MidCoast Council has confirmed it is currently investigating operations at Harrington Sand Quarry after a member of the public alerted them to what appeared to be excessive clearing at the site.
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"MidCoast Council has taken enforcement action against the operators of the Harrington Sand Quarry and is undertaking a continuing investigation into the matter," a statement from council said.
"As the appropriate regulatory authority, council is leading the investigation, however the EPA (NSW Environment Protection Authority) is providing assistance."
Long-time Harrington visitor and retired engineer, Bob Edwards, reported the matter to council after he saw machinery clearing trees at the perimeter of the quarry, next to Crowdy Head Road.
The length of the damage is in excess of 200 metres.
- Bob Edwards
He was concerned about the environmental impact and the fact there would no longer be a visual barrier between the quarry and the road.
"There should be a visual barrier," Mr Edwards said.
"The length of the damage is in excess of 200 metres."
Mr Edwards said in his experience as a civil engineer sites such as quarries were generally required to have a visual barrier around them of at least 20 metres.
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He was also concerned about what was going to happen to the site in the long term.
"I just hope they have some plan about how it's going to be left at the end of the day," Mr Edwards said.
"You can't just leave a hole 100 metres long down to water level."
The quarry is believed to be owned by Wauchope-based company, Coastal Quarry Products.
The Manning River Times contacted Coastal Quarry Products for comment but none was forthcoming.
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