The Ontario Aggregate…

The Ontario Aggregate Resources Act (ARA), Section 2(a), states that a purpose of the ARA is "to require the rehabilitation of land from which aggregate has been excavated”. ARA Section 48(1) states that "every licensee and every permittee shall perform progressive rehabilitation and final rehabilitation on the site in accordance with this Act, the regulations, the site plan, and the conditions of the license or permit to the satisfaction of the Minister”. There is little doubt about the law: It requires rehabilitation, both progressive and final rehabilitation. Enforcement of this section of the Act by MNRF is critical for the protection of the local natural environment and residents living in the nearby area but has been completely lacking over the years at the Miller Boyington Pit #3. In view of the fact that the Miller Boyington Pit #3 pit is also located within the lands subject to the terms of the Oak Ridges Moraine Plan and Act, it is imperative that MNRF enforce the terms of these two Acts with respect ongoing pit operations and progressive rehabilitation, and reject the current application to amend the site plan agreement. If the lack of adequate numbers of MNRF staff to enforce the Acts is the problem, it is time for MNRF to make the necessary changes to allow for enforcement. What good is legislation if it cannot be enforced, particularly when the blatant disregard for the terms of the licenses appears to be a common occurrence at many aggregate sites, including the Miller Boyington Pit #3?