Environment

MQP companies are committed to removing stone from the ground with the least possible impact on the countryside.

Many quarries are surrounded by specially created landscaping banks to screen them from view and reduce the impact. Inside quarries, machinery is enclosed in buildings, silencers have been fitted to equipment and some sites use trucks with rubber bodies to reduce noise.

The amount of dust generated by quarrying has been halved in recent years. Loaded lorries are covered with sheeting and pass through wheel washers. Roads close to quarry entrances are kept free of dust by the MQP's own sweeper.

Modern blasting techniques have greatly reduced air and ground vibration levels and made each blast more effective so fewer are needed.

Many sites are quarrying below the natural water table level and continuously pump water to keep the workings dry. Most of the water is returned to local streams and rivers, and levels are carefully monitored. Findings are recorded regularly and closely examined by the Environment Agency.