The UAE’s Ministry of Environment and Water has suspended 14 crusher and quarry operations around the country for allegedly flouting environmental regulations.
The 14 operators were found to be in non-compliance with standards for maintenance of equipment and dust collectors, and the disposal of industrial waste, dust and fumes.
Saif Mohammed Al Shara, assistant under secretary of the external audit sector at the Ministry, said the plants found in violation will have to cease operations for one to three months and cannot resume work unless they meet the required standards. 
“The plants will also be closed permanently if they are found to be in violation for a third time,” he added, quoted by state news agency WAM.
The decision follows an evaluation of all crushers and quarries in the UAE for compliance with installation, management and operation regulations, Al Shara said.
The ministry’s external audit sector conducts an annual evaluation of the activities of crusher and quarry operators, during which it carries out scheduled and unannounced field visits to the facilities to monitor compliance with federal environmental laws.
The regulation divides facilities into four categories: A, B, C and D. Facilities in the D category have to stop activities until they meet all environmental requirements.
For facilities classified under Category C, the ministry will submit reports to the relevant local authorities so that they can notify the operators of the necessary measures to be implemented, Al Shara said. If after inspection, the companies are classified again in the same category, they will be at risk of closure.
