achaia Prefecture. The 11 ha (0, 04 km2) Araxos quarry site is owned by the Hellenic Quarries S.A, a major Greek construction company. The company’s exploitation permit that was granted in 1994 expires in 2014.
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new face
processing plant
current face
Fig. 20: Araxos quarry
Apart from Hellenic Quarries S.A, two other quarry operators LATOMIKI S.A and LAFARGE BETON are also active in the same quarrying area (Fig. 21).
According to the Environmental Conditions the three quarry operators must, by common consent, co-exploit the aggregate deposit along the common boundaries of their concessions.
Around 80 ha (0,32 km2) are still available for future exploitation in the Araxos quarrying area, excluding the already granted permits to all three quarry operators.
Fig. 21: Quarries in Araxos Quarring Area
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2. GEOLOGICAL SETTING AND RESOURCES
2.1 Type of aggregates
Crushed rock aggregates composed of calcitic limestone (>53% CaO) is the type of aggregates produced. The white to light brown limestone is bedded to medium bedded with layers of fine - grained pelagic limestone with chert and belongs to the Ionian zone (Lower Eocene-Paleocene age).
Detail:
IGME-Map Sheet 1:50.000 entitled Nea Manolas Geological Map of Greece
Araxos Quarry
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2.2 Structural geology conditions
2.3 Estimated reserves and ore resource potential
The estimated reserves are around 8.000.000 tons (estimated reserves in year 2006). These reserves are considered sufficient to guarantee the annual production of 1.000.000 tons of aggregates from the quarry site up to the expiry date of the exploitation license (year 2014). The thickness of overburden is 1,5-2m.
3. OPERATIONAL AND MARKET CHARACTERISTICS
3.1 Quarry infrastructure
The external access to the quarrying area is facilitated by the national high way of Patras- Pyrgos and the secondary asphalt road that connects Kato Achaia with Araxos village. A secondary road of 1km length starting from Araxos village and reaching the external boundaries of the quarrying area facilitates the access to all three quarry operations. This road has gentle incination (<5%), 6m width and a radius over 30m (following specifications set in article 39 of the Regulation of Mining and Quarrying Works).
The road network (Fig. 22) that serves the quarry operation is temporary and has a total length of approximately 1350 m. This network serves the access to the quarry benches, the main access to the quarry site from external public roads and the transportation of the extracted materials to the processing plant. The latter is permanently installed inside the quarry site and the transportation of the extracted material for processing is done with wheel loaders CAT 980 C and dumper trucks CAT 769 B.
Fig. 22: Internal road network Fig. 23: Auxiliary buildings
Auxiliary buildings (Fig. 23) include offices, warehouses, medical office, car service station and electrical power substation.
3.2 Extraction methods and processing techniques
The exploitation method that is applied is the ‘open pit mining”. This is the usual method applied in all primary aggregate quarries in Greece.
The exploitation involves the following stages:
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Construction of external and internal access roads Development of quarry faces Extraction of rock Loading and transportation of extracted material to the processing plant Processing - production of aggregates Transportation of quarry products to final users
Extraction follows the "Open bench" method. Each bench has a maximum height of 15 m. The minimum width of each bench during extraction, or when used as a vehicle ramp is 12 m. When moving to a lower bench the upper width should not be less than 6 m. The average slope between benches during extraction is about 75 degrees from the horizontal which is approximately equal to the inclination of the blast holes. The final pit however will have an average slope between benches of about 60 degrees.
Blast holes are drilled using a wagon drill equipped with a drifter. More specifically, drill hole diameter is 3,5 inches and inclination ranges from 70 to 75 degrees for a maximum height of 15 m. Blast holes are charged using 2 different charge densities. For the bottom charge ammonium nitrate based explosives are used with a cartridge size 65 x 500 mm. Column charge utilizes ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) (50/50) which is loaded in bulk. NONEL caps are used for initiation with a delay time of 25 ms between blast holes (in order to minimize vibrations, as well as improve the grain size distribution of the extracted material). Initiation of the NONEL circle is done using common blasting caps.
The extracted material, after secondary crushing (if required) with a hydraulic hammer, is loaded on trucks using wheel loaders and transported to the processing plant (Fig. 24). The latter has a production capacity of 3000 tons per 8 hours shift and as shown in photo below it is installed in the central part of the quarry site.
The total power of the processing plant is 900kW and the max energy consumption per day is around 5.060 kWh. Annual fuel consumption is around 171.700 L.
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Fig. 24: Processing plant
3.3 Existence of codes of practice to achieve technical excellence
The Araxos quarry operator follows a quality control system according to the standard EN ISO 9001:2008 and has an EC Certificate of Factory Production Control issued first on 2008-03-07 and valid till 2013-02-28. The latter attests that all provisions concerning the attestation of factory production control of the harmonized specifications EN 12620:2002, EN 13043:2002+AC:2004, EN 13242:2002+AC:2004, EN 13450:2002+AC:2004 have been applied. It remains valid as long as the conditions laid down in the harmonized technical specification in reference or the manufacturing conditions in the factory or the factory production control itself are not modified significantly.
3.4 Providing an overview of production figures
The Araxos quarry produces annually 650.000 tons of aggregates while the overall annual production of all three companies operating in the Araxos quarrying area is around 2.500.000 tons.
3.5 Uses and present market destinations
The aggregates produced are of very good quality and are mainly consumed in construction. The raw material as shown in tables 1 and 2 is a pure calcitic limestone without any undesirable admixtures. The quarry products have also good technical, mechanical and physico-chemical features which render them suitable for concrete and other applications (table 3).
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Table 1: Chemical composition of aggregates Assay % SiO2 MgO CaO 0,5 1,1 53
Table 2: Composition in dangerous substances
Organic Radioactive Silica Heavy Asbestos Compounds elements mg/Nm3 Metals EN 1744-1 no no < 0,5 no no
Table 3: Technical properties
Los Flakiness Absorption Health Test Index of Alcalo-silica Rock Angeles Index ELOT (WA24) (ASTM C- MgSO4, % Reaction strength ELOT EN EN 933-03 ELOT EN 88) ELOT EN (ASTM C- MPa (3) 1097-02 Value, % 1097-06 1367-02 289) Value, %
27 (pebble) 16-19 0,2-0,5-19 6,00 (3A) 6 Sc: 2,1 95,57 Rc: 141,7 Not harmful
3.6 Operating system for remote monitoring of illegal quarrying
There is no operating system for remote monitoring of illegal quarrying apart from aerial photographs on special occasions.
According to the Greek legislative framework (articles 15-16 of Law 1428/1984as modified by article 13 and 24 of Law 2115/1993, article 8 of law 2702/1999 and Ministerial Decision ∆7/Α/Φ1/21801/2001), the exploitation of aggregate quarries runs under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Energy and the Inspectorate of Mining is the relevant responsible authority, on national level, to inspect, control, place charges and impose any additional measures needed, through on site inspection. On justified cases of serious violation of the relevant legislative framework, the Inspectorate of Mining may impose constraint measures and the temporary cease or closure of the quarry operations.
The inspections, on behalf of the Mining Inspectors, on the licensed quarry operations run normally once a year. Shortage in relevant personnel though, to carry out inspection on a regular basis, drives eventually to a deficient monitoring of illegal operations.
In parallel, systematic inspections concerning compliance on environmental issues are carried out by another national authority of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Energy, the Special Office of Environmental Inspectors. The Environmental Inspector may perform on site inspections on all public or private projects or activities (extraction activities are included), that falls under the regulatory framework for the protection of the
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environment and may carry out tests and measurements and collect any useful in their opinion data. Their inspections are carried out regardless of any other authority competent to conduct similar audits.
The regulatory framework for environmental inspections is the relevant law and procedures laid down in the Recommendation 2001/331/EC of the Council and European Parliament which adopted the 'minimum requirements for conducting environmental inspections.
According to 2007 data (Dr. Tzeferis, issue No 2544/2009 of Technical Chamber of Greece), only the 20% of Greek production of aggregates derives from illegally operating quarries.
4. WASTE AND POST-CLOSURE MANAGEMENT
4.1 Disposal and handling of quarry waste
The Araxos quarry is an example of zero-waste operation. The overall excavated material equals the volume of products. The overburden (mixture of clay and limestone) after removal is re-used either for remediation or as a backfill material.
4.2 Quantification, characterization, feasibility and potential applications of recycled wastes
Two de-dusting systems are installed to collect the fine waste material (Fig. 25 & Fig. 26). The collected fines (~<150μm), via the installed de-dusting systems, are mixed with lower grades of products for the preparation of low strength mortars, used by local contractors.
Fig. 25: Bag-filter Fig. 26: View of de-dusting system .
4.3 Fit-to-purpose re-use opportunities of wastes/by-products
There are no liquid wastes produced during operation apart from the discharged engine oils. In order to avoid possible leaking problems they are replaced inside the car service
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station which has an impermeable floor to avoid leakage. The discharged oils (around 10000lt/year) are collected and delivered to the supplier for treatment. The other category of wastes produced is the wrapping material from the consumables used and the worn out tires. The first are collected and separated in recyclable and non recyclable ones and delivered to the Municipality of Larissos for further management. The latter are delivered to local merchants who reuse them in bituminous mixtures after treatment.
4.4 Remediation practices Fig. 27: Planting in exhausted The quarry operator performs progressively plantation faces work on the mined out quarry faces. The photo on the right (Fig. 27) shows the remediation work on the north-northeastern part of the quarry site. Extra soil has been transported to cover the floor of the benches. Up to now more that 3.000 trees and herbaceous shrubs have been planted and are properly maintained through permanently installed automatic watering system. Trees have also been planted along the external access roads in front of the main entrance to the quarry (left photo – Fig. 28).
More specifically the planting of the following species (more than 80% are of endemic nature) is in progress:
Pistacia lentischus E Phillyrea latifolia r Cupressus semprervirens i Fig. 28: Planting along the external access road Juniperus phoenicea c Prunus amygdaliformis a Ceratonia siliqua arborea Pyracantha coccinea Rosmarinus officinalis Cercis siliquastrum Olea europaea Pistacia terebinthus Arbutus unedo Quercus sp
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1 Phillyrea Quercus coccifera Phillyrea latifolia
The plantation work is supervised by a forester appointed by the quarry operator.
4.5 Restoration, post-closure planning and immediate aftercare works
The schedule of all extraction-remediation activities is outlined in a work plan submitted by all three quarry operators. This plan describes the annual development progress of quarry benches, the landscaping schedule and the restoration progress of the three quarry sites up to the year 2016 (exploitation ends up in 2014 plus two years restoration and maintenance work).
The final aim of the restoration plan scheduled is to deliver the site after closure in an aesthetic balance with the surrounding area and to minimize the environmental impact from the extraction activities (see photo - Fig. 29). The restoration work plan does not involve backfilling work but only planting of endemic species. It is expected that the remediation practices applied will restore and maintain the vegetation cover to a satisfactory degree and help avoid soil erosion.
It is widely acceptable in practice that the most suitable and reliable way to restore vegetation in quarrying and mining areas is the planting of a combination of trees with herbaceous shrubs especially of the of the Leguminoseae family. This combination minimizes soil erosion while at the same time creates favorable conditions for vegetation growth.
The detailed plantation scheme scheduled will be followed step by step as the extraction activities gradually progress in order to reach after quarry closure a final result displayed realistically in the photo in next page (Fig. 29).
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Fig. 29:
PHOTOREALISTIC DISPLAY OF THE ARAXOS QUARRY ZONE AS IT WILL RESULT AFTER RESTORATION BY 2014
COMPILED BY
D. PYRGAKIS GEOLOGIST-ENVIRONMENTALIST MSc N. KAROUSOS MINING ENGINEER G. AGGELIS GEOLOGIST
LATOMIKI S.A, HELLENIC QUARRIES, LAFARGE BETON
MAY 2010
4.6 Presence of quarry closure, rehabilitation and after-use plans
The quarry operator is not in duty bound by law to submit an after closure plan for the quarry site. This is a responsibility of the local and regional authorities. The remediation
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practices though, described in previous paragraphs is expected to offer the basis for an after closure recreational use of the site by the local communities (e.g recreation grounds, theater).
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5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
5.1 Geomorphologic exposure and visibility aspects
The quarry site is located in the eastern slopes of the Black Mountains area (highest peak is 248m a.s.l) extending from 18m a.s.l altitude up to 111m a.s.l. It is surrounded by hilly forested and grassland areas with gentle inclinations (15-30% in areas of low to high altitudes and 30-58% in intermediate altitudes).
Ii is not visible from the archeological site of Dymeon walls which is located 1,2 km south of the quarry site. It is only partly visible from a few houses of the nearby Araxos village, which is the closest settlement (located 1km to the southeast). Only the old quarry faces are visible from the village. The newly developed quarry face to the southwest edge of the site is only partly visible from Lakopetra village located around 5km to the east. There is no visibility issues concerning the protected area of Strofilia forest located 1,8km away to the south from the quarry site.
5.2 Protected areas status
The area surrounding the quarry site is a National Park. It is also protected by the Ramsar convention since 1982 and included in the Natura 2000 network as a Special Protection Area (SPA) and as a Site of Community Importance (SCI). The Araxos quarry site is located in the Nature Reserve Area of the National Park which is the zone with the absolute protection status from which it is temporarily excluded.
5.3 Water (surface and groundwater), soil and air quality conditions
Based on the relief of the surrounding area, the surface runoff network and the geological structure (formations of high hydraulic conductivity) it is not expected to find a ground water aquifer within the study area. Water supply stations or wells are missing from the surrounding area with the exception of various mostly seasonal and of low yield springs or streams of periodic flow in the NNE, SE and West.
The groundwater aquifer in the surrounding area is mainly determined by the occurrence of the Quaternary and Neogene formations and to a less degree by the limited occurrence of the limestone (Black Mountains).
The boreholes’ yields of the hydrologic basin range from 30-100 m3 .The sandstones and the alteration of gravel horizons with clay-marl sediments are the main aquifers of the Neogene formations.
Karst aquifers occur within the limestone of Black Mountains due to the intense karstification and tectonic strain of the rocks. The karst groundwater aquifer has not been enough investigated. However data such as the existence of coastal and under seawater springs suggest the existence of such aquifer across the fault lines extending from the
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Ionian Sea to the west and ending up to the Pappas lagoon to the north of the study area. Most of these springs discharge at the southwest coastline of the lagoon.
Three mineral springs appear along the southeastern endings of Black Mountains discharging along the banks of Prokopos lagoon. In that area the limestone which is intensely tectonized sinks beneath the Neogene and Quaternary deposits. In the past the collected in tanks water of these springs was used for Spa. Their hydro capacity is not large and their yield decreased significantly over the years. Wells and drilled boreholes in the area demonstrate salinization problems especially when their depth exceeds 8-10 m from seawater level. This fact indicates a possible hydraulic interference between karstic formations and seawater mainly due to many and long faults that cut across the limestone mass. The main reasons for the quantitative and qualitative groundwater aquifer’s degradation are: the over pumping which leads to salinization and the pollution cased by the surface discharge of sewage.
Two research shallow depth boreholes have been drilled by IGME in the area surrounding the quarry site (Black Mountains) in order to test the yield and quality of the limestone aquifer from which the springs are mainly recharged. The first borehole reached the depth of 36 m and yielded 48m3/h with dropdown of 0.31m while the Cl concentration was 4000 – 9800ppm, with a slight tendency to increase with depth at 21ppm/m. The water temperature is stable at 21.3oC. The second borehole reached the depth of 41m and yielded 6m3/h with a drawdown of 0,12m while the Cl concentration was 3970 – 7000ppm with a tendency to increase with depth at 60ppm/m. The water temperature ranges between 21oC and 22oC.
The conclusions from the drilled boreholes data are the followings:
- The static water level of the aquifer is +0.50m (above sea level), which means that it is lower enough than that of the exploitation level (10m a.s.l.) and given that the limestone's aquifer is low due to its high hydraulic conductivity, no connection of any kind is about to take place between the groundwater flow and the exploitation.
- The groundwater aquifer has been already degraded due to sea water intrusion. This phenomenon is more intense across the plain, where the groundwater aquifer is expected to be polluted due to high nitrate concentration from agricultural activities.
- The extent of the study area combined with the area of the other two adjacent quarry operations is very small compared to the area occupied by the limestone of Black Mountains. This fact in combination with the concern on behalf of the quarry owners for the collection and safe handling of hazardous materials used in quarry operations (engine oils, lubricants, etc.) ensures the protection of groundwater from hazardous substances (all the above data on the surface and groundwater conditions derived from the supplementary annex to the Environmental Impact Assessment Study of the Hellenic Quarries S.A for Araxos aggregates quarry site, April 2006).
The extraction activities and the operation of the processing plant do not produce any hazardous gas emissions that could degrade the air quality in the study and surrounding area. The only emission produced is dust which is created mainly at the excavation points,
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during processing, loading and transportation of excavated material within the quarry site (Fig. 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d).
Fig. 30a: Dumper – internal transport of rock
Fig. 30b: Loading of processing unit
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Fig. 30c: Mobile unit – Crushing, screening
Fig. 30d: Track – Fig. 30: Schematic representation of subsequent transportation of final steps during aggregates’ production. products The road transportation of the quarry products creates also some dust problems in the surroundings (Fig. 30d, above).
The soil (Rengzina type) in the study area derived mainly from the chemical weathering and mechanical decomposition of the parent limestone. It forms a 10-50 cm thick mantle while the top horizon on which the vegetation grows is sandy clay to clayish (humus quality V up to IV). Most of the study area is rocky while the soil was preserved in a few places where the ground relief offers favorable conditions (cavities, fractures, flat areas). The characteristics of Rengzina type soils are A horizons which lie directly on top of the parent rock or C horizon of variable thickness. B horizon is usually absent. The total phosphorus in A horizon is 610 PPM and in C 315 PPM. The soil PH is around 7-7,5. In the study area the quality of the soil is considered poor.
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5.4 Existence of codes of practice to achieve environmental excellence
The Araxos quarry site is considered a good example of an aggregates extraction activity in operation within a nature reserve area. Extraction activities in the study area are carried out according to approved Environmental Impact Assessment Study (November 2005) and around 50 Environmental Conditions which are continuously monitored by the competent authorities on national (Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change) regional and local level. The Environmental Conditions are strict due to the special protection status of the surrounding area.
The provision of supplementary data has been requested (April 2006), concerning: - Analysis of the environmental impact of the extraction activities to the biodiversity and to the ground water aquifers; - Proposals for alternative exploitation and restoration methods; - Submission of a co-exploitation plan with the other two adjacent quarries;
Finally extra data have been requested (January 2007) concerning: - Visibility aspects of the quarry operations from the archaeological site of Dymeon walls and the nearby Araxos village; - Progress accomplished in the restoration of worked out benches; - A work plan describing the annual exploitation and restoration programme of the whole quarry area up to the year 2016, and - Proposed measures to a) eliminate disturbances caused by the truck transportation through the Araxos village b) control dust and c) control vibrations and monitor their impact to the archaeological site of Dymeon walls and Araxos village.
5.5 Systematic operation of environmental monitoring and control programme
The environmental monitoring and control programme involves: Monitoring of biodiversity features
The biodiversity features and the impact of extraction activities on them are closely monitored on specific temporal basis by an environmentalist appointed by the quarry operators. The seasonal changes are recorded and communicated to the competent authorities (Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change – Management Body of the Strofilia-Kotihi National Park). If any changes are observed they are documented and additional measures proposed.
Monitoring of vibrations
All three quarry operators in Araxos quarrying area as mentioned before apply blasting techniques that assure eliminated impact on the surrounding area from vibrations. Based on the recorded data it is concluded that the vibration levels are considerably lower than those specified in DIN 4150.
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The Araxos quarry operator has installed two vibration monitoring stations (Fig. 31) to assess, on a 24 hours basis, the vibration effects on the houses of Araxos village and the archaeological site of Dymeon walls which are located around 1km away from the quarry site.
Fig. 31: Vibration monitoring stations
The recorded vibration results by the monitoring equipment and the details on the blasting technique applied after each blasting are communicated to the competent authority (Inspectorate of Mining) for control.
Monitoring and control of dust
It involves: Construction and proper maintenance of a new asphalt external access road of 1km length to the east of the existing Araxos public road Installation of dust monitoring equipment in two places by the internal and external access road (Fig. 32)
Fig. 32: Dust monitoring stations
Installation of the SISMAK automatic spraying system in the processing plant Systematic water spray- ing of the external and internal road network and of the quarry square by a water lorry (Fig. 33 & Fig. 34). This method tackles the dust problem in a Fig. 33: Water sprayed road satisfactory way.
Water lorry spraying the roads
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Fig. 34:
The wagon drill is equipped with dust collectors to avoid dust emissions All conveyor belts and crushers of the processing plant are covered (Fig. 35)
All the mentioned dust monitoring and control systems are properly maintained and their functional performance regularly checked.
Fig. 35: Part of the de-dusting system (Conveyor belts covered)
5.6 Engineering geology issues
There is no landslide risk issues reported.
5.7 Noise, visual impacts, dust and emissions and aggregates extraction vs. environmental management and pre-, syn -, and post-quarrying land use
Noise, visual impact and dust levels are of great importance especially in the case of Araxos quarry because extraction activities take place within a special protection area.
Noise during aggregate extraction activities in Araxos quarry originates mainly from two sources: from the machinery during operation and from the blasting.
The noise level at different production stages has been measured according to the procedures outlined in Presidential Decrees (1180/81 and 85/1991).
Presidential Decrees (307/1986, 77/93, 90/99) and the Regulation on Mining and Quarrying Activities determine also the acceptable levels of suspended dust created during quarry operations.
The total suspended dust created under dry conditions is 0,09tn/h. In practice, the total dust created at different sources within the quarry site depends on several factors such as:
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granulometry of the feed material and feed rate, humidity of the material and atmospheric humidity conditions, functionality status of the processing equipment and therefore it is neither stable nor can be reliably estimated. In any case the measured suspended dust in Araxos quarry is below the levels specified in the relevant regulatory framework.
In Greece aggregates extraction activities are only permitted within areas (quarrying areas) designated for this purpose and as such certain criteria should be fulfilled in advance. Exceptions to this rule may occur but are limited. The criteria for the designation of a quarrying area apart from quality and quantity characteristics of the rock include distance from archaeological sites and local settlements, spatial relation to protected areas and consumption centers, visibility aspects and other.
Furthermore, aggregates extraction within quarrying areas require environmental licensing (see details in paragraph 1.2 of this report) which is granted after the submission and approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment Study and according to strict Environmental Conditions set by the competent authority. These two documents and mainly the approved Environmental Conditions define the environmental performance of the aggregates extraction activities during exploitation. The type, content and procedure of approval of these documents vary with the extent of quarrying activities and their spatial relation to protected areas.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Study comprises description of the present status of the natural and anthropogenic environment, detailed description of the intervention works and the overall operational plan of the activity and finally the expected environmental impacts and the suggested mitigation measures including the proposed rehabilitation and restoration scheme.
The Environmental Conditions: impose the minimum technical adjustments and/or improvements required in order to eliminate the environmental impacts and prevent/reduce the solid, liquid and gas waste produced during operation propose the necessary measures for the monitoring and control of waste produced set the minimum requirements for restoration plans
In the case of Araxos quarry, due to its proximity to protected areas, specific and very strict Environmental Conditions were set concerning mainly: The extraction method The blasting technique and type of explosives Installation of dust monitoring systems and mitigation measures to control dust on the source The remediation and maintenance work plan during operation and 3 years after quarry closure The monitoring of the biodiversity features within and in a radius of 700m around the quarry
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Construction of a new access road trespassing the Araxos village and construction of bridges to protect the passing of the fauna within and around the quarry site Waste management measures Submission of a hydrological study on the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the water resources of the quarry and surrounding area Leakage avoidance measures during the car and machinery repair and maintenance work
6. SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS ASSESSMENT
6.1 Local/regional employment situation
The workforce directly related to quarrying operations in the Prefecture of Achaia is around 150 compared to around 19000 engaged in retail and wholesale, 9000 in construction and 7600 in the secondary sector. The last three sectors engage the 39%, 18% and 15,4% respectively of the workforce in the Prefecture.
The employment opportunities in the construction sector seem very optimistic (rise of 20% is expected). On the contrary in the quarrying sector 4 operations out of 4 is anticipated to decrease the employed workforce (source: employment statistics of the Achaia Prefecture).
The inhabitants of the nearby settlements are mainly engaged in agricultural activities and to a small scale in stock raising. The quarrying activities enhanced to a certain degree the economic potential of the area and created new job opportunities. The infrastructure and other development projects of the Prefecture are supplied with very good quality aggregates at low cost.
6.2 Workforce directly and indirectly related to local aggregates extraction
The Araxos quarry operation employs 25 persons on a permanent basis. 18 of them derive from the surrounding area and 7 from more distant places (>25km distance). The indirectly related workforce is around 40 (e.g provision of services, supplies, materials).
6.3 Health and safety aspects (on- and off-site)
Health and safety aspects in Araxos quarry site arise: From the extraction technique applied (use of explosives) Transportation of quarry products through the nearby Araxos village From the type of the parent raw material (crushing, grinding and screening needed for the production of the aggregates)
On-site health and safety aspects include:
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Dust and noise created during extraction, blasting and quarry products transportation Dust issues are treated as outlined in paragraph 5.5 Noise measurements on-site demonstrated noise levels within the limits specified by the regulatory framework
Off-site health and safety aspects include: Dust and noise created due to transportation of the quarry products through the Araxos village The quarry operator has proposed three alternative transportation routes peripheral to the Araxos village and constructed a new asphalt external access road of 1km length to the east of the existent Araxos public road that bypasses the school and the church of the village Dust issues are treated as outlined in paragraph 5.5 Noise level in the surrounding area is lower that the level recorded in-site (e.g. on the quarry square is 83,6dB and in the surrounding area is 81,2dB)
6.4 Local communities’ engagement and involvement in decision making and available mechanisms to increase communication and discussion between stakeholders.
Good communication practices are established between the quarry operator and the local communities mostly on personal basis especially when new quarry faces are to be developed or a blasting is about to be performed. As demonstrated in previous paragraphs the quarry operator proposed and implemented alternative solutions, wherever possible, in order to satisfy complaints from local communities mainly in relation to dust and noise disturbances.
Meetings, media and personalized communication practices are some of the available mechanisms to increase communication and discussion between stakeholders on local and regional level.
Objections though are expressed and persistent efforts made from non governmental organizations and local groups to influence decision making at regional and national level in taking actions against quarries operation due to their spatial relation to protected areas.
7. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OPTIONS
7.1 Early stage evaluation with respect to the seven questions framework to sustainability
In accordance with the legislative framework regulating aggregates extraction activities, the Environmental Impact Assessment Study and the Environmental Conditions set, address several issues related to the 7 questions framework to sustainability. These two documents
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satisfy to a certain degree most of the issues related to these questions and especially to question 3 (environment) since the quarry area has a spatial relation to a National Park.
7.2 Way forward e.g. LCA study approaches
It is not a common practice especially in aggregates extraction industry to perform LCA study approaches.
8. BEST PRACTICES APPROACH
8.1 Possibilities for new technology applications
New technology applications could include: Application of a blasting technique that reduces blasting effects and vibration impacts (sequential blasting) Use of new generation explosives
Generally, in this type of conventional operation there are no particular technical difficulties encountered in the extraction and processing stage or in the monitoring-mitigation of their environmental impact. All the relevant to the quarry operation issues are treated by the usual practices and techniques applied to similar operations.
8.2 Sought operational improvements Installation of a mobile crushing and screening plant near the recently developed quarry face (photos below)
Application of a restoration plan in cooperation with the other two adjacent quarry operators aiming to deliver the site after closure in an aesthetic and ecological balance with the surrounding area Planting of endemic species in order to facilitate restoration and the ecosystem’s functionality for the reestablishment of indigenous biodiversity features
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Interventions towards wildlife protection and elimination of noise and dust disturbances to the Araxos village e.g. construction of bridges to protect Lutra lutra threatened from truck transport and of a road bypassing the village
8.3 Expected impacts towards sustainability
The operation of the Araxos quarrying area satisfies the demand of the regional/local market area for good quality aggregates in rational cost and prevents illegal quarrying. From this point of view it has a positive impact towards economy and environment, two factors of sustainability.
Moreover, its privileged location, i.e. proximity to consumption centers and rational radius for road transport of quarry products (up to 50-55 km) has a positive impact on the environment (less exhaust gases emitted) and minimizes the economic burden imposed by this type of transport (less maintenance cost for road damage, less fuel consumption). These constitute also positive impacts towards sustainability.
The operating company is authorized for its commitment to strict Environmental Conditions imposed and to act in favor of environment related issues due to the proximity of quarry operations to a nature reserve area.
Extraction of the whole aggregates deposit is envisaged in the exploitation plans of the Araxos quarry permit.
8.4 Optimising the efficiency of primary aggregates production e.g. water & energy consumption, transport
The water needs for extraction, processing and remediation activities are covered by a water borehole that the operating company has drilled in the quarry site.
All the machinery of the crushing and screening plant is electrical powered by an electrical power substation of 1200 KVA. The max daily energy consumption of the plant is around 5060 kWh.
The annual consumption of fuels and lubricants is around 171700L.
The aggregated produced are road transported directly to the final users and to a max distance of 50-55 km.
8.5 Targeting better practises that can help achieve a better relationship between protected areas and other land uses, such as how to incorporate areas of known aggregates potential into decision-making about new protected areas
Identification of medium- long- term market needs for aggregates on local/regional level is of ultimate importance in order to take at an early stage the necessary actions to safeguard/secure the adequateness and appropriateness of the raw materials.
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Long-term spatial & land use planning that takes into consideration aggregate resources.
Incorporate the areas of known aggregates potential at the regional/local level to land use plans at the national level (strategic level).
Adopt a balanced approach between nature and biodiversity conservation and aggregate activities
Allocation of areas in spatial plans: where no extraction will be allowed (e.g. protected areas of national and international importance) where extraction may be allowed subject to certain conditions (Araxos case) where in principle extraction will be permitted.
8.6 Collect information on best practices and failures for aggregates extraction, e.g. environmental management
The Araxos quarry operation is constantly monitored and authorized for its environmental performance. The operating company was obliged by the Environmental Conditions to appoint a liable person responsible for the observance of all the Conditions set and the monitoring of the basic technical and environmental parameters. In cases of pollution incidents (for example leakage of materials, pollution of surface and ground waters), the relevant authorities (Prefecture of Achaia), should be immediately notified.
The detailed remediation and restoration work plan applied has the prior approval of the competent authority (Forestry Department). Measures should also be taken for fire conservancy and fire prevention.
The quarry operator is obliged to cooperate closely with the Management Agency responsible for Strofilia-Kotihi protected area in issues related to the monitoring and protection of biodiversity and on the restoration progress that affects wildlife well being.
Every year they are obliged to submit a report to the competent authorities (Ministries of Culture and Environment) on the impacts of the blasting to the surrounding areas (nearby settlements and archaeological site of Dymeon walls).
8.7 Develop guidelines for post quarrying restoration
Although in the Environmental Permit Decision there are strict and detailed Conditions set regarding restoration, specific guidelines regarding the post closure planning are not normally set. An early stage integrated approach on behalf of the permitting authorities regarding the establishment, operation, restoration and post closure stages of an aggregates quarry, especially in cases like Araxos quarry operating within a protected area, is highly recommended in order to: Better plan the site restoration and rehabilitation after closure Select the best possible alternatives for post closure recreational use of the site
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Monitor and control the company’s performance more efficiently
In view of the above the development of functional tools that might be useful to the competent authorities in order to assess the best solution for the future use of the abandoned quarry site should take into account, among other things, the modern concepts of multi-criteria analyses.
8.8 Determine impediments to best practice e.g. lack of knowledge, regulatory blocks
Permitting procedures are done in sequence and on different levels thus adding hugely to the time durations to get all the required permits. Moreover, in many cases permitting is unjustifiably declined or suspended, sometimes due to bureaucracy, but very often due to unreasonable attitude on behalf of local communities or other groups claiming issues on conservation or biodiversity protection (Araxos is such an example).
Identification of medium- long- term market needs for aggregates on local/regional level is of ultimate importance in order to take at an early stage the necessary actions to safeguard/secure the adequateness and appropriateness of the raw materials.
Accurate information of local communities by the relevant authorities and operating companies is very important in order to avoid misleading information from groups, not well- meant, addressing technical and scientific issues often misunderstood.
Deficient or inconsistent controlling systems and time consuming permitting procedures may allow illegal quarrying activities to carry on thus creating an artificial distortion of competition, enhancing environmental impact and bringing the legally operating aggregates industry into disrepute. However the legal framework is extremely strict in cases of illegal quarrying of aggregates, since “quarrying of aggregates” without permit constitutes criminal breach and the liable is punished with confine of at least 3 months, and administrative penalties and fine from 16.000 - 160.000 euro, imposed by the Mining Inspector.
Lack of long-term spatial & land use planning that takes into consideration mineral resources results in conflicted interests between aggregates extraction activities and other land uses.
Inconsistent regulatory framework (present legislation should take into account the previous one) may pose serious impediments in aggregates extraction activities as in the case of Araxos quarry.
8.9 Prepare recommendations for industry and government actions to encourage best practice
The aggregates industry should: Operate in compliance with the regulatory framework and the Environmental Conditions set which cover all the aspects of the environmental impact of the extraction activities. Compliance with the Environmental Conditions is of extreme
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importance especially when extraction activities take place within or in the proximity of nature protection areas and society shows more sensitivity on environmental issues. Offer reliable and accurate information to the social stakeholders on its activities to avoid complaints and oppositions especially when the latter are motivated by lack or deficient knowledge. Establish good communication practices with the local/regional communities which in some instances may delay or even prohibit aggregates extraction, although they are not authorized to do so. Promote cooperation with adjacent quarry operators when in designated quarrying areas co-exist more than one operations for the sake of sustainability and environmental impact minimization.
The government should: Raise awareness of society’s needs for aggregates and consider them a strategic resource not available in abundance as is often assumed Enhance authorization of the industry’s compliance to the regulatory framework in order to minimize environmental impact related to extraction activities Update and integrate the legislative framework that regulates aggregates extraction activities Speed up the licensing procedures. Speeding up procedures will have a positive side effect in preventing illegal quarrying activities Make a mid and long term estimates of aggregates demand and complete the designation of aggregate quarrying areas in the whole Greek territory Always consider alternative sources for aggregates production in view of the growing number of Natura 2000 protected areas that limit access to key local aggregates deposits (Araxos is an example) Incorporate the designated aggregates quarrying areas at regional/local level (Prefecture level) to land use plans at the national level (strategic level) Adopt a balanced approach between nature and biodiversity conservation and aggregate activities Grand permission with a duration in line with the lifetime of the deposit thus allowing extraction activities to carry on in a sustainable way
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9. References
1. Supplementary Data to the Environmental Impact Assessment Study of the Hellenic Quarries S.A for Araxos aggregates quarry site, January 2007
2. Supplementary Annex to the Environmental Impact Assessment Study of the Hellenic Quarries S.A for Araxos aggregates quarry site, April 2006
3. Environmental Impact Assessment Study B’ type of the Hellenic Quarries S.A for Araxos aggregates quarry site, November 2005, according to article 16 of Ministerial Decision 69269/5387/90, Law 1650/1986
4. Planning Policies and Permitting Procedures to Ensure the Sustainable Supply of Aggregates in Europe, Final Report commissioned by UEPG, Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum Engineering, University of Leoben, Austria, June 2010
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