Blueland Farms Limited - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Proposal updates

This notice was updated on February 13, 2023, 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.

This notice was updated on March 31, 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.  

Description of instrument

Blueland Farms Limited has applied for a Category 1 – Class A licence under the Aggregate Resource Act (ARA) to remove aggregate below the established water table. The proposed licence area is 25.97ha, with an extraction area of 20.75ha.

This application is for the establishment of a new pit. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 750,000 tonnes per year. It is proposed that all tonnage removed from the proposed licence and adjacent ARA licenses #6512 and #19073 will be combined for total annual tonnage of 1,800,000 tonnes.

Other information

Caledon Sand and Gravel Inc. currently operate the adjacent sites under the authority of licences #6512 and #19073 under the Aggregate Resources Act. The annual tonnage condition for these licenses is 1,800,000 tonnes.

If this application is approved, an amendment will be required to the tonnage condition authorized for ARA licences #6512 and #19073.

In the Province of Ontario, the extraction of aggregate from a pit or quarry on private land designated by regulation requires the issuance of a licence. The Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards Version 1 (Provincial Standards) sets out the application process and requirements.

For each new licence, the applicant must provide information (i.e. 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 impacts 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
• Natural Environment (Level 1 and 2)
• Hydrogeological (Level 1 and 2)
• Cultural Heritage (Stages 1-3)
• Noise Assessment

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (e.g. existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120m); the proposed operation (e.g. 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 metres of the site. If features are identified, then an impact assessment (i.e. 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.

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.

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

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 metres (for pit applications) or 500 metres (for quarry applications) of a sensitive receptor defined by the Provincial Standards. 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.