Please accept the following…

Please accept the following as our comments regarding the above-noted application under the Aggregate Resources Act. Our property borders the current active gravel pit directly to the north of the proposed “Utica Pit” which is why we have taken an interest in this application and are submitting comments. Currently there is a berm that runs along the southern border of our property (approximately 650 feet deep) which separates our property from the current active pit to the north of the proposed Utica Pit. This berm provides a visual barrier as well as some protection from dust and noise. In the past we have experienced dust emissions from the current pit as well as noise starting as early as 5:45 a.m and on one occasion as late as 9:00 p.m. It is our understanding that the berm that currently separates our property from the active pit can be removed and used to rehabilitate the pit. We object to the removal of this berm and would like it to remain to mitigate potential impacts and to provide a visual barrier to the new proposed pit. In addition, part of the southern face of the existing berm has been removed which may affect the stability of the berm. We would like to see the slope regraded along with the planting of appropriate vegetation and trees to help prevent erosion of the berm and enhance the visual barrier the berm provides and mitigate off-site impacts. We note that the Hydrogeologic Assessment submitted by Genivar states that , “no negative effects to the groundwater quality or quantity are predicted and the water available for domestic water supply wells will not be negatively affected by the proposed pit”. The report also states that, “The proposed Utica pit is located within an area of land that forms a recharge zone for groundwater and that is identified as a high aquifer vulnerability area.” Given that the proposed pit is located in an area that forms a recharge zone for groundwater and the groundwater is vulnerable to water quality impacts from land uses in the area why is on-site monitoring for potential groundwater contaminants (e.g. fuel from machinery and vehicles operated on the site) not proposed or required? We understand that the proposal for the Utica Pit is for operation from Monday to Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Given that there are residences within 120 metres of the proposed site, and other residences within 500 metres that may be impacted by the pit operation (increased traffic, dust, noise etc) despite the results of the studies completed to support the application perhaps operation from Monday to Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. could be considered as an alternative? In closing, we understand that aggregate pits are a valuable resource and appreciate that aggregate producers buy land in order to sell their product , however; we also would like to enjoy our property without impacts from neighbouring land uses.