Essex County Council has presented gold awards to the operators of five of the county’s quarries and landfill sites, under the Mineral Working and Active Landfill Sites Environmental Award Scheme 2009/10.

The awards recognise the operators’ on-going commitment to manage their sites to a high environmental standard, with consideration towards the local population.

Presenting the awards, Councillor Rodney Bass, Chairman of the County Council, said: “The continuation of the award scheme, over 10 years, highlights both the County Council's and the Minerals and Waste industry’s commitment to meeting society’s need for minerals and landfill while seeking to minimise harm to the environment.” 

Of the 26 sites surveyed, five received gold, seven silver and five bronze. The Mineral and Waste Planning Authority is working with the remaining site operators to help them raise their standards.