Community and Sustainability
Sustainability
We operate our quarries within the agreed resource consent conditions including, but not limited to, noise and dust mitigation, water quality, protection of bush and recognised iwi sites and traffic movement. We have implemented a number of strategies for sustainable development and operation at all of our quarries and are committed to being a good neighbour.
- Community consultation: We make every effort to keep our quarry neighbours informed about our plans for quarry activities and initiatives through regular community meetings.
- Noise abatement: We comply with resource consent operating conditions to maintain quarry noise levels within specified limits on an ongoing basis. A formal committee within the quarry meets regularly to monitor noise levels. Our procurement policy makes it a priority to purchase the quietest trucks and equipment available on the market.
- Water treatment and control: We control and treat all production and runoff water resulting in our quarries becoming self-sufficient in water requirements. Water is recycled for production, treated and tested to control the quality of water entering local streams.
- Truck wash: This facility cleans truck trays between aggregate changes. The washing water is processed through a water treatment plant and then recycled for further production use.
- Planting trees as visual screens: Over the last 20 years, the Drury Quarry has actively employed a strategy to plant trees as visual barriers to the quarry. A total of 9550 native and exotic trees were planted in 2006 on the northern boundary of the farm near the MacWhinney subdivision adjoining Stevenson’s Drury Quarry. An area of 60,790 square metres was planted with Avensii, Blackwoods and Manuka. This is a continuation of the native tree planting that we have undertaken at the quarry over the past seven years. The planting will provide a visual screen for the quarry zone from the MacWhinney block residents and assist with retaining natural bush elements. Find out more about our Tree Planting Programme.
- Buffer zones: Introduction of buffer zone farming activity surrounding both our Drury and Huntly Quarries. The farms are professionally managed by Stevenson Agriculture.
- Land restoration: Reinstatement of overburden stripping areas with grassing and native tree planting.
- Prevention of scouring and siltation: Open stormwater drains and silt sediment ponds are lined with rock.
- Creation of recreational ponds: At Kaiaua Quarry, we have created large ponds following removal of pebbles by dragline. These ponds have an active wildlife (ducks, swans), and fish population. The ponds are regularly used by weekend recreational fishermen and school groups (boating) from the local community.
Community and sponsorship
We also support local communities through a variety of sponsorship initiatives and active involvement in community activities. Sponsorship initiatives include:
- Papakura District Council Business Excellence Awards
- Franklin District Council Business Excellence Awards
The Stevenson Charitable Trust has also been a long-term supporter of several community initiatives and charities.
