All products produced by Hillhouse Quarry are tested in the Company laboratory which is U.K.A.S. approved to the United Kingdom Accreditation System for concrete testing. Asphalt and Macadam mixes are tested frequently in the laboratory to ensure quality standards are continually maintained. These are third party accredited by BSI.
In another section of the laboratory, daily concrete tests are undertaken from ready mix production to ensure compliance with the Q.S.R.M.C. regulatioons.

In addition to the above, routine tests are also carried out on stone products and incoming raw materials, to ensure quality is being maintained at each step of the production process.
The Hillhouse Environmental Policy maintains that mineral extraction, processing, delivery and restoration is carried out in a manner which minimises effects on the environment. Wherever possible the Company operates to environmental standards higher than those required by law, regulation, codes of practice and guidance notes.
Under the Q.P.A. Environmental Code, Hillhouse has introduced a regular in-company monitoring system to check both on compliance with legislation and procedures to provide a better standard of environmental on-site performancce.

The Hillhouse Group operate under authorisation issued by the Scottish Environmental Agency SEPA. Surface water is treated by sieving out suspended solids before discharge from the site. This treated water is used for dust suppression and in the production process where possible to reduce mains water demand.
The treatment area for the water provides a water habitat for wildlife and plants. The Coating Plants are fitted with 'bag house' type filters, and the recovered dust is used in the mix designs.

The development of the quarry has increased the biodiversity of the area and is home to a wide range of plants and animals that are not found outside the quarry boundaary.

 
 
 

 

Statement of Environmental Policy

The company's environmental policy has the following aims:

  • to carry out the business of mineral extraction, processing, delivery and restoration in a manner which minimizes adverse affects upon the environment and public health;
  • to ensure that all elements of the environment affected by the Company's activities undergo the minimum amount of interference;
  • to protect the environment in the vicinity of the Company's activities;
  • to ensure that all Company facilities are constructed to the highest appropriate standards, and they function correctly;
  • to operate, wherever practical, to standards higher than those required by law, regulation, codes of practice and guidance notes;
  • to ensure that all their employees perform their duties in a manner consistent with these environmental policy objectives
  • to conserve resources by maximising the recovery of energy and materials from the waste when economically viable.

G.A.H. Muir

Managing Director