Q: What does this work involve?
Specialist contractors have been employed to remove the topsoil, subsoil and overburden to enable the next phase of the quarry’s permitted development. Topsoil, sub soil, overburden and other quarry materials will then be used to create perimeter screen bunds or stored for use in future restoration.
Q: Where is the soil being removed from? Where will it be used?
Soils will initially be stripped from Phase 1 of the extension area for mineral extraction as well as the sites of the two screening bunds. All topsoil, subsoil and overburden will be removed and used for the creation of the 3-5m high screening bunds adjacent to Glyncoch and the Darren Ddu Road as well as being retained for ongoing quarry restoration.
Soils will initially be removed in two sections to the north of the existing quarry and one to the west to a depth of between 20-30cm (subject to the depth of the soil). The material will subsequently be used in the creation of the screening bunds further to the east, closest to Glyncoch.
On the western side of the extension, area soils will also be removed to a depth of between 20-30cm. They will be used, along with overburden from the first area described above, to create a new screening bund on this side of the extension site.
Q: Why is this work being carried out now?
The work has been timed to limit the impact on nesting birds and reptiles in the area in line with the Species Protection and Habitat Management Plan that has been approved by RCT. Working in late summer and early autumn, when soils tend to be drier, also helps to ensure that there is limited impact on soil structure.
Q: Why do you need haul roads?
Creating haul roads within the site will ensure that plant and machinery uses defined tracks when moving material to the right location for use in the creation of the bunds. In turn this helps to protect the soil structure.
Q: How long will the work go on for?
The weather may shape how long this programme of work takes place, as may the possible need to pause it for any environmental or archaeological related reasons. Our contractors are used to working within these controls, which are standard practice for our sector. It is expected that the work could take up to two months.
Q: During what hours will the work take place?
The work is permitted to take place between 08.00 – 17.00 Monday to Fridays, and 09.00-13.00 on Saturdays, with no work allowed on Sundays or bank holidays.
Q: Will the work be noisy?
Understandably, some machinery noise will be heard, but there are strict limits for this which we and our contractors will adhere to. Once complete, the new screening bunds will help to control quarry noise, limiting the impact of our operations on the community.
Q: Why are dry-stone walls being removed?
Some sections of dry-stone wall are being removed as they intersect where the stone extraction is to take place and the planned screening bunds are being constructed. All stones will be retained for use either in the construction of a reptile refuge, for repairs of other dry-stone walls being retained on site or within community projects.
Q:Will skylark nests be destroyed during this work?
No. Independent ecology specialists have been monitoring wildlife across the area where the soil removal will take place, and this has included assessing skylark activity in the areas where the bunds will be created. Ahead of the work starting a further check will be made and the work delayed if necessary.
Q: What happens if any archaeological finds are made?
A well-regarded archaeological firm has been engaged to carry out what is known as a ‘watching brief’ on the area affected by the earthworks. The soil removal will reveal the archaeological layer, all features and items of interest will be investigated, any findings mapped, and artefacts stored in perpetuity. This represents a best practice approach in line with the Written Scheme of Investigation agreed with RCT.
Q: Will you have security people on site?
All work is taking place within the boundary of the approved extension to Craig-yr-Hesg, and on our land, so it is not our intention to have security personnel on site during the day. However, there is already security at the quarry at night and at weekends and this will continue.
Understandably, we have a duty of care to both our employees, contractors and the public and our priority is to keep everyone safe. This means we will reassess our approach on this if the need arises.
