Dubai: The Ministry of Environment and Water has stopped the activities of 14 crusher and quarry operators across various emirates until they adhere to regulations. The decision comes after the evaluation of all crushers and quarries in the country, and their compliance with installation, management and operation regulations.
Engineer Saif Mohammad Al Shar’a, Assistant Undersecretary of External Audit Sector at the ministry, said the decision was in line with the national directives and in order to further advance the UAE Vision 2021 based on the country’s laws on the organisation of crushers and quarries.
“The decision to cease activities of these facilities was taken due to their non-compliance with 2014 Ministerial Resolution No (567). The resolution aims to regulate the UAE’s industrial facilities located at quarrying and crushing sites, and ensure that their management and activities follow environmentally responsible standards that mitigate negative effects on the environment and protect the public health of the residents,” he said.
Al Shar’a noted that the external audit sector conducts an annual evaluation of the activities of crusher and quarry operators during which it holds a series of scheduled and unannounced field visits to check the facilities’ compliance with federal environmental laws. The evaluation includes the prepared reports supported by images, proofs and measurements that serve as basis for taking the appropriate decisions in coordination with the competent local authorities.
The Assistant Undersecretary added that the violations were due to management’s non-compliance with the required maintenance of equipment and dust collectors, in addition to the recorded spread of industrial waste, dust and fumes that threaten to damage the environment and put the health of nearby residents at risk.
“The violating plants will cease operations from one to three months and cannot resume work at the end of the period unless they meet the necessary standards,” he said, “The plants will also be closed permanently if they are found to be in violation for the third time.”
The ministry’s external audit sector has launched an initiative deploying drones to monitor quarry and crusher operators to ensure that regulations are being observed according to the best practices. This was done in line with the government’s commitment to establish a sustainable environment and fully integrated infrastructure, promote innovation, and strengthen its position in the international community.
