EUROVIA-Cesty a.s.

Objective

The conservation of protected birds is in the Vihorlat territory within a NATURA 2000 area. The next task is to create a water reservoir amidst the beautiful nature surrounding this mountain zone.

Context

This quarry was producing crushed aggregate for road construction for the neighborhood starting from 1959. The operation of the quarry was terminated in 2004 due to the changes of hydrogeological conditions of limestone deposits. By the fact that there was created a shaft (pit) quarry into which flow abundant underground but also rainfall water, there was formed a water reservoir. The reclamation programme is in the stage before completion and we focused our activities on the new afforestation and natural growth of original plants.

Locality Beňatina is not single protected area, but it is part of protected area named "Morské oko".

Solution

By completing the reclamation programme, it is intended to develop tourism and options for local recreation. A particularly attractive uniqueness of the former shaft quarry is the image of a whale on the wall that was discovered during mining works. This finding of a whale on the wall meant immediate suspension of limestone extraction in this part of the deposit (see the illustration).

The Old Quarry Beňatina is closed since 2003. It is now a leisure zone.

Result

The grounds of the former quarry are already being visited by tourists from far and wide where they seek peace and quiet. The local municipality managed among other things also the stock with fish in this water reservoir and thus sport fishermen can participate here in their activities.