Environmental Considerations
Current extraction was below water table and the course of the River Lossie passes through the site, therefore hydrological and hydrogeological issues were a significant factor. Although in a rural area, the site was adjacent to residential and agricultural properties as well as a church, therefore, noise and visual impact were of added importance. A number of Slavonian Grebe were resident in water bodies formed by extraction but appeared undisturbed by quarry operations.
ASH appointed sub-consultants to report on water related issues, based on exploration results provided by the operator and to carry out a noise survey and analysis. All other issues were considered in-house.
Clodach Sand & Gravel Quarry Solution
ASH designed a working scheme comprising separate extraction areas that progressed up-hydraulic gradient and that would be restored to amenity or recreation aquatic after-use. The phasing of extraction would create new habitat for the grebe which, as a species, prefer mesotrophic waters.
The limitation of extraction towards the main residential receptors and the use of temporary soil bunding were designed to minimise the visual and noise impacts of the development.
A restoration scheme for the whole site to a mixture of grazing, amenity and recreational water bodies and wildlife habitat was further prepared as part of the planning application that was submitted to, and approved by, Moray Council.