AL HB578

Alabama Department of Environmental Management cannot process new air or National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for quarries beginning October 1, 2025, without local government siting approval.

Local governments must evaluate quarry proposals by considering a comprehensive use plan, traffic impact study, infrastructure impact report, noise study, reclamation plan, and community advisory plan submitted by the operator.

Quarry sites must be at least 250 contiguous acres with minimum 100-foot setbacks from the perimeter, and local governments must hold a public hearing with at least 30 days' notice before deciding approval within 30 days.

Local governments that approve a quarry must establish an advisory board with at least five residents, including an elected official, residential property owner, and business owner in close proximity, meeting quarterly to receive operator reports.

Bill becomes effective October 1, 2025, and does not apply to applications submitted before that date or expansion permits for previously permitted quarries.