Janet Finch-Saunders, the Member of the Senedd for Bangor, Conwy and Môn, met with the Area Director and Quarry Manager for Penmaenmawr Quarry to raise serious concerns about levels of dust and noise, along with reports of work taking place further down the quarry site. The Member also invited Mair Rowlands MS to attend .
Janet commented:
“I have received a significant number of complaints regarding the levels of dust and noise coming from the quarry. As a result, I was delighted to attend a meeting with Mair Rowlands MS, the Area Director, Becky Murphy, and Quarry Manager, Joseph Ferguson.
“In this productive meeting, I raised a series of important questions, including why residents are experiencing high levels of dust as never seen before?
“Ms Murphy informed us that there has been increased activity on the site and that dust and noise levels are monitored, with the last inspection taking place in March and no breaches being reported. The quarry disputed the claims that they are not adhering to the criteria set for quarrying, and noted that inspections including unannounced inspections take place regularly with no breaches being found.
“To address the levels of dust, the quarry has been actively trying to manage dust suppression and has ordered a bowser to spray water across the site. However, the recent dry weather has made keeping the dust down more challenging.
“I also asked how they are addressing the complaints made to Environmental Health by residents?
“The quarry, is informed of each complaint, that is entered, and each one is looked at and assessed individually.
“In regard to reports of work taking place further down the quarry.
“we were informed that the activity involves moving material from a stockpile to a conveyor system, with loading taking place during the mornings.
“There are a number of ways residents can report concerns about the quarry works, including through community liaison representatives on the local Quarry Liaison Committee. This was an informative meeting, where the concerns raised by residents were put directly to the quarry management.
“However, I will be visiting the quarry site to see the operations for myself and to further assess the concerns that have been raised with me. I will continue to press for residents’ concerns to be taken seriously.
ENDS
Photo: Janet Finch-Saunders MS/AS
