Upper Canada Minerals, Inc. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Upper Canada Minerals Inc has applied for a Class A licence (Category 4 - Quarry Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a site 22.63 hectares in size.  This application is an expansion to the Chocolate Quarry licensed to Upper Canada Minerals Inc.

It is proposed that all tonnage removed from the proposed licence and adjacent Aggregate Resources Act licence #625197 will be combined for total annual tonnage of 165,000 tonnes.

Other Information 

Upper Canada Minerals Inc. currently operates the adjacent site under the authority of licence #625197 under the Aggregate Resources Act.  In total 20.31 hectares are currently licenced as a pit/quarry.  The annual tonnage condition is 165,000 tonnes.

If this application is approved, an amendment will be required to the tonnage condition authorized for Aggregate Resources Act licence #625197.

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 (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 from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry contact:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Report (Levels 1&2)
• Cultural Heritage Report (Stages 1&2)
• Hydrogeological Report (Levels 1)
• Noise Impact Assessment

The Site Plan addresses the existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 metres); 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 (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.

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. 

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 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 MNRF person specified on this notice to determine how to submit an objection.

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 newspaper, the Community Press, on September 17, 2020.  A public information session will be held on October 14, 2020 at the Madoc Township Recreation Centre between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.at 15651 Highway 62, Madoc, Ontario.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry.  Additionally, notification of this application has been circulated to the Township of Madoc, County of Hastings, Quite Conservation, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs, Ministry of the Environment Conservation & Parks and Ministry of Transportation.