EBR Registry Number 012-0903…

EBR Registry Number 012-0903 On further reading of this gravel pit application and the accompanying reports, we would like to voice our additional concerns. The hydrogeological report as presented is too limited in its scope. More detailed reports need to be done regarding the impact this pit will have on the water table. (1) In particular, with the precipitation this winter, more complete studies need to be done THIS spring to have a baseline of the high water table level. An adjusted application would have to be made to reflect the water table throughout the year, not just at one or two times during the season. (2) There MUST be long-term testing and monitoring of the water table, not only in the proposed pit area, but also on the surrounding wells. Tests MUST include quality of the water in addition to levels in these wells. There should be quantifiable measurements on record PRIOR to any permits being granted. (3) There MUST be additional testing done to determine the underlying strata of this proposed pit, including Karst studies of the underlying geology. (e.g. as studies done after Walkerton well disaster) (4) There MUST also be studies done to ensure that this proposed pit does not negatively impact the water table and runoff into neighbouring areas. (5) There MUST be more reference made to the more up-to-date studies available especially as to the impacts on areas with high aquifer vulnerability. Removal of the overburden as proposed in this application would mean that contaminants would have the potential to enter the water table very, very quickly, with possibly disastrous results. In regards to the haulage route on Sideroad 60 to Berkeley, there are numerous wetlands along this roadway feeding into the Bell’s Lake Management Unit, a Provincially Significant Wetland. Ontario wetlands are already under tremendous pressure, and putting many more polluting trucks in this watershed will not improve the situation. It is our understanding that amphibians are the first to be affected by pollution, both water-borne and air-borne. Also, this roadway has very narrow shoulders, approximately 3 feet on either side. Turtles migrate across this road during breeding season, and also attempt to nest in the gravel. Since the natural defense is to retreat within their shells, one can understand that this strategy will not be successful with the dump trucks en route. There MUST be studies undertaken in order to ensure that the protection of these wetlands are maintained, and that there is no deterioration in habitat for the various wildlife found there. Losing more wetland is NOT an option. As well, there do not appear to be any studies done on adjacent properties regarding Species at Risk. This MUST be studied before the application may go forward. Air quality has also not been addressed in this application. There MUST be studies done to evaluate the potential for dust, particulates, and emissions from this pit, and its effect on Public Health and on the Environment. There should also be continual monitoring of air quality throughout the lifetime of this pit to ensure that the air quality meets the required standards. If the monitors register too high at any point, then the pit operation should be shut down until the air quality registers at a safe level. In addition to the above, there MUST also be a Traffic Safety Study done to adequately evaluate safety for the humans living in this area. Many people use this Sideroad for walking, cycling, horseback riding, and include all ages, from children to the elderly. The route should also be studied as to the impact on schoolbus traffic. If the roads are unsafe for the traffic projected, there is the danger of someone being injured or killed. One person being hurt or killed is one person too many. We appreciate your time in reading our concerns, and sincerely hope they will be taken seriously into consideration when dealing with this application.