The licensing and aggregate…

The licensing and aggregate on site is estimated to last 115 years at current rates of extraction .

(1) Anticipated increased market demand for aggregate is not included in the report. This is a grave oversight as a simple application to the MNRF could see an increase in the permissible tonnage above the 20,000 annual tonnage, with its subsequent truck traffic volume pulling onto Highway 60.

(2) The unnecessary premature removal of all vegetation and forest cover (" grubbing" )at the onset of the first phase for the entire multi-phased project on the 45.9 acres site will reduce wildlife habitat and the noise attenuation ability of vegetation on phases that may not be operational for decades. It will also render the land unsightly, change the micro-climate and exacerbate moisture evaporation and soil erosion.

(3) The impacts of noise from excavation equipment especially the beeping of heavy equipment such as bulldozers and front-end loaders (backing up repeatedly) are not addressed in the report. This impact should be included in the scope of the report, or included in a separate study.

(4) The visual impact along a high tourism corridor along highway 60 is currently partially screened by a transient red pine plantation. The plantation exists for harvesting with a rotation thinning typically every 10 years, and a complete removal on the third cut. At this period the pit will be clearly visible from both highway 60 and the Wolf Ridge Golf Course. (It should be recognized industrial and tourism infrastructure are considered incompatible uses)

Consequently, mitigation measures need to be implemented to reduce these visual and auditory anthropogenic disturbances. Traditionally this has involved ADEQUATE vegetation buffer screening and berms of ADEQUATE elevation. Currently the project involves a 30 metre buffer width and wire fencing along Old Trestle Road. (There is specific mention in the report that there will be no berms on site). While these buffer/setback standards may reflect the minimum required by regulation it is wholly inadequate for this site application.

Recommendations:

(1) A market study involving modeling of future aggregate demand trends should be conducted before determining that the truck traffic volume is within safe and acceptable limits pulling on to highway 60 off Old Trestle Road.

(2) The proposed 30 metre width buffer along the south boundary of the subject lot(s) bordering Old Trestle Road should be increased to a minimum of 150-300 metres.

(3) A sand berm of adequate elevation (10-30m high) should be built along Old Trestle Road- especially west of the pit's main entrance to block noise originating from within the quarry.

(4) Vegetation should be removed episodically phase by phase as needed and not all at once for the whole licensed area .

These simple modifications, with adequate third-party oversight and enforcement should satisfy the concerns of the undersigned and avoid the necessity of applying for a formal third party review/ appeal .

Finally, a would like to take responsibility for any possible oversights in this report and intend to study the company's documents in further detail as time permits. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate in contacting me.

Regards,

Conservation Biologist