Peppertree Quarry
Boral’s Peppertree Quarry is located in the Marulan area of the Southern Tablelands. It makes a critical contribution to the ongoing growth of the immediate and Sydney metropolitan regions.
Please note Peppertree is not open to the public. All sales and product enquiries may only be directed to 1300 723 999 (Quarries) or you can send an online request.
843 Marulan South Road
Marulan South NSW 2579
Australia
Operating Hours
Peppertree operates on a 24 hour/7 day basis.
About the Peppertree Quarry Operations
Boral's Peppertree Quarry is located upon significant granodiorite deposits near the NSW Southern Tablelands town of Marulan. The Operations play an essential role in supplying aggregate-based building and construction materials to industry across NSW and the ACT.
Peppertree Quarry, (a hard rock aggregates quarry) began operations in early 2014 following a decade-long planning and construction process. The quarry was developed as a replacement resource for the Penrith Lakes quarries at Emu Plains in western Sydney, which ceased extraction during September 2015.
The quarry lands cover 650 hectares to the north of the Marulan South Limestone Mine. Under existing approvals, the granodiorite resource underlying 70 hectares of this land is being extracted.
Up to 3.5 million tonnes of aggregates per year can be produced by the quarry at peak production. Materials are transported via rail to terminals at Maldon, St Peters and Enfield, from which they are distributed to customers via road. With activity taking place 24 hours a day, seven days per week, the quarry supports around 100 local jobs, including contractors.
To find out more about how Boral operates its quarries, such as Peppertree Quarry, visit our About Quarries page. You can also review a diagram of the Peppertree Quarry production process here.
Peppertree Quarry generates a significant volume of the aggregates used to support the continued growth of Sydney.
With this in mind, we’re always looking at how the operation can be managed to ensure its contribution to the wider community is maintained. Accordingly, we regularly revise the needs of the quarry from a planning approval perspective.
General Approvals - Peppertree Quarry
Peppertree Quarry is operated to an approval granted by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) in February 2007. The Project Approval (06_0074) sets out the operating, environmental and reporting conditions the quarry must comply with throughout its operational life.
Subsequent to 2007, Boral has received consent for seven modifications to the Project Approval. You can read through the original Project Approval, and the consolidated consent documentation which also captures each modification.
Public Reporting
Peppertree Quarry's planning consent include requirements to compile a range of reports and perform various audits. These offer an assurance that the provisions of the approval are being complied with.
Annual Environmental Management Reviews (AEMRs) - Peppertree Quarry
The Peppertree Quarry is required to compile an Annual Environmental Management Review (AEMR) at the end of each reporting year, capturing information about operations and performance against a range of criteria. The reviews can be found below.
- Peppertree Quarry: 2023 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2022 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2021 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2020 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2019 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2018 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2017 Annual Environmental Management Review (Part 1)
- Peppertree Quarry: 2017 Annual Environmental Management Review (Part 2)
- Peppertree Quarry: 2016 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2015 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2014 Annual Environmental Management Review
- Peppertree Quarry: 2013 Annual Environmental Management Review
These obligations include providing public access to pollution reporting data. You can find out more about the Act and the results for the sites here.
Public Feedback Register
Receiving feedback is an important part of maintaining successful operations. Under the terms of the Peppertree Quarry Project Approval, a register of complaints and their resolution is required to be made available for public review.
You'll find the latest version of this register here.
Environmental Management
The Boral Peppertree Quarry Environmental Management Strategy (EMS) has been developed to ensure the quarry can comply with its legislative and social obligations.
The EMS outlines a range of monitoring programs and mitigation measures. It is supported by eight management plans covering various operational aspects.
The management plans were submitted to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE) for approval following reviews by relevant Government agencies.
- Peppertree Quarry: Environmental Management Strategy (May 2020)
- Peppertree Quarry: Noise and Blasting Monitoring Plan (May 2020)
- Peppertree Quarry: Air Quality Monitoring Plan (May 2020)
- Peppertree Quarry: Water Management Plan (March 2022)
- Peppertree Quarry: Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan - Part 1 (December 2021)
- Peppertree Quarry: Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan - Part 2 (December 2021)
- Peppertree Quarry: Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan - Part 3 (December 2021)
- Peppertree Quarry: Waste Management plan (October 2020)
- Peppertree Quarry: Biodiversity and Rehabilitation Management Plan (March 2022)
- Peppertree Quarry: Construction Noise Management Plan (February 2022)
- Peppertree Quarry: Construction Traffic Management Plan (November 2021)
The EMS was prepared in alignment with Part D, Condition D1 of the quarry's Project Approval and is the overarching strategy for site environmental management.
It outlines requirements for the operation and, most importantly, drives the management and reporting of the performance of the operation.
One requirement is that an Annual Environmental Management Review (AEMR) is prepared for the site by the end of March each year (see Public Reporting).
As well as the AEMR, an independent environmental audit is required to be conducted within three years of the date of commencement of construction (2011), and then every five years thereafter. This was altered via the fourth modification to the quarry's Project Approval to be every three years.
The audit must be conducted by a suitably qualified, experienced and independent person whose appointment is approved by the Secretary of the DPIE.
You can view the reports generated as a result of the audits below, as well as responses to the audit outcomes.
- Peppertree Quarry: 2021 Independent Environmental Audit
- Peppertree Quarry: 2021 Independent Environmental Audit - Response to Recommendations
- Peppertree Quarry: 2018 Independent Environmental Audit
- Peppertree Quarry: 2018 Independent Environmental Audit - Response to Recommendations
- Peppertree Quarry: 2015 Independent Environmental Audit
- Peppertree Quarry: 2015 Independent Environmental Audit - Response to Recommendations
Both the Environment Protection Licence (EPL) and EMS for the operation require a process for management and reporting of environmental incidents to both the DPIE and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
Boral has standard procedures in place for incidents and initiates these as required. Details of any environmental incident can be found within the site's reporting.
Environmental Monitoring Program
Peppertree Quarry's Environment Monitoring Program consolidates the requirements from all management plans governing the quarry's operation.
Monitoring is undertaken of air emissions, surface water, ground water, operational noise, blasting overpressure and vibration and, in future, success of rehabilitation.
A weather station is located on site. Monitoring results are collated and reviewed as they become available.
Noise and Blasting
Noise and Blasting
Quarry activities can create a degree of noise and therefore potentially affect neighbouring properties.
The Peppertree Quarry Project Approval conditions outline noise criteria which must be complied with as recorded at a number of neighbouring properties.
The quarry's Noise and Blasting Management Plan includes objectives to:
- ensure contributed noise emissions from quarrying operations comply with the noise impact assessment criteria in the Project Approval;
- identify potential noise sources and their relative contribution to noise impacts from the quarry; and
- outline the methodologies to be used, including the justification for monitoring intervals, weather conditions, seasonal variations, monitoring locations, periods and times of measurements, and the means for determining the noise levels emitted by the quarry.
Monitoring is undertaken by an independent consultant at nominated locations on a quarterly basis. The results are collated as part of the site's monthly POELA environmental monitoring reports.
Blasting is part of the production of aggregates at the quarry. Vibration and noise emitted from blasting is managed to ensure minimal effects on either the operation or neighbouring properties.
To do this, the size of the blast is planned and weather conditions noted. Monitoring is also conducted at a number of sites for overpressure (noise) and peak particle velocity (vibration). The results for each blast are published within the site's monthly POELA environmental monitoring reports
The operation offers pre-notification of blasting events to any neighbour who is interested. To be placed on the quarry's blast notification register, contact the site on 4841 1701 or send an email.
Air Quality
The nature of quarry operations brings the potential for dust emissions. Sources include vehicle movements, digging, crushing and screening of rock in production, and the management of overburden.
The potential for such emissions and their consequent management was accounted for in the development of the Peppertree Quarry. Sections of the processing plant which normally emit dust have been enclosed, such as conveyors and screens. Water misting systems have been applied to other areas and stockpiles.
The quarry is also one of the first in Australia to contain aggregate in silos for both quality control and dust suppression purposes.
The primary crusher is located within the quarry pit, with material transported to the processing plant by conveyor. This reduces the amount of heavy vehicle movements on site, and consequent noise, dust generation and greenhouse gas emissions through fuel use.
Following the granting of planning approval in March 2020, the site now benefits from the construction of a 2 air extraction units. Air containing particulates from production is forced through the extraction units, allowing the particulates to be captured in filter bags.
A program of topsoiling and hydro-mulching overburden areas is also in place. Embankments are being rehabilitated with native plant species. A mobile water tanker also operates on site to manage fugitive dust emissions.
A weather station has also been established so forecasts for winds can be monitored. The operations are prepared for high wind situations through wetting of materials and the shut down of particular activities as required.
Air monitoring is conducted at three sites. Monitoring is undertaken for coarse particulates, particulate matter less than 10 microns (PM10), particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5) and Total Suspended Particulates (TSP).
Coarse particulates are monitored over a 30 day period, with TSP, PM2.5 and PM10 monitored on a 24 hour-six day cycle. The results of the monitoring are contained within monthly environmental monitoring reports.
Water Management
Water is a key component of the operation, mainly due to the need for it in processing and dust suppression.
The Peppertree Quarry does not have a piped fresh water supply and uses supplies contained within the 112 megalitre dam built as part of the original quarry development.
A number of other ponds to capture stormwater runoff are also located on site, while the quarry also has a licence to access ground water from pit inflow.
Peppertree Quarry's water use is guided by a Water Management Plan, with the results included in presentations to the quarry's Community Consultative Committee (CCC).
Biodiversity and Rehabilitation
Biodiversity and Rehabilitation
The development and operation of a quarry invariably affects the existing environment, making management of the surrounding landscape and its rehabilitation important.
Most of the Peppertree Quarry site was cleared many decades ago for agriculture, and only scattered native trees and isolated patches of woodland were left.
A number of endangered ecological community’s and species have been identified on the site.
Developments on site have resulted in some of the EEC being impacted. Accordingly, offset plantings and credits have been established as required by legislation. Details are available in the annual AEMRs.
Rehabilitation of the overburden emplacements has been progressive as areas have been completed.
Transport and Traffic Management
Transport and Traffic Management
All material from Peppertree Quarry, is transported by rail. Trains connect with the Main Southern Railway and travel to the Maldon Rail Terminal, Enfield or St Peters for offloading before trucking to required locations across Sydney.
Road access to Peppertree is via Marulan South Road from the Hume Highway. This road has a number of users including rural and residential property owners, school buses, and trucks accessing other industries, in addition to heavy vehicles owned and operated by Boral and contracted haulage businesses.
Boral recognises the safety obligations accompanying the large scale use of heavy vehicles on public roads. Training is conducted for contractors and drivers accessing the sites, and ongoing communication had with road users to ensure they are aware of Boral-related traffic movements and contacts for any related issues.
We encourage all members of the community to provide feedback if they observe behaviour not aligning with our safety goals. Specifics such as time, location, vehicle registration and colour help us to further investigate and take appropriate action. To report any inappropriate conduct, you can send us an email.
Aboriginal Heritage Management Committee and Plan (AHMC)
Aboriginal Heritage Management Committee and Plan (AHMC)
Boral's Peppertree Quarry is sited on land traditionally owned and shared by several First Nations communities.
Boral acknowledges and offers respect to the elders and peoples past, present and emerging of each group connected to the land.
Marulan South is sited on land which holds significance for many Indigenous people including the Ngunawal and Gundungarra. It is also within the boundaries of the Pejar Aboriginal Land Council.
An Aboriginal Heritage Management Committee (AHMC) has been established with representatives from the Ngunawal, Gundungarra and Pejar. The Committee participates in sub-surface salvage and topsoil monitoring, and is involved in Aboriginal heritage matters of concern to the quarry.
The AHMC was also involved in the development of an Aboriginal Heritage Management Plan for Peppertree Quarry. As part of the quarry's Project Approval, Boral is subject to conditions and requirements in respect to Aboriginal heritage.
During 2006, an initial Aboriginal heritage study was conducted to inform the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the original Peppertree Quarry Project Application.
Following the study, a number of significant areas were identified where additional excavations were required to determine the extent of potential artefacts.
During 2010, with the assistance of representatives from the quarry's Aboriginal Heritage Management Committee (AHMC), excavations were undertaken by consultants ERM.
An estimated 22000 artefacts were salvaged from a number of sites, primarily located on the surrounds of Tangarang Creek.
When geotechnical works were also undertaken in 2010, further opportunity to investigate the potential for artefacts arose. Other scrapings and salvages at areas identified as having the potential for artefacts were undertaken by AHMC representatives in 2011.
As the cultural importance of the area became clear, the AHMC were invited back to site to undertake topsoil monitoring during the excavation of the rail embankment on the western area of the site, and other areas associated with the civil works. Work continued from 2012 to 2017 with more than 90000 artefacts salvaged.
Artefacts are returned to country within the quarry site under the direction of the AHMC.
Communications
Peppertree Quarry Community Consultative Committee (CCC)
As part of the Project Approval for the Peppertree Quarry, Boral was required to establish a community consultative committee (CCC).
The CCC is an advisory group which consists of a representative of Goulburn Mulwaree Council and at least three local residents. Boral also supplies two representatives to the CCC.
Independently chaired, the role of the CCC is to offer Boral input from the community perspective on matters of environmental performance and community relations. Issues of concern and feedback can be raised with the site by the CCC representatives.
The CCC first met during 2008 and has continued to meet at least twice a year ever since. You can review the meeting minutes and presentations from the past three years below. If you'd like to obtain information from earlier years, please send us a request.
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - Feb 2023
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - Feb 2023
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - November 2022
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - November 2022
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - July 2022
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - July 2022
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - March 2022
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - March 2022
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - December 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - December 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - September 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - September 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - June 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - June 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - March 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - March 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - December 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - December 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - September 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - September 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - June 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - June 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - March 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - March 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - December 2019
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - December 2019
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - September 2019
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - September 2019
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Minutes - June 2019
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Presentation - June 2019
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Annual Report 2021
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Annual Report 2020
- Peppertree Quarry: CCC Annual Report 2019
Community Updates
Updates are issued regularly by Peppertree Quarry to keep the broader community informed. You can usually read the latest about the site in the Marulan and District Historical Society's Marulan Messenger community newsletter.
Contributions to the newsletter and separate information we've issued from the last three years appears below. If you are interested in earlier information, you can request a copy.
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - June 2023
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - May 2023
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - March 2023
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - Feb 2023
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - Jan 2023
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - December 2022
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - October 2022
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - September 2022
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - August 2022
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - July 2022
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - February 2022
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - May 2021
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - November 2020
- Boral Marulan South Operations Community Update - September 2020
Community Contribution
Boral's Marulan South Operations (peppertree quarry and Marulan South Limestone) have a shared history with the people of the Marulan region which extends back well over a century. During this time, generations of local families have been employed at Marulan South Limestone and, since 2014, further opportunities have been available for locals at the Peppertree Quarry.
Beyond jobs, however, Boral's operations have made a sustained contribution to the economic and social life of the area. Whether through buildings and materials, or participation in local events and projects, Boral has long been proud to be a corporate citizen of the Marulan region.
Today our community contribution takes many and varied forms. Boral's participation in community life through the Marulan South Operations is guided by a Community Plan.
The Plan, developed with input from a wide range of stakeholders across the Marulan region, outlines Boral's key areas of focus for engaging with locals, as well as a number of activities supported by the sites. A revised plan for the 2023 – 2026 period is currently being prepared.
The Marulan South Operations Community Plan was acknowledged at the 2017 NSW/ACT Cement Concrete Aggregates Australia (CCAA) Innovation Awards with a win in that year's Community Leadership category. The Marulan South sites also won the category at the 2019 Awards for their Youth Leadership and Development initiative.
Community initiatives supported by Boral Marulan South Operations
Boral has been actively involved with the Marulan area's two most significant community events since 2011.
The first is the annual Tallong Apple Day Festival, held each May. Originally starting out as a stallholder, Boral has proudly been one of the major sponsors of the Festival every year since 2012. For more information, visit the Festival website.
The other is the Marulan Kite/Spring Festival. The Kite/Spring Festival, held each September-October, is a community organised event which includes an arts and music component and a street fair. Boral also originally attended as a stallholder, however in 2012 took on the role of one of the major sponsors. Unfortunately with impacts from Covid, the Maruan Kite/Spring Fair has not been held, however Boral has been involved with the running of a Marulan Christmas fair established for the local community and residents.