Avery Construction Ltd. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Proposal Updates

This notice was updated on March 27, 2024 to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of the proposal and it is still being considered.  No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time.

Proposal Details

Avery Construction Ltd. has applied for a Class A licence (Pit and Quarry Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit and quarry of 18.75 hectares in size with an extraction area of 17.0 hectares. This application is for the establishment of a new pit and quarry. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 400,000 tonnes.

Other information

The extraction of aggregate from a pit or quarry on private land designated by regulation, in the Province of Ontario, requires the issuance of a licence. 

For each new licence, the applicant must provide information (site plan, summary statement, technical reports) with respect to the existing features, operation and rehabilitation of the site to demonstrate that the proposed operation will minimize adverse impact on the environment. This information is prepared in accordance with the category being applied for under the Provincial Standards.

For this proposal, the following information has been submitted in support of the application:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment level 1 and 2
• Cultural Heritage Resources Report (Archaeological Assessment Stage 1 and 2)
• Noise Assessment (Noise Impact Analysis)
• Blast Design (Blast Impact Assessment)

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 meters); the proposed operation (shape, dimensions, area and depth to be excavated, method of extraction); and progressive and final rehabilitation.

The Summary Statement includes information on one or more of the following considerations:  land use planning, agricultural classification, quality and quantity of aggregate, haul routes, truck traffic and entrance permits, progressive and final rehabilitation, surface water, and elevation of the established groundwater table.

The Natural Environment report determines the presence of significant natural heritage features/areas and fish habitat and ensures that any necessary preventative, mitigative or remedial measures are undertaken for their protection. A Level 1 report identifies if the features are on-site or within 120 meters of the site.  If features are identified, then an impact assessment (Natural Environment Level 2 report) is prepared to determine any negative impacts on the natural features or ecological functions, and any proposed preventative, mitigative or remedial measures.

The purpose of a Cultural Heritage Resources report is to ensure that significant archaeological resources are identified, assessed for their significance, and protected (preserved or collected).

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 meters (for pit applications) or 500 meters (for quarry applications) of a sensitive receptor defined by the Provincial Standards.  The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

A Blast Design report is prepared if a sensitive receptor, defined by the Provincial Standards, is based within 500 metres of the limit of extraction for a quarry application.  The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

Comments received through the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) in accordance with section 4.0 – Notification and Consultation Standards of the Provincial Standards 1.0 under the ARA.  To be considered as a formal objector, individuals need to contact the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry person specified on this notice to determine how to submit an objection.

Public consultation opportunities 

Written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 meters of the proposed licenced boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Public Notice of Application form appeared in the local paper, the Sault Star on March 27, 2021.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the information submitted in support of the application was available for viewing by contacting the applicant at BarX2@tulloch.ca.  A virtual Public Information Session was held on April 21, 2021.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the District of Algoma, Sault Ste. Marie Conservation Authority and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, for comment.