Donald W. Carss - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Description of instrument

Don Carss applied for a Class ‘A’ licence (Category 1 – Pit Below Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit of 12.6 hectares in size. This application is for the establishment of a new pit. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 400,000 tonnes.

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.

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 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
• Natural Environment Level 1 & 2
• Cultural Heritage Level 1 & 2
• Hydrogeological Level 1 & 2
• 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.

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 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 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 EBR 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 ARA. To be considered as a formal objector, individuals need to contact the MNRF 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 delivered to landowners within 120 metres 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 appeared in the local paper, the Ottawa Citizen on March 14, 2016. A public information session was held on April 12, 2016 between 6:30 and 8:30 pm at the Kinburn Community Center, 3045 Kinburn Side Road, Kinburn, Ontario.

The application for this proposal was circulated within the MNRF Kemptville District office. Additionally, notification of this application was forwarded to the City of Ottawa, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs, Hydro One Networks Inc. and the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority for comment.