Environmental analysis of quarrying: An Israeli experience

Enis, R. and Shechter, M., 1974. Environmental analysis of quarrying: an Israeli experience. Landscape Plann., 1: 289-302. This paper is a brief summary of the comprehensive analysis and evaluation of six alternative quarry sites. A multidisciplinary team (comprised of geologist, ecologist and economist, sociologist, geographer, mining engineer, landscape planner) prepared an initial study consisting of a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the six sites, designed to assist the planning officials in choosing the optimal site. The sites studied were all potentially suitable for quarrying in terms of the geological quality of their raw materials. A cost-benefit analysis was chosen for evaluating the alternative sites quantitatively. This approach is based on the belief that land must be allocated to that use which yields the maximum net benefits to society - both at present and in the future. The qualitative evaluation was based on a set of explicitly stated criteria. This qualitative evaluation reflects the environmental effects of quarrying on land use, the influence on the area's ecological systems, and the degree to which each site is a visual intrusion in its surroundings; accordingly, the six alternative sites were rated on an ordinal scale. The qualitative ranking of the sites was integrated with the findings of the quantitative evaluations, resulting in a clear picture as to which site will have the least detrimental environmental impact.