New guidelines issued on stone quarry operation

BY PMA RASHEED

The Gulf Today, 17 April 2010

The UAE Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW) has defined the conditions for stone quarries operations in the country.

A spokesperson of the MOEW said that the new guidelines to be followed by quarry operators, has been drafted in accordance with the ministerial decree No.110/ 2010.

"The ministry has also distributed copy of the new regulations printed in CD format, to all the quarry operators in Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman emirates," he added.

According to him, the initiative is aimed at strengthening environmental safety to the public by preventing soil, air and water pollutions, and preserving the natural resources of the country for sustainable development activities.

The MOEW is working to make decisions governing the management and operation of the activities of the crushers and quarries in the country, said Dr Rashid Ahmed Bin Fahad, the Minister of Environment and Water.

"The newly issued ministerial decree focuses on the guidelines for planning, operation and implementation of such industrial units," he added.

"All the existing and new quarries and crushers should implement the guidelines within 90 days from the date of the resolution. The regulations are also applicable to cement plants and factories, tiles and ceramics factories and marble industry units," explained the minister.