We are concerned residents…

We are concerned residents of Township Road 12, specifically about gravel trucks going to and from the R & R Sand and Gravel Pit. We take no issue with the operation of the pit. However, the number of trucks and frequency at which they pass our and our neighbours homes has increased substantially over the last three years. We and other neighbours are very close to the road (approximately 60 feet). Others are even closer. We are subject to vibration, noise and fugitive dust - a known carcinogen. Documentation attached.

The Township does apply calcium in the spring but with the number of trucks, the speed of the trucks and dry conditions, the dust is extreme not long after application. Please see attached photos. We experience extreme dust in the winter also. It covers our homes, lawns, hay fields and other neighbours crops. We will not be able to feed our hay to our horses. Who is going to compensate us and purchase clean hay for us now? When we cut our grass, the lawn mower stirs up clouds of dust that surround us.

We have been intimidated by truck drivers. Township Road 12 is a narrow gravel road with four blind rises. We no longer feel safe venturing out onto the road especially with farm equipment, horses, bikes or to walk dogs. Many people have experienced trucks going past without slowing down, even a couple walking being hit with stones. The Township has reduced the speed to 60km from 80km which has been somewhat helpful. But without policing the speeds creep up after warnings from the Gravel Pit owner wear off.

To the heart of the matter, we need a formal haul route established. There is no reason why the trucks can't stay on Oxford Road 8 and turn right at the Bright main intersection and go down Road 22 to the Pit. All paved roads. The end of Township Road 12 was widened a number of years ago so that the trucks can safely make wide turns. The Pit is right at that end of Road 12. The same route back was to be taken.

We had a verbal commitment at a Township meeting in 2017 from the Township and the Gravel Pit owner that this would be the route taken by the trucks unless there was a reason they could not. The difference in distance is negligible and they can travel much faster on the highway (Oxford 8).

We do not feel the Aggregate Act was adhered to by our Township and R & R Sand and Gravel. We would like to refer to section 12 . . .

"The Minister or the Tribunal" as far as defined is someone in a Ministry position, Tribunal is by definition someone with expertise to assess and act on a condition of a dispute (in this case the Pit operating license) and could be one of our Township officials like a Director of Operations (covers use of roads). They should have presumed there would be an issue with truck traffic when R & R Sand and Gravel took over with the intent to escalated extraction. We have no problem with a Pit, just the haul route.

Here is the section from the Aggregate Resources Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. A.8

Of note . . . (h) the main haulage routes and proposed truck traffic to and from the site;
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Matters to be considered

12 (1) In considering whether a licence should be issued or refused, the Minister or the Tribunal, as the case may be, shall have regard to,

(a) the effect of the operation of the pit or quarry on the environment;

(b) the effect of the operation of the pit or quarry on nearby communities;

(c) any comments provided by a municipality in which the site is located;

(d) the suitability of the progressive rehabilitation and final rehabilitation plans for the site;

(e) any possible effects on ground and surface water resources including on drinking water sources;

(f) any possible effects of the operation of the pit or quarry on agricultural resources;

(g) any planning and land use considerations;

(h) the main haulage routes and proposed truck traffic to and from the site;

(i) the quality and quantity of the aggregate on the site;

(j) the applicant’s history of compliance with this Act and the regulations, if a licence or permit has previously been issued to the applicant under this Act or a predecessor of this Act; and

(k) such other matters as are considered appropriate. R.S.O. 1990, c. A.8, s. 12; 1996, c. 30, s. 9 (1, 2); 2002, c. 17, Sched. F, Table; 2017, c. 6, Sched. 1, s. 11 (1); 2017, c. 23, Sched. 5, s. 2; 2021, c. 4, Sched. 6, s. 30 (1)._
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The Township needs to act on our behalf. It has been made clear by Provincial Offices that the Township can make any road restriction necessary. We are questioning why the Township didn't get the haul route in writing as part of the Operating License. Also, we can't see why this cannot be rectified or agreed upon.

There is an annual checklist that the Pit has to complete. One of the points is "C21 Haul Routes( external/any specific conditions or restrictions) ". We are thinking the pit doesn't have to comply on this point, "C21", because the Township was not firm on their stance about a haul route being documented. Please see the form attached.

We are submitting our concerns with the hope that an official haul route will allow everyone concerned on our road to live less stressful and healthy lives going forward.
Thank you