ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCES OF LIMESTONE QUARRY TO

GROUNDWATER IN PALANOG, CAMALIG ALBAY

A Research Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of the
Mining Engineering Department
College of Engineering
Bicol University
Legazpi City

In partial fulfillment
Of the requirements in
Research Methods for the degree
Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering

Liwanag, Raul Jr. C.

Ceriola, John Paul Porferio
Basilla, Mark Ryan Joe
Cardel, Jerland Kiel

March 2021

1
Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

List of Maps

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Palanog is a barangay in the municipality of Camalig, in the province

of Albay. Its population as determined by the 2015 Census was 3,148. This represented

4.71% of the total population of Camalig.

Groundwater is used for drinking water by more than 50 percent of the people in

the United States, including almost everyone who lives in rural areas. The largest use

for groundwater is to irrigate crops. It helps grow our food. 64% of groundwater is used

for irrigation to grow crops, an important component in many industrial processes and is

a source of recharge for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.

Stone mining significantly affected woody species diversity and selected soil

properties. Stone mining showed a negative impact in both density as well as diversity

of woody species. Significantly lower Shannon diversity, species richness and

abundance were found in the quarry areas as compared to the non-quarry areas.

Water-rock interaction and groundwater mixing are important phenomena in

understanding hydrogeological systems and the stability of rock slopes especially those

consisting largely of moderately water-soluble minerals like calcite. 

In limestone quarries, groundwater chemistry is mainly dominated by the

dissolution of calcite, the major mineral component of limestones, because it is

moderately soluble in water. The density, permeability and porosity of limestones

primarily depend on the degree of consolidation and development of permeable zones

after deposition. Existence of groundwater in mine sites potentially causes slope

stability problems.

Operating Mining limestone quarry has its possible influence to the ground water

on its nearby area whether it is considered to be harmful or beneficial to both the nature

and the community.

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Statement of the Problem

The aim of this research is to assess the influences given by the stone quarry in

order for people to know its potentials, strengths and weakness. With the influence of

the material world, man had discovered different ways of extraction of valuable minerals

from the world. Issues and problems will be identified with a thorough study to bring out

possible recommendations towards a solution.

This study will be sought to answer the following questions:

1. What are the influences of the limestone quarry to the ground water near the

area?

a. What are the influences of the limestone quarry to the community?

b. What could be proposed to solve the identified problem?

2. What is the suitable method to be used by the limestone quarry to maximize

and enhance the potential of the site?

Research Questions

Briefly discuss the main research question of your topic before enumerating the

specific research questions below:

1. What are the influences of the mining limestone quarry to the ground water in

Palanog Camalig, Albay?

2. What are the existing influences and problems that the community is currently

experiencing because of the operating mining stone quarry?

3. How is the operating mining limestone quarry affect the ground water in

Palanog Camalig, Albay?

4. What is the process used in the mining limestone quarry in Palanog Camalig,

Albay?

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Research Objectives

Quarrying is the process of collecting stones from the natural rock surfaces. The aim

of this study is to assess and identify the influence of the mining stone quarry that’s

affecting the ground water. The influence of the quarry will be investigated to ascertain if

the results that are affecting the ground water is considered to be harmful nor beneficial

for the community.

1. Determine the influence of the mining stone quarry on ground water Palanog

Camalig, Albay.

2. Determine the negative influence it may potentially bring to the community.

Hypothesis

The limestone quarry located in Palanog Camalig, Albay has a significant

influence to the area’s ground water quality.

If the mining limestone quarry is assumed to be not utilizing the proper methods

in operating, the nearby communities will have to supper its effect especially to the

ground water quality.

Ho: The mining limestone quarry has an influence to the ground water in Palanog

Camalig, Albay.

Ha: The influence of the mining stone quarry to the ground water is harmful.

Significance of the Study

In this study, the intention is to discover the connection between the

limestone quarry and groundwater quality.

The results of the study will be a great benefit to the following:

Students. The outcome of this study will give students proper knowledge concerning

the mining stone quarry and its effects to the researchers of this study.

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Community. This study will give benefits and awareness to the community by gaining

enough information and knowledge concerning the mining stone quarry.

Policy Makers. The result of this study is a great help to policy makers. Steps to be

undertaken are being scrutinized by policy makers as they are supposed to be

implemented. The findings of the study might improve the existing policies being

implemented.

Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau. This study will serve as a basis for future

researches and platforms that can give answers and solutions to the future problems in

this sector.

The Culture. The stigma and norms when it comes to mining is quite known, it is often

seen as a threat to the environment and the people. This is study is to assess on

whether the operating mining stone quarry has its influence to the ground water and

identifying its problems. Mining could afford the opportunity for cultural and other

segregation that occurs through religion at various levels. Mining could become a

medium to mediate and encourage a dialogue between different cultural and social

groups. This study can help change the view of how people see it and help them be

more open minded.

Future Researchers. This study discussion shall serve as a primary reference and

source material for the better understanding the role of stone quarries in relation to the

groundwater quality. This will be a great aid for future researchers who would also be

tackling relevant or related topics concerning stone quarries and groundwater quality.

Scope and Delimitation

Scope

This study will be an attempt to identify the influence and methods. Mining

interventions would be done only where necessary.

In general, the study will focus on the assessment of the influences of the stone

quarry to the ground water in Palanog Camalig, Albay with the use of the data gathered

and the related study will be the basis of future researchers and policy makers.

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Delimitations

The study is limited to tackle the important details concerning the influences and

effects of the stone quarry to the community near the area. The health as well as the

time and financial capabilities are beyond boundaries of this study.

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 CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES AND LITERATURE

In this chapter, the researchers gathered information concerning the different

influences of the limestone quarry to ground water which includes the detrimental and

beneficial effects to the environment nearby. Gathering information from the most

reliable source; the internet, published articles, surveys, related laws and related works

(cases) in both local and international.

Review of Related Studies

Influence of stone quarries on groundwater quality and health in Fatehpur Sikri,

India by Anil KumarMisra

Abstract

Fatehpur Sikri block is a well known tourist place, also famous for sandstone and

limestone quarries. Dental and skeleton fluorosis is a common disease among children

(>10 years) and adults of all age groups. To understand the factors causing the dental

and skeletal fluorosis diseases and their source in groundwater a study based on water

quality analysis of aquifers in and around stone quarries, was carried out. All the dug

wells are dry and majority of the hand pumps are equipped with the jet pumps in the

block. Water samples were collected from hand pumps and tube wells in June 2012 and

February 2013. Fluoride zonation and groundwater salinity maps were generated for

shallow and deep aquifers. These analyses show drastic changes in the salinity levels

of shallow and deep aquifers. The deep aquifers are more saline as compared to the

shallow aquifers. On the contrary, the concentration of chemical constituents such as

Na+, K+, Cl− and F− was more in the shallow aquifers compared to the deep aquifers.

Concentration of fluoride was found more in villages near or within the stone quarries

(shallow aquifers between 1.7 to 3.8 mg/l and 1.5 to 3.6 mg/l in June 2012 and

February, 2013 respectively and in deep aquifers between 1.2 to 2.7 mg/l and 1.1 to 2.7

mg/l in June 2012 and February, 2013 respectively) as compared to the villages

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approximately 1–1.5 km far from these quarries. Study reveals escalation in both

groundwater salinity and fluoride in aquifers and direct and indirect contribution of

sandstone and limestone quarries in increasing hazardous materials in groundwater.

Influences of limestone stone quarries on groundwater quality

S.H. Marzouk School of Natural Science, States University of Zanzibar, Tanzania

Rapid population growth and increasing demand for the modern settlement has led to

the increase of environmental pollution. Limestone quarry is one among the activities

that affect environment and ecosystem in Pemba Island-Zanzibar. Quarrying activities

brought an inevitable destruction to the environments ranging from excavation, soil and

land degradation, loose of biodiversity and water pollution. This study reports the impact

of limestone quarries on groundwater quality based on analyses of various physico-

chemical parameters of groundwater. Ground water samples were collected during the

wet and dry season of 2016 from nine different wells in vicinity of limestone quarries.

One groundwater sample, which was located about 5 kilometers from limestone

quarries, was collected as a control. The result shows that the groundwater have an

elevated level of pH, total dissolved solid, Electrical Conductivity, total alkalinity, as

compared to control sample. Also the concentration level of Ca2+, Mg2+ and Na+

slightly increases in all samples from dry season to wet season. This is probably due to

the mixing of surface pollution and dissolution of limestone rocks. The study revealed

that the nitrate and potassium concentrations are very high in the well nearest the

limestone quarries. It is likely due to percolation of fertilizer from agricultural runoff

stagnated nearby limestone quarries. This study shows that a conceptual physico-

chemical interpretation of the results from water samples provides information of

groundwater contamination, which is mainly derived from agricultural runoff and

stagnated nearby limestone quarries. This study recommends that the quarrying

activities should be minimal towards the subsurface level in order to reduce the

possibility of aquifer contamination.

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Impact of quarries on karst groundwater systems mehmet ekmekçi

International Research and Application Center for Karst Water Resources,

Hacettepe University, 06532 Beytepe, Ankara, Turkey ABSTRACT Quarrying of

carbonate rocks for various purposes dates back to early times. The impact of quarries

on the environment and particularly on the groundwater system in terms of quality and

quantity has often been ignored until the last few decades. Regardless of the small

amount of quarried rock compared to the volume of an outcrop, the result of removing

the protective cover of an aquifer may cause severe pollution of the groundwater.

Another impact is that groundwater flow patterns may change due to manmade effects,

such as blasting. Sites of quarries, therefore, should be selected by considering the

hydrogeological, environmental and economic factors.

INTRODUCTION

Quarries provide blocks and limestone chippings for the cement industry and the

construction industry. About 30% of Turkey is underlain by carbonate rocks that are

lithologically suitable for such purposes. The site of for a quarry should be studied in

detail for hydrogeological, economic, geological, and technological aspects, which, until

the last decade, have often been ignored. Carbonate rocks cover productive aquifers in

many places particularly where karstification is well developed. Removal of this cover

through quarrying may result in dramatic changes not only in the groundwater regime

but also in the quality of the karst water. This problem directly affects human health.

Quarried landscapes should be restored for aesthetic reasons.

Impact of limestone quarrying on a karst groundwater system

Regardless of the small amount of quarried rock compared to the volume of an

outcrop, removing the protective rock cover of an aquifer may cause some undesirable

results. In many areas of quarries, the limestone bears a significant amount of

groundwater resources. These potential resources are available in most places for

domestic use. In the case of quarrying a limestone outcrop which acts as a protective

cover for the underlying aquifer, two major changes may occur in the hydrogeological

system related to water quality and the flow system. Where the groundwater flow is in

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conduit karst aquifers, or where the water table of a flooded fractured/fissured aquifer is

near the surface, removal of the limestone outcrop leads to contamination. The scar

created by a quarry may easily act as a sinkhole which conveys surface water to the

groundwater system rapidly (Gunn et al., 1985). Quarries surrounded by villages may

become a source of pollution for springs that emerge downstream.

The other impact of a quarry is that quarry blasting may result in the destruction

or disruption of groundwater flow paths, changes in the pattern of groundwater

movement and changes in the quantity of water flowing through the karst system (Fig.

2). The flow path may change direction and contribute to another karst subsystem or

spring. Thus the amount of water abstracted from boreholes fed by the system may

decrease significantly.

Groundwater monitoring of an open-pit limestone quarry: Water-rock interaction

and mixing estimation within the rock layers by geochemical and statistical

analysis

By Khy Eam Eang a,⇑ , Toshifumi Igarashi b , Megumi Kondo c , Tsurugi Nakatani d ,

Carlito Baltazar Tabelin e , Ryota Fujinaga a

Abstract

Water-rock interaction and groundwater mixing are important phenomena in

understanding hydrogeological systems and the stability of rock slopes especially those

consisting largely of moderately watersoluble minerals like calcite. In this study, the

hydrogeological and geochemical evolutions of groundwater in a limestone quarry

composed of three strata: limestone layer (covering), interbedded layer under the

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covering layer, and slaty greenstone layer (basement) were investigated. Water-rock

interaction in the open-pit limestone quarry was evaluated using PHREEQC, while

hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used

to classify and identify water sources responsible for possible groundwater mixing within

rock layers. In addition, Geochemist’s Workbench was applied to estimate the mixing

fractions to clarify sensitive zones that may affect rock slope stability. The results

showed that the changes in Ca2+ and HCO3 concentrations of several groundwater

samples along the interbedded layer could be attributed to mixing groundwater from the

limestone layer and that from slaty greenstone layer. Based on the HCA and PCA

results, groundwaters were classified into several types depending on their origin: (1)

groundwater from the limestone layer (LO), (2) mixed groundwater flowing along the

interbedded layer (e.g., groundwater samples L-7, L-11, S-3 and S-4), and (3)

groundwater originating from the slaty greenstone layer (SO). The mixing fractions of

41% LO: 59% SO, 64% LO: 36% SO, 43% LO: 57% SO and 25% LO: 75% SO on the

normal days corresponded to groundwaters L-7, L-11, S-3 and S-4, respectively, while

the mixing fractions of groundwaters L-7 and L-11 (61% LO: 39% SO and 93% LO: 7%

SO, respectively) on rainy days became the majority of groundwater originating from the

limestone layer. These indicate that groundwater along the interbedded layer

significantly affected the stability of rock slopes by enlarging multi-breaking zones in the

layer through calcite dissolution and inducing high water pressure, tension cracks and

potential sliding plane along this layer particularly during intense rainfall episodes.

Introduction

In limestone quarries, groundwater chemistry is mainly dominated by the

dissolution of calcite, the major mineral component of limestones, because it is

moderately soluble in water [1]. The density, permeability and porosity of limestones

primarily depend on the degree of consolidation and development of permeable zones

after deposition. Prolonged dissolution may result in enlargement of pore space, which

ultimately leads to the development of karst terrain, sinkholes, caves or various

features, indicating that the effects of carbonate dissolution on water compositions are

quite conspicuous. Consequently, understanding water-rock interaction is critical in

evaluating changes in chemical compositions of groundwater along flow paths [2].

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Domenico [3] and Toth [4] also note that groundwater evolves chemically by interacting

with aquifer minerals and internal mixing among different groundwaters along flow

paths. Moreover, variations of groundwater properties may help distinguish groundwater

sources and aid in the identification of different geological formations. The chemical

composition of a newly formed groundwater is initially dependent on rainwater [5]. As

rainwater percolates through soil or sediments, the chemical composition changes,

especially when fairly soluble carbonate minerals like calcite and dolomite exist in the

flow path. For example, the saturation index with respect to calcite is one of the

important parameters used to evaluate groundwater flow in many limestone aquifer

systems [6]. Because there are many variables involved in the evolution of groundwater,

multivariate statistical analyses, in particular the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and

principal component analysis (PCA), are often employed to classify, interpret and

quantify data on groundwater geochemistry. Love et al. [7], for example, applied PCA to

distinguish signatures of uncontaminated groundwater with those impacted by

agricultural activities, mining activities and sewage pollution. Similarly, Farnham et al.

[8] and Mahlknecht et al. [9] used PCA to discuss geochemical evolution, mineralization

and groundwater contamination in the Ash Meadows-Death Valley of Nevada and

central Mexico, USA, respectively. The HCA has also been used to interpret

hydrochemical data based on factor scores by Kim et al. [10] and Reghunath et al. [11].

Existence of groundwater in mine sites potentially causes slope stability problems [12].

In Japan, for example, there have been several rock slope failures in the limestone

quarries partly attributed to groundwater [13]. In recent years, the flow and

potentiometric level of groundwater are two of the most important factors affecting the

stability of rock slopes [14,15]. In the study area, Kondo et al. [16] and Ozawa et al. [17]

revealed that the rock slope was observed to be deformed in response to elevated

groundwater levels after intense rainfall events, so groundwater in each geological

formation has been monitored and often extracted to lower groundwater levels. Their

monitored results of crack growths, however, revealed that lowering groundwater at

some levels was somehow insufficient to prevent the continued deformation of rock

slopes because other factors that were not considered in these previous studies also

affect slope stability. One important parameter related to the instability is the dramatic

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change in water-rock interaction due to variations in groundwater flow and groundwater

mixing in flow paths within the three rock strata. Unfortunately, there are very few

papers that examine the stability of rock slope in limestone quarries from the point of

view of geochemistry. The objectives of this study are to elucidate the contributions of

water-rock interaction to slope stability in a limestone quarry, to classify groundwater

samples and their sources, and finally, to estimate possible mixing of groundwaters

between rock layers and predict possible sensitive zones affecting rock slopes by using

geochemical models and statistical analyses.

Groundwater monitoring of an open-pit limestone quarry: groundwater

characteristics, evolution and their connections to rock slopes

By Khy Eam Eang 1, Toshifumi Igarashi 2, Ryota Fujinaga 3, Megumi Kondo 4, Carlito

Baltazar Tabelin 5

Abstract

Groundwater flow and its geochemical evolution in mines are important not only

in the study of contaminant migration but also in the effective planning of excavation.

The effects of groundwater on the stability of rock slopes and other mine constructions

especially in limestone quarries are crucial because calcite, the major mineral

component of limestone, is moderately soluble in water. In this study, evolution of

groundwater in a limestone quarry located in Chichibu city was monitored to understand

the geochemical processes occurring within the rock strata of the quarry and changes in

the chemistry of groundwater, which suggests zones of deformations that may affect the

stability of rock slopes. There are three distinct geological formations in the quarry:

limestone layer, interbedded layer of limestone and slaty greenstone, and slaty

greenstone layer as basement rock. Although the hydrochemical facies of all

groundwater samples were Ca-HCO3 type water, changes in the geochemical

properties of groundwater from the three geological formations were observed. In

particular, significant changes in the chemical properties of several groundwater

samples along the interbedded layer were observed, which could be attributed to the

14
mixing of groundwater from the limestone and slaty greenstone layers. On the rainy

day, the concentrations of Ca2+ and HCO3- in the groundwater fluctuated notably, and

the groundwater flowing along the interbedded layer was dominated by groundwater

from the limestone layer. These suggest that groundwater along the interbedded layer

may affect the stability of rock slopes.

Review of Related Literature

Potential Environmental Impacts of Quarrying Stone in Karst—

A Literature Review

By William H. Langer

Introduction

Limestone, dolomite, and marble - the carbonate rocks - are the principal karst-

forming rocks. Karst is a type of topography that is formed on limestone, gypsum, and

other rocks by dissolution that is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground

drainage regions. Karst areas constitute about 10 percent of the land surface of the

world (fig. 1) (Drew, 1999), and there is widespread concern for the effects that human

activities have upon the karst environment. Much of the concern is motivated by the

adverse environmental impacts of previous human activities in karst areas and the

effects that those impacts have had on the quality of life. Many human activities can

negatively impact karst areas, including deforestation, agricultural practices,

urbanization, tourism, military activities, water exploitation, mining, and quarrying (Drew,

1999) (fig. 2). Minerals associated with karst have been exploited for many years. Some

carbonate rocks contain valuable supplies of water, oil, and gas, may weather to form

bauxite deposits, and are associated with manganese and phosphate rock (guano).

Coal is often found within thick carbonate rock sequences. Like other rocks, karst rocks

may host ore deposits containing lead, zinc, iron, and gold. Much of the resource

extraction conducted in areas of karst is for the rock itself. Unweathered carbonate

rocks provide crushed stone and dimension stone resources. The term “crushed stone”

refers to the product resulting from the crushing of rocks such that substantially all faces

are created by the crushing operation (ASTM, 2000). The term “dimension stone” is

15
generally applied to masses of stone, either naturally occurring or prepared for use in

the form of blocks of speci fied shapes and sizes, that may or may not have one or

more mechanically dressed surface (Bowles, 1939: ASTM, 1998). Carbonate rocks

provide dimension stone, aggregate resources, and raw materials for cement and other

industrial and agricultural uses. Over 70 percent of crushed stone produced in the

United States is made from carbonate rock. The products derived from carbonate rocks

provide essential materials for society –materials that we need to maintain our current

standard of living. Quarrying1 carbonate rocks for use as crushed stone and dimension

stone can be accomplished with no signi ficant impacts to the environment, if done

carefully and within the limits set by nature. However, if proper precautions are not

taken many human activities in karst, including extraction of carbonate rocks, can result

in damage to the environment and associated increases in costs for environmental

compliance or liability.

Environmental impact analysis of quarrying activities established on and near a

river bed by using remotely sensed data

By Orkan Ozcan1,*, Nebiye Musaoglu2 and Dursun Zafer Seker2

Abstract

Several serious environmental impacts related to quar-rying activities on and

near the river, such as vibrations, land degradation, land subsidence and landslides,

water pollution, occupational noise pollution, and air pollution, will lead to health-related

problems and loss of biodiversity. Quarrying operations can adversely alter pre-existing

ecosystems, and change hydrogeological and hydrological regimes. This adverse

influence of stone and sand quarry-ing induces damage in property, depletion of ground

wa-ter, loss of fertile topsoil, degradation of forests, deterioration in aquatic biodiversity

and public health. On the other hand, haphazard quarrying of sand from riverbeds may

cause a rapid change in bed configuration in response to the changes in flow.

Quarrying basically destroys landscape. This can lead to downstream movement,

scouring, or accumulation of sediment while provoking shoreline erosion. When

riverbeds are composed of sand, this on-going pattern of erosion and deposition causes

16
meanders to progress slowly downstream in time. In this study; change detection and

environmental im-pacts due to stone and sand quarrying activities in the wa-tershed

area have been determined and evaluated using multi temporal Landsat 5 TM satellite

images that were verified with ground truth data. These time series data on the extent of

land in eco-sensitive areas were examined to assess the impact on environment. At the

end of the study, thematic maps of the affected areas were created by using appropriate

visualization and classification techniques in conjunction with geographical information

system. Consequently, the changes on the mouth of the river were investigated by the

impact analyses of quarrying activities established on and near upstream of the

riverbed. Owing to this, a considerable extension in the shoreline around 400 m was

observed on the river mouth in the study area.

Introduction

Environmental changes caused by mankind’s exploi-tation, and development of

natural water and soil re-sources have long been a severe problem in the world [1].

Quarrying activities have an important influence to ecological environment [2]. They

have had a series of serious environmental-geological problems to the socio-economic

development and urban modernization process, such as increased environmental

pollution, soil erosion, destruction of landscape aesthetics, patterns and integrity,

groundwater seepage fluctuations and consequent natural habitat-induced geological

disasters [3, 4]. Baraldi and others [5] observed that the main envi-ronmental

modifications caused by quarries were creation of regular-shaped depressions, minor

isolated artificial relief, creation of artificial ponds, partial or total destruction of fluvial

terraces, erosion and instability of quarry scarps, depression of piezometric surface,

alteration of groundwater flow direction, formation of periodically flooded areas, per-

manent removal of areas from farming use, alteration of farming practices, and changes

to the pedological character-istics of soil. The discharge of freshwater and sediment

from rivers into the seas has been drastically reduced over the last few decades as a

result of damming and agricultural irrigation [6], leading to coastal erosion. Erosion and

sedimentation are natural processes, but often are in conflict with the use of the

shoreline. The most noticeable problem created by erosion is the loss of waterfront

property. Human activities along shore-lines and throughout watersheds can bring

17
about changes that greatly accelerate the natural erosional process, often with profound

environmental or economic impacts. Mor-ton [7] showed that natural processes and

human activities were responsible for shoreline changes.

There are several reasons that decrease the sediment load brought by rivers to

the coast. The most important of these are the construction of dams and engineering

works along the rivers. Dams intercept almost all the sediment brought from upstream

sections. Furthermore, by modifying the water discharge to make it more uniform, the

sediment transport downstream of a dam is altered while reducing its efficiency.

Previous studies have revealed impacts including: erosion of the delta coastline related

mainly to water and sediment ab-straction by damming [8]. In addition to damming of

rivers, alterations of the flow regimes by diversions, engineering works, modifica-tion of

the discharge rates and patters are also responsible for the decreased sediment loads

brought to the coast, and thus for coastal erosion. Another major cause for decreased

sediment input to the coast and the consequent erosion is sand and gravel quarries

located along the active riverbeds. This activity is usually not allowed from the coast, but

sig-nificance of mining from riverbeds is often overlooked [9]. Shorelines shrink in size

when manmade features like dams and quarrying activities have been established on

and along rivers, or other bodies of water that stop new sand from naturally nourishing

the sea coast. According to Berger and Iams [10] geo-indicators such as shoreline

position can be used to assess environmental changes and measure the integrity,

stability and sustainability of the biological and physical environment. Remote sensing

(RS) is one of the most preferred and reliable methods in monitoring and managing

environment and resources [11, 12]. Remote sensing data can be used in

environmental monitoring programs where the objective is to monitor changes in

surface phenomena over time [13]. RS technology in recent years has proved to be of

great importance in acquiring data for effective resources management and, hence,

could be applied to coastal envi-ronment monitoring and management [14]. Based on

remote sensing, a variety of data pertaining to the coastal zone, such as shoreline

changes, can be monitored and relevant observations can be made that will help in the

management of effective coastal ecosystem. Monitoring and controlling these changes

have been difficult due to exorbitant expenses and lengthy time peri-ods in producing

18
reliable and up-to-date mapping. Besides, a successful monitoring approach for

evaluating surface quarrying processes and their dynamics at a regional scale requires

observations with frequent temporal coverage over a long period of time to differentiate

natural changes from those associated with human activities [15]. On the other hand,

visualization of the processed re-motely sensed data by using effective tools and

techniques provides significant benefits for the users from different environmental

sciences. For detection of land use/cover change, multi tempo-ral data of Landsat 5 TM

were found to be more suitable for: (1) the identification of quarrying areas established

on and near the river bed, (2) its environmental impact analy-sis on shoreline, (3)

mapping the regeneration/ regrowth of quarrying areas, and (4) tracing major changes

in land cover. Furthermore, the application of Geographical In-formation System (GIS)

in analyzing the trends and esti-mating the changes that have occurred in different

themes helps in management decision-making processes. Digital spatial data analysis

and mapping; remote sensing and GIS are widely applied in environmental and natural

resources monitoring [16, 17]. This study is carried out in order to assess the land

cover/ use change on upstream and downstream sections of the Sakarya River by

means of multi-temporal satellite images via monitoring the variations in the shoreline

due to quarrying activities and its impacts on environment. The used method depends

on the comparative analysis of inde-pendently classified four Landsat 5 TM images in

GIS en-vironment for both upstream and downstream section.

Do Limestone Quarries Act as “Engineered Sinkholes”? Analysis of Exfiltration of

Groundwater from Limestone Quarries in the Boone Formation, Ozark

Physiographic Province, Arkansas, USA

By Noel Turner University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Abstract

Limestone quarries are a source of construction materials that are utilized in our

everyday lives. Karst landscapes cover up to 15 percent of the Earth’s surface, and

limestone quarries are found in these environmentally sensitive regions where

groundwater and surface-water interactions are dynamic and complex. Several studies

19
have provided conceptual models of groundwater flow to and out of quarries. The goal

of this research was to describe the geochemistry of water exfiltration from limestone

quarries in karst regions via joints, fractures, faulting, or karst features and to determine

if limestone quarries are “engineered sinkholes”; that is to say: did quarries, by nature of

removal of overlying regolith and subsequent excavation into bedrock, act to increase

infiltration into karst groundwater systems, potentially effecting some influence on

groundwater chemistry? Water chemistry, water stable isotopes and dye trace data

were used as means for characterizing groundwater flow out of and near limestone

quarries. Connections between quarries and nearby springs were established based on

evaporation indicated by water isotopes and similar trends in nitrate, calcium, chloride,

and other water chemistry characteristics data. The dye trace conducted did not prove a

connection between a dry quarry and nearby springs during the study period, further

highlighting the complexities of groundwater flow in karst landscapes. Nitrate, pH,

calcium, and alkalinity water chemistry characteristics between springs near quarries

and springs near sinkholes were statistically different indicating that the differences in

soil cover may have a great impact on water chemistry and nutrient transport. Because

of the differences between sinkholes and quarries, applications of geologic time were

considered for the formation of soil and karst features at active, dry, and lake quarry

sites. Groundwater is flowing out of limestone quarries in karst landscapes via joints,

fractures, and conduits even though signatures of quarry water was not found in all of

the monitored springs. The data from this study suggests that a deeper, regional

groundwater flow path into large springs and spring-fed streams is the likely output of

water from limestone quarries in karst landscapes.

Community Controversy Over a Proposed Limestone Quarry

By SEZER GÖNCÜOĞLU ESER &A. E. LULOFF

Abstract

Controversies over natural resource use often reflect differences in how urban

inmigrants and established residents view the natural environment. One such

disagreement took place in Haines Township, PA, over a proposed limestone quarry.

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 The quarry dispute revealed an internal division between newcomers and old timers of

the community. Some newcomers were concerned that operation of the quarry would

deteriorate the quality of life in the community, and organized to stop it. At the same

time, a small group supported the quarry. The majority of residents did not get involved

in the issue. This study presents a qualitative account of the quarry dispute in Haines

Township. Findings are consistent with the notion that rural newcomers of urban origin

differ from established residents in their attitudes toward natural resource use.

Evaluating the impact of quarrying on karst aquifers of Salento (southern Italy)

By M. Delle Rose, M. Parise and G. F. Andrian

Abstract

This paper describes a case study in the Salento karst (Apulia, southern Italy) in

a site that has been intensively used to quarry limestones in the last 30 years. After

quarrying activity had stopped, the site was transformed into legal and illegal landfills

where solid and liquid wastes have been repeatedly dumped, with serious

consequences for the groundwater resources. In this paper, through a geological,

petrographical and hydrogeological approach, we attempt to assess the consequences

of the anthropogenic activities on the local hydrogeology, with particular regard to the

surficial aquifer that is contained in the Plio-Quaternary calcarenites cropping out in the

area. Application of some well-known methods to assess the vulnerability of aquifer

systems to contamination by human activities (DRASTIC, SINTACS, LeGrand and

GOD) highlights the limits of such an approach in karst environment, and the necessity

to include in the methods data strictly related to the peculiarity of karst. This is further

evidenced by application of the EPIK method, specifically designed for karst areas. The

final part of the paper focuses on the need of a thorough understanding of the

hydrogeological setting for a better management and policy action of karst

environments.

State of the Art

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 According to my gathered data, the operating limestone quarry in Palanog,

Camalig Albay has an influence to the ground water quality to the nearby barangays

surrounding the mine site. Although, the specific influences to the ground water quality

is not yet known, if it is either considered as harmful or beneficial for the reason that

many barangays are surrounding the area.

Theoretical Framework

Existing Influence

Beneficial Influence Influence to ground water

Negative Influence

Conceptual Framework

Identifying Analysis and

Formulation of
Source and Data Interpretation
the Problem
Technique Gathering of Data

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