Environmental Background in Apricena Quarries (Apulia, Southern Italy)

This paper, which originates from a systematic elaboration of the available data, aims to provide a detailed overview of the resources of ornamental stone quarried in the Apricena-Poggio Imperiale basin. After describing the general geological and geomorphological features of the basin, the results of a detailed survey of stratigraphic successions are provided, which enable different sectors of the basin to be defined more clearly. Quarrying techniques, stone processing methods and the use made of several types of Apricena stone and marble are also illustrated here. The closure of a quarry due to defects in the quality of the exploited stone, which may become apparent during the quarrying process, is without doubt one of the most significant aspects which contribute to an adverse impact on the environment. It therefore becomes obvious that the preliminary geotechnical and geological surveys are of crucial importance in order to optimize exploitation of the deposits. In addition the preliminary studies also help to reduce or minimize any environmental impact that may result from the quarrying procedures and/or the closure of the quarry. The proliferation of quarries in the Apricena-Poggio Imperiale basin has resulted in irreversible changes in the ecology of the landscape, damage to morphological structures, interference with groundwater circulation and the presence of widespread waste dumps. Detailed analytical study of the cartography has underlined an unsuitability of the regional regulations which authorize or prohibit quarrying activity with very little proper consideration of the geological and naturalistic profile of the quarries.