A crusher changes the landscape, raises dust, makes continuous noise and depends on heavy truck traffic. The environmental permit for a crusher is therefore tied to three files at once: the permit itself, managing impacts during operation, and rehabilitating the site after the work ends. This article explains the environmental path for crushers under the Environment Law's regulations, the practical dust and noise conditions, and why the rehabilitation plan starts on day one, not at closure.
The legal path for a crusher
- Environmental classification form: the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) classifies the activity by size, energy used, consumption of natural resources, land use and surrounding receptors.
- Category requirements: for Category 1, NCEC requires approval of an environmental management plan and a rehabilitation plan for specified activities, prepared by a licensed provider; for Categories 2 and 3, an EIA study that includes the rehabilitation plan.
- Construction permit, then operating permit.
- Ongoing obligations: permit conditions, reports, an audit at renewal for Categories 2 and 3, and updating the rehabilitation plan.
A site near sensitive receptors, or near environmentally sensitive areas such as wadi channels and water catchments, raises the requirements: an activity within or 500 meters or less from them needs a detailed EIA.
The rehabilitation plan: from day one
The Implementing Regulation for Environmental Rehabilitation of Degraded Sites and Remediation of Contaminated Sites requires a rehabilitation plan to be prepared and submitted to NCEC in cases including:
- When the environmental classification is decided and before the permit for certain Category 1 activities specified by NCEC.
- Within the EIA study for Category 2 and 3 activities.
- After any incident requiring rehabilitation of the affected site.
- When NCEC requests it based on inspection or audit results.
The plan must also be updated when preparing the environmental audit, after an incident, or at NCEC's request. During implementation, periodic reports are submitted to NCEC documented with photographs, analysis results and an updated schedule. The plan is prepared by a licensed service provider.
Dust: Air Quality Regulation requirements
Article 7 of the Air Quality Regulation requires anyone excavating or transporting, loading and unloading materials to take precautions against dispersion: covering airborne-prone materials or stabilizing them by spraying or enclosure, using vehicles equipped to prevent dust, and stabilizing haul routes on site. In practice at a crusher:
- Water spraying at crushing, screening, conveying and loading points.
- Covered conveyors and transfer points.
- Covering or spraying stockpiles of fine products.
- Covering loaded trucks and stabilizing unpaved roads on site.
- Regular, documented maintenance of spray and dust collection systems.
Noise
The Noise Regulation sets 70 dB by day and 65 at night at the outer boundary of the activity in industrial areas, with daytime from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. A crusher near settlements is subject to lower limits according to the classification of the affected area. Measures include equipment maintenance, earth bunds, scheduled operating hours and keeping crushing units away from the site boundary.
Water, fuel and oils
- Use spray water efficiently, since consumption of natural resources is a classification criterion.
- Keep equipment fuel tanks on containment, with spill kits on hand.
- Used oils and filters are hazardous waste handed to a carrier licensed by the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN).
Frequently Asked Questions about Crusher Permits
Why is a rehabilitation plan required before operation?
Because the Rehabilitation Regulation requires it when classification is decided for certain Category 1 activities, and within the EIA for Categories 2 and 3; rehabilitation is planned from the start and updated during operation.
What is the most important environmental condition for a crusher?
Controlling dust at crushing, conveying and loading under the Air Quality Regulation, then noise, then complying with the rehabilitation plan.
Do requirements change if the crusher is near homes?
Yes. Proximity to sensitive receptors affects classification and may require a detailed study, and lower noise limits apply according to the affected area's classification.
Who prepares the rehabilitation plan?
An NCEC-licensed service provider; the plan is submitted to NCEC for approval and then implemented with periodic reports.
How Abak Green helps
We manage the crusher's environmental permit file from the classification form, prepare the environmental management plan with dust and noise measures, prepare, update and follow the rehabilitation plan, and manage the EIA file through approval if the category requires it. Contact us about your crusher.
