FAQs on protecting the environment
How are we managing the Casey quarry?
Casey has a rock extraction quarry and rock crusher plant. The rock is needed for yearly reconstruction of the wharf access road and other intermittent construction projects. In the 2002/2003 summer season the rock was also used for the wharf extension and for the foundations for the new field equipment store.
 Snow petrel at Ardery Is near Casey |
The quarry has been in operation since 1986 and is immediately adjacent to a snow petrel colony on Reeve Hill. This snow petrel colony has a particular scientific interest: it is one of two studied colonies in the Australian Antarctic Territory of snow petrels.
Due to the potential impact to snow petrel breeding success from blasting and crushing noise, AAD's policy is to only undertake quarry operations outside of the sensitive snow petrel courtship-laying-incubation period (end of November to 1 February).
Environmental approvals for quarrying are required by the Environmental Protection and Policy Section (EPPS) of the AAD each season that quarry operations are conducted. In 2005, an IEE was prepared in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty (Environmental Protection) Act [AT(EP)].
The IEE has included a thorough assessment of the likely environmental impacts and an examination of possible alternatives for the activity. It was submitted in August 2006 and was approved. The quarry operations now proceed in accordance with the IEE requirements.
