White Rock Quarry expansion in Horsnell Gully a health risk, residents fear

Eastern suburbs residents have stepped up the fight to halt the expansion of White Rock Quarry which they say may expose them to deadly silica dust.

Eastern suburbs residents have expressed fears that a quarry expansion will expose them to deadly silica dust.

They yesterday met at Skye with representatives from the Energy and Mining Department and the Environment Protection Authority.

They are worried about Heidelberg Hanson’s proposed expansion of White Rock Quarry, off Norton Summit Rd at Horsnell Gully.

It could mean Mount Skye would be flattened, which locals fear would spread silica dust and put them at risk of silicosis.

Heidelberg Hanson has applied to the State Government for a new mine operation plan to extend the quarry’s footprint and lifetime.

The expansion of White Rock Quarry will require the flattening of Mount Sky (pictured) which currently serves as a natural buffer for noise and dust.

Skye resident Jim Bass, who heads a group of residents, said the meeting was productive.

“They were very willing to hear our case, and to provide some preliminary feedback regarding the variety of processes related to submitting a mine operations plan which were relevant to our queries,” he said.

“It wasn’t a surprise that no assurances could be given at this stage regarding stopping the potential removal of Mount Skye.

“However, they did outline that there would be many regulatory conditions that need to be met in order for the removal of Mount Skye to go ahead, and that it is not a given that it will indeed be removed.”

Mr Bass said the next step was to meet with SA Health.

A Heidelberg Hanson spokeswoman said the company took community concerns seriously.

An aerial image of the proposed quarry expansion.

“Hanson monitors dust, water and noise at the quarry and will continue to do this at all stages of the future quarry development,” she said.

“These are included in Hanson’s (plan) which will ensure that the operations are managed in line with industry best practice and compliant to SA regulatory requirements.”

Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young will meet residents today.

She has introduced a motion to federal parliament calling on the State Government to quash the expansion plan. The motion will be put to a vote in the new year.

“I am receiving emails every day from residents concerned about the expansion of the White Rock Quarry,” she said.

“Local people are upset at the impact that this expansion will have on their health, air quality and the environment (and) it’s time the state and federal governments listened.”