Q: Use Oro Moraine Wetland…

Q: Use Oro Moraine Wetland/Groundwater to wash gravel?
A: No. According to the Ontario Government it doesn’t make sense.

Why set out guidelines to protect water and habitat around gravel pits/quarries, only to have the aggregate company destroy the wetlands nearby by pumping water to wash its product? Gravel?

The Aggregate Resources of Ontario: Technical Reports and Information Standards, August 2020

The report states that the applicant for aggregate permits must produce, among other requirements, a Natural Environmental Report - which would cite impact on “significant wetlands, significant woodlands, fish habitat and threatened/endangered species” which would exist on/near the site. Not to mention “areas of natural and scientific interest”. The Oro Moraine qualifies as such, but it is only the water source, not the permit site.

If any of the above areas are identified within 120 metres of the site, the report must evaluate any negative impacts on the natural features. Then propose preventative, mitigative and remedial measures. How about this prevention. To not affect the Oro Moraine, do not take ANY water.

In addition, the permit requires, if excavating below the maximum predicted water table the aggregate producer must complete a Water Report to determine the potential for impacts to ground water and surface water resources. Thus in producing the aggregate the producer must determine if impacts will be made on water BUT to clean the product an application to destroy ground water in the Oro Moraine has be submitted. Nonsensical!

The Report must also identify if the site is located within a natural heritage system or a provincial plan. The Lake Simcoe Protection Plan is such a provincial plan and the Oro Moraine directly impacts Lake Simcoe with its numerous streams draining into the lake.

Why would this permit be approved that would impact wetlands, species, the Oro Moraine AND Lake Simcoe?
DO NOT approve this permit. Please.