Shire of Northam councillors have questioned whether they have enough information to make a decision to approve or reject a proposal for a quarry in Grass Valley.
It is proposed that a 10-year development approval be issued for the crushing and screening of up to 150,000 tonnes of hard rock each year at a lot on Clydesdale Road.
At a council meeting on Wednesday, November 14 at Quellington Hall members of the Grass Valley community asked questions about the proposal and stated their position against the quarry.
Concerns raised included the heath implications from dust from crystalline silica, safety in regards to the additional trucks, the safety of the intersections along the haulage route and environmental impacts.
An initial notice of the proposal was given to landowners within a 2.2km radius of the site in July with 37 objection received during the advertising period.
It is proposed that if plans are approved by council vehicle access to and from the quarry will be via an existing farm access road adjoining Clydesdale Road turning right into Great Eastern Highway through to the Perth metropolitan area.
The proponents propose on average eight outgoing truck-loads per day but said during busy times this may climb to 25 truck-loads per day for short periods.
It is proposed that the hours of operation will be from 7am to 5pm Monday to Saturday with no vehicle movements during school bus times.
A health assessment in regards to the silica has not be conducted.
Councillor Rob Tinetti asked if council had enough information to make a decision at the next meeting on November 21.
He asked chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker how long it would take to get a health assessment to which Mr Whiteaker said typically four to six weeks was the minimum time frame.
Councillor Michael Ryan also questioned health implications asking if council could be provided with Department of Health guidelines for silica.
Councillors Steven Pollard, Attila Mencshelyi, and Terry Little questioned road routes, road upgrades and truck sizes allowed on the strip of road.
Council will next meet on Wednesday, November 21 to address the matter again.
More information on the proposal can be found HERE.