A quarry changes the land: deep pits, unstable slopes, stripped topsoil, lost vegetation and truck routes cut across the surroundings. The quarry owner's obligation does not end when extraction stops; in fact, the quarry rehabilitation plan is required from the start, updated during operation and implemented until the site is safe and environmentally balanced again. This article explains the legal framework for closure and rehabilitation plans for quarries and degraded sites, the elements of the plan and when it is required.
The legal basis: three regulations
- Environmental Permits Regulation: for Category 1 activities, the National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) requires approval of an environmental management plan and a rehabilitation plan for specified activities as part of the construction permit, prepared by a licensed provider. NCEC may include closure controls in the operating permit conditions.
- Regulation for Environmental Rehabilitation of Degraded Sites and Remediation of Contaminated Sites: sets when the plan is prepared and updated, NCEC's review and the implementation and reporting obligations.
- Regulation for Developing Vegetation Cover and Combating Desertification: sets specific conditions for extracting sand, gravel, rock and soil on vegetation-cover land where an environmental permit is required.
When is the rehabilitation plan prepared and updated?
The Rehabilitation Regulation requires the plan to be prepared and submitted to NCEC:
- When the 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.
It must be updated when preparing the environmental audit, after an incident requiring rehabilitation, and at NCEC's request. The plan is a living document throughout the quarry's life.
Conditions for extracting sand, gravel and rock on vegetation-cover land
The vegetation cover regulation sets conditions for applicants for an environmental permit to extract sand, gravel, rock and soil on vegetation-cover land, including:
- Specifying extraction quantities and methods according to best available practice.
- Not digging below the groundwater table.
- Not blocking or altering wadi channels.
- Planting native wild trees and shrubs dominant on the site or its boundaries.
- Planting the number of trees set by the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development as compensation for trees affected by the activity during rehabilitation, using native dominant species.
- Preserving the site's character to avoid visual pollution.
- A defined plan for access roads and vehicle movement, avoiding random spread across the area.
- Effective measures to limit pollution of soil and vegetation.
Elements of a quarry rehabilitation plan
- Site condition: before and after the activity, identifying degraded areas.
- Safety and stability: stabilizing slopes and filling or securing dangerous pits.
- Soil: storing topsoil stripped at the start to reuse during rehabilitation.
- Vegetation: replanting with native species and compensating for affected trees.
- Water: restoring rainwater drainage paths and keeping wadis open.
- Progressive rehabilitation: rehabilitating exhausted areas during operation instead of leaving everything to the end.
- Schedule, responsibilities and cost.
- Monitoring program: indicators that prove the targets were met.
Implementation and reporting
When NCEC approves the plan, the submitter undertakes to implement it as specified, and any change needs NCEC approval. Periodic progress reports are submitted with photographs, analysis results and an updated schedule, and NCEC is notified immediately of any incident during rehabilitation. NCEC may inspect the site and carry out tests during implementation. Whoever caused the degradation bears compensation under the polluter-pays principle, including rehabilitation costs if they cannot carry it out themselves.
The closure plan
The closure plan sets out the steps to end the activity and leave the site safe and environmentally stable: removing equipment and temporary structures, handing waste and oils to licensed parties, completing remaining rehabilitation and securing the site. NCEC may include its controls in the operating permit conditions, so check your permit.
Frequently Asked Questions about Quarry Rehabilitation Plans
When should the quarry rehabilitation plan be submitted?
With the environmental permit application before work starts, then updated at the environmental audit, at NCEC's request or after an incident. Progressive rehabilitation during operation is preferable.
Who prepares the plan?
An NCEC-licensed service provider; Abak Green's license scope includes rehabilitation plans for affected sites.
Do I have to compensate for trees removed?
If the activity is on vegetation-cover land, the vegetation cover regulation requires planting the number of native trees set by the competent center as compensation for affected trees.
Can rehabilitation start before NCEC approval?
Implementation follows the plan approved by NCEC, and any change to the plan needs its approval.
How Abak Green helps
Rehabilitation plans for affected sites are within our environmental license scope. We prepare the rehabilitation and closure plans for your quarry, crusher or degraded site, follow NCEC's approval, update the plan when needed and follow implementation and reporting until the targets are met. Contact us about your site.
