EPD fines Toccoa rock quarry operator $10k

ATLANTA - A Toccoa rock quarry operator has been hit with a $10,000 fine from the state Environmental Protection Division.

Hanson Aggregates Southeast, Inc. violated the Surfacing Mining Land Use Plan (SMLUP by failing to use erosion and sedimentation (E&S) control measures at the Stephens County complex and for a 50-foot buffer encroachment.

Hanson was ordered to "immediately implement/maintain proper E&S controls to prevent further discharges to waters of the state; properly remove/remediate sediments and rocks from (a) tributary to North Fork Broad River; (and) provide revised SMLUP showing proposed alternative pond location and other sediment controls."

EPD says Hanson must do this "in lieu of proposed lake in (the) original approved plan."