Torr Quarry

• Generates £15 million per year to the local economy.
• Produces 7.5 million tonnes of limestone per year.
• Covers 205 hectares and employs 250 people.
• Limestone is transported from the quarry by rail.
• Environmental Impacts of Torr Quarry:

  • Air and water pollution
  • Contaminate the land and soil
  • Pollution from transport
  • Deforestation
  • Habitat loss
  • Noise pollution
  • ‘Eye-sore’
• Sustainable actions at Torr Quarry:

  • 60 acres of the site have been landscaped to blend in with the surrounding environment, including planting grass and trees and creation of wildlife lakes for recreation.
  • Characteristic limestone features will be created to mimic the natural limestone scenery
  • Limestone is transported by rail, rather than by road, via the Mendip Rail network.
• Sustainable actions at Torr Quarry:

  • Strict environmental targets have been introduced. Regular monitoring of noise, vibration, dust emissions and water quality is carried out.
  • In 2010 a planning decision was made to deepen, rather than widen the quarry, for extraction.