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

Pioneer Construction Inc. has applied for a Class A licence (Category 1 & 2 – Pit and Quarry Below Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit and quarry of 27.8 hectares in size with an extraction area of 17.6 hectares.  A portion of the property is currently operated as a Class A pit above water under Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) Licence No. 7629.  This application is for the establishment of a pit and quarry operation below water.  The annual tonnage condition applied for is 195,350 tonnes.

Other information

Pioneer Construction Inc. also operates the adjacent site under the authority of Licence No. 7626 under the ARA.  In total 30.6 hectares are currently licenced as a pit and quarry.  The annual tonnage condition is 340,000 tonnes.

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 information has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment level 1 and 2
• Cultural Heritage level 1 (Stage 1 Archaeological Assessment)
• Hydrogeological level 1 and 2
• Noise Assessment (Acoustic Assessment Report)
• Blast Design (Blasting 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) or 500 meters (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 the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the ARA 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 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry person specified on this notice to determine how to submit an objection.

Public consultation opportunities

As specified in the ARA, written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 meters of the proposed licensed 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 Sault Star on March 23, 2021.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, application information and site plans are available for review at www.pioneerconstruction.ca/environmental-commitment/.  In place of an in-person Public Information Session, Pioneer Construction Inc. is available will be available from March 23, 2021 until May 8, 2021, excluding weekends, to discuss details and answer questions related to the application.  Please email or call Pioneer Construction Inc. between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm (705-688-4446 / cityquarry@pioneerconstruction.ca) to arrange a time for a phone call or virtual one-on-one meeting.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Sault Ste. Marie Region Conservation Authority and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for comment.