Harold Sutherland Construction Ltd. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Harold Sutherland Construction Ltd. has applied for a Class A licence (Category 2 – Quarry Below Water) to excavate aggregate from a quarry of 15.55 hectares (ha) in size with an extraction area of 14.3 hectares.  This application is for the establishment of a new quarry. The maximum annual tonnage applied for is 400,000 tonnes, in combination with the existing quarry.

Other information

The extraction of aggregate from a pit or quarry on private land designated by regulation, in the Province of Ontario, requires the issuance of a licence.  The Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards Version 1 (Provincial Standards) sets out the application process and requirements.   A link to the Provincial Standards for proposed pits and quarries is provided in the notice.

For each new licence, the applicant must provide information (site plan, summary statement, technical reports) with respect to the existing features, operation and rehabilitation of the site to demonstrate that the proposed operation will minimize adverse impact on the environment. This information is prepared in accordance with the category being applied for under the Provincial Standards.

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

• Site plan
• Summary Statement (June 2019)
• Natural Environment (Level 1 + 2)
• Cultural Heritage (combined Stage 1 +2)
• Hydrogeological (Level 1 and 2)
• Archaeological Assessment (Stage 1 and 2)
• Blasting Study
• Noise Impact Study

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.

The Summary Statement includes information on one or more of the following considerations:  land use planning, agricultural classification, quality and quantity of aggregate, haul routes, truck traffic and entrance permits, progressive and final rehabilitation, surface water, and elevation of the established groundwater table.

The Natural Environment report determines the presence of significant natural heritage features/areas and fish habitat and ensures that any necessary preventative, mitigative or remedial measures are undertaken for their protection. A Level 1 report identifies if the features are on-site or within 120 meters of the site.  If features are identified, then an impact assessment (Natural Environment Level 2 report) is prepared to determine any negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions, and any proposed preventative, mitigative or remedial measures.

The purpose of a Cultural Heritage Resources report is to ensure that significant archaeological resources are identified, assessed for their significance, and protected (preserved or collected).

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.

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 meters (for pit applications) of a sensitive receptor defined by the Provincial Standards.  The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

A Blast Design report is prepared if a sensitive receptor, defined by the Provincial Standards, is based within 500 metres of the limit of extraction for a quarry application.  The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

Comments received through the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the Aggregate Resources Act in accordance with section 4.0 – Notification and Consultation Standards of the Provincial Standards 1.0 under the Aggregate Resources Act.  To be considered as a formal objector, individuals need to contact the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry person specified on this notice to determine how to submit an objection.

Other public consultation opportunities

As specified in the Aggregate Resources Act, written notice concerning this application was sent via registered mail or hand delivery to landowners within 120 meters of the proposed licenced boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Notice of Application has appeared in the local paper, the Owen Sound Sun Times, on September 28, 2019.  A public information session was held on October 24, 2019 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Lab Boardroom of Harold Sutherland Construction at 323554 East Linton Road West in the Township of Georgian Bluffs.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry - Midhurst District and Owen Sound field offices.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Township of Georgian Bluffs, the County of Grey, Grey Sauble Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for comment.