MPA Good Neighbour Scheme Engaging & Building Trust with Local Communities

NIGEL JACKSON, (RETIRED), CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MINERAL PRODUCTS ASSOCIATION NI

The MPA represents the interests of the mineral and mineral products industry. Over the last 25 years the industry has established a proven track record in operating sites to higher technical and environmental standards.

The external appearance, the effect of site and installation, operations and the distribution activity they generate, matters to local communities and the industry operates to planning permissions, environmental permits and other statutory and voluntary controls to ensure that those effects are minimised and mitigated. It is vital that the industry is not only seen to do what is required of it, but when it commits to do something, it delivers on those commitments. Building trust in this way can help improve perceptions of the industry and help operators develop and maintain a track record that may assist them when seeking future planning permissions and permits. In the MPA Charter the MPA’s vision for 2025 states that the industry wishes: “to be valued as an essential and economically, socially and environmentally sustainable industry of significance to the economy and our way of life”

Nigel Jackson.

And perceived as:

・Cohesive and well organised, responsible and accountable

・Creative, collaborative and outward looking

・Professional and competent, setting high standards to retain and attract new people, reflecting UK diversity ・Innovative, embracing the use of best available technology and sharing best practice ・Engaging constructively and strategically with Government, regulators, local communities and other stakeholders.

The Scheme responds to one of MPA’s 7 Strategic Priorities relating to People and its objective for Local Communities ie “to engage fully with local communities and strive to be good neighbours.” We believe that the MPA Good Neighbour Scheme will assist with the delivery of the MPA Charter, and in meeting our objective for Local Communities, thereby supporting the achievement of the MPA Vision.

Such a Scheme can set out what operators expect of themselves and make clear to local communities and others what is reasonable for them to expect from the industry “on the ground”. We firmly believe that by engaging more the industry can build trust with local communities.

Conformity with planning and permitting conditions and schemes is the baseline for acceptable operational performance. Consideration should be given to forming a Community Engagement Plan in accordance with MPA guidance. Forming a local community liaison group is, however it is recognised that this is not always necessary or appropriate.

Our Scheme consists of the following elements: ・A proposed MPA Community Engagement Plan template for use as required. ・A suite of banners and signs that members are encouraged to install in and around sites to demonstrate their support for the Scheme. ・The A4/A3 poster for internal use, outlining your site/’s commitment to the Scheme which should be placed within internal offices and on company notice boards. ・A proposed ‘How Are We Doing?’ and Community Response checklist of the features of the Scheme to assess how the local community perceives the site has performed in a particular year, ideally completed at the year end.

The Mineral Products Association is the trade association for the aggregates, asphalt, cement, concrete, dimension stone, lime, mortar and silica sand industries.

The Features of the Scheme

Public Safety

Protect the general public around active operations, on disused sites and in the transportation and use of products.

External Appearance

Site perimeter is clear, fenced, walled or protected effectively, and maintained. Ensure site is well restored or left in good condition.

Site Entrance Signage

Install an entrance sign detailing the name of the company, the site manager or main company contact and relevant contact details.

Site Entrance

Ensure that the entrance to the site and its environs are clean, tidy and well maintained, well signposted and kept free of mud and dust.

Site Roads

Maintain clean and well drained site roads, kept free from mud and dust, signposted with appropriate speed limits.

Plant and Stocking Areas

Ensure that the processing plant and stocking areas are tidy, well drained and visual impacts mitigated.

Traffic

Ensure traffic to and from the site is sheeted, speed limits observed, and minimise hazards and risk to other road users and pedestrians.

Noise and Vibration

Select, maintain and locate plant and machinery so that effects of noise and vibration on the environment and local community are minimised.

Dust

Ensure that dust emissions are managed within the site to prevent fugitive dust impacting neighbours.

Water

Minimise the abstraction and discharge of water and suspended solids and manage drainage flows across the site effectively.

Complaints

Ensure all complaints are recorded, and justifiable complaints are actioned, monitored and tracked.

Office Facilities

Maintain in good repair/clean condition, clearly marked / safely located parking areas, site records and documents are up to date.

Community Engagement

Consider the need for a community engagement plan.