Below is a list of my…

Below is a list of my concerns regarding the Hallman Pit that I hope is considered.

Hydrogeological report not sufficient according to experts- I am concerned about the few wells and testing areas that were used to determine results for the hydrogeological studies. I am also concerned that only one well that will be monitored by the company on the land is also the well with the lowest nitrate levels. There is inadequate data to fully determine the depth of the water table as well. More data and information is needed.

Wash ponds- the wash ponds put the wetlands on the property and connecting properties at risk. There already are many nitrates on the land due to the heaving farming that was done previously. With flooding, increased rainfall and the wash pond activity increase the risk of nitrates and other contaminants being put into contact with the wetlands and getting into the water system. This area is a Source Water Protected Area and protected countryside.

Permit to draw water- This area is a Source Water Protected Area. It does not instil confidence if residents and local farms are restricted in their water use, activities, having their septic tanks inspected regularly if a company can draw up to 270 cubic meters a day, use water freely to mitigate dust. This does not make sense.

Recycling (asphalt and concrete) - There already is an asphalt recycling plant within a concession of this proposed pit that is not being fully utilized and it is evident from satellite pictures that there is contamination that surfaces after rainfall.

Impact to surface water flow to provincially significant wetland

There are homes and a long standing community with 120m of the pit. The protected area falls within the property of homeowners and sometimes even through people's homes. PEOPLE will have to deal with increased noise, traffic, dust, threats to the environment and water. The hours of operation indicate possible night work.

Though there are individual studies, the culmination of the effects of people must be of the upmost importance when making this decision.

Furthermore, in the Township’s Climate Emergency statement: “The Township of Wilmot has an absolute Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions target reduction of 25% from 2012 levels by 2027”. This goal is fantastic and I respectfully ask that as a township, serious steps and decisions are made to meet these target reductions in the next seven years. How will rezoning this property for industrial extraction help the Township meet this target? Or rather, how will this gravel pit prevent the Township from meeting this target?

Mr. Esbaugh cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he will have no negative impact on our water, environment, roads, mental health, community or on GreenHouse Gas Emissions. The approval of this rezoning has great stakes and is not worth the risks in my opinion.

This decision could be precedent setting because to date, there has not been a gravel pit approved for rezoning in a Source Water protected area. This precedent decision comes with great responsibility and could open the potential of other protected areas to also be negatively impacted and exploited. Please do not be rushed in your decision. Consider the generations to come when making this decision.

Respectfully submitted,