Dust, noise, and traffic

There have been major changes in the way stone is transported over the last 30 years. Foster Yeoman (Aggregate Industries) and Hanson now move stone by rail, via their devolved company, Mendip Rail. Up to 75% of Torr Works annual output of 6 million tonnes is now sent this way. However, this is only really viable for longer or mass movement journeys. There has also been a switch from company vehicles to owner or contract vehicles although often still in company livery. Apart from Highway Authority powers, companies usually operate guidelines on routes and speeds to be used, for example setting maximum speed limits through villages, and making compliance a condition of sale or contract.

A further change has been that of contracting out most quarry activities such as stripping overburden, blasting, internal transport, accounts and the like to specialists. However, the same rules apply. Companies have also developed a contract with the Health and Safety Executive aiming to secure a zero tolerance in respect of accidents. All quarry faces have to be profiled and recorded for blasting and vibration/air pressures monitored and recorded each time. All potentially toxic hazardous or injurious substances have to be carefully stored and used. Activities falling outside certain limits have to be reported.

Drilling rigs (previously a major source of dust) are fitted with filter bags and the dust collected is often passed on to specialist companies for processing to asphalt filler. Roads in quarries are often sprayed with water, especially in summer to reduce dust and internal route-ways are maintained and often surfaced to minimise expensive tyre wear and again, to reduce dust. Rubber and plastics are increasingly used to reduce wear on metal parts and lessen noise in vehicles and plant. Mechanical plant is normally enclosed to lower dust emissions, noise, visual intrusion and for safety reasons. The colour of buildings and their location is often specified in planning conditions.