An introduction to Gravel Pits and Quarries
Gravel is a non-renewable resource that is used extensively in construction, particularly of roads in Western Australia. Possible environmental impacts of gravel extraction are vegetation loss, ground and surface water pollution, erosion, noise and dust.
To minimise the environmental impacts of transport, gravel pits should also be located as close as possible to markets, or to where the gravel will be utilised. As gravel is not renewable, every effort should be made to increase the recycling and use of construction and demolition waste in order to reduce demand for the virgin product.
This fact sheet explains the legal requirements for the different people, organisations or authorities that create and operate gravel pits, having regard to the different types of land upon which the pit is situated. For more general information about mining, see Fact Sheet: Mining Law.
