Johnston Bros. (Bothwell) Limited - Changes to the site plan for a pit or quarry

Proposal updates

This notice was updated on September 28, 2021 to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of the proposal and it is still being considered. No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time.

Proposal information

Application has been made by Johnston Bros. (Bothwell) Limited to amend their site plan for the above noted licensed site to change the final depth of extraction from above the water table to below the water table. The depth of extraction onsite will change from 270 metres above sea level (masl) to 264 masl The final rehabilitation of the site is proposed to change from agricultural to a 10.15-hectare pond surrounded by agricultural use.

Other information

Johnston Bros. (Bothwell) Limited operates this site under the authority of Licence #608781 under the Aggregate Resources Act. Extraction is presently allowed above the water table only. In total 18.5 hectares are currently licenced as a pit. The annual tonnage condition is 250,000 tonnes.

For this proposal, the following are available for viewing at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office listed below:

• Revised Site plan
• Hydrogeological report (Level 1 and 2)

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 meters); the proposed operation (shape, dimensions, area and depth to be excavated, method of extraction); and progressive and final rehabilitation.

A Hydrogeological Level 1 report is a preliminary evaluation to determine the final extraction depth relative to the established groundwater table(s) and the potential for adverse effects to groundwater and surface water resources and their uses. If the Level 1 report identifies a potential adverse effect resulting from the operation, then an impact assessment (Level 2 report) is required to determine the significance of the effect and the feasibility of mitigation.

Other public consultation

As specified in the Aggregate Resources Act, written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 metres of the proposed licenced boundary; an information sign giving notice to the public of this proposed amendment was erected at the site. A Notice of Proposed Site Plan Amendment appeared in the Dorchester Signpost on July 17, 2019. A Public Information Session will be held August 8, 2019 between the hours of 10 am to 12 pm at the Flight Exec Centre, 2066 Dorchester Road, Dorchester, Ontario.

The proposal request for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry Aylmer District office. Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Municipality of Thames Centre, County of Middlesex, the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs, and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for comment.