Torr Quarry

• What negative impacts does quarrying have on the environment?

  It destroys habitat and wildlife.
• How do visual pollution and quarrying affect landscapes?

  They create large and open scars on landscapes.
• From where can visual pollution from quarries be seen?

  From roads and land.
• What causes noise and air pollution in quarrying?

  It is due to heavy machinery and explosives.
• What are the effects of air pollution from quarrying on living organisms?

  It can harm people, plants, and wildlife.
• How does dust from quarrying affect photosynthesis?

  It can reduce photosynthesis in plants.
• What can sediment from quarries pollute?

  Rivers and lakes.
• How does sediment pollution affect aquatic life?

  It can harm aquatic life in lakes.
• What is encouraged to reduce waste in quarrying?

  Removal of stone for recycling.
• What is the goal of restoring quarries?

  To reduce environmental impacts.
• What are the key aspects of planning regulations for quarries?

  • Planning permission is required before starting work.
  • Regulations minimize environmental impacts.
  • Ensures sustainable quarrying practices.
• What is the condition of planning permission in quarrying?

  It must be obtained before starting work.
• What does restoration in quarrying ensure?

  It ensures the quarry is restored after work.
• How do planning regulations affect quarrying practices?

  They ensure quarrying is done sustainably.
• What is the purpose of landscaping in quarrying?

  To create lakes and nature reserves.
• What is the goal of restoring a quarry to a nature reserve?

  To create a wild park with habitats.
• What is the relationship between quarrying and environmental sustainability?

  Quarrying must be managed to be sustainable.
• How does restoring quarries contribute to environmental health?

  It helps restore natural habitats and ecosystems.
• What is the ultimate aim of quarry restoration?

  To create a sustainable environment.
• How does quarrying impact the natural environment?

  It disrupts ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
• What is the significance of planning regulations in quarrying?

  They help minimize environmental impacts.
• What is the role of restoration in quarrying practices?

  To ensure the environment is rehabilitated.
• What is the name of the quarry operated by Aggregate Industries?

  Torr Quarry
• Who operates Torr Quarry?

  Aggregate Industries
• How many limestone quarries are there on the Mendip Hills?

  Eight
• How many people are employed at Torr Quarry?

  Over 100
• How much does Torr Quarry contribute to the local economy each year?

  More than £15 million
• When did quarrying begin at Torr Quarry?

  In the 1940s
• What is the current size of the Torr Quarry site?

  2.5 km²
• How far is Torr Quarry located from Shepton Mallet?

  7 km east
• How much limestone has Torr Quarry produced annually in the past?

  8 million tonnes
• What is the current output of limestone from Torr Quarry?

  Around 5 million tonnes
• What type of materials does Torr Quarry provide?

  Construction materials
• What are the environmental sustainability aims of Torr Quarry?

  • Restoring the quarry to create wildlife lakes
  • Creating natural landscapes
  • Blending the site with surrounding countryside
• How many acres of the site have already been landscaped?

  200 acres
• What are the environmental monitoring aspects at Torr Quarry?

  • Monitoring noise
  • Monitoring vibration
  • Monitoring air emissions
  • Monitoring water quality
• What is the impact of rail transport on local roads and villages?

  Minimizes impact on local roads
• What year was a planning application made to deepen the quarry operations?

  2010
• What was the outcome of the planning application made in 2010?

  It was approved in 2012
• How does deepening the quarry affect the environment compared to extending operations outward?

  Less impact on the environment