Aaroc Aggregates Ltd. - Changes to the site plan for a pit or quarry

Application has been made by Aaroc Aggregates Ltd. to amend the current site plan to allow an established pit to lower the depth of extraction in an area of the site that does not currently allow extraction below the water table. The proposed area of extraction below the water table is located in the southwest portion of the licenced site and is 2.0 hectares in size. This proposal will result in the creation of a 2.0 hectare pond following extraction and rehabilitation.

Other information

Aaroc Aggregates Ltd. operates this site under the authority of ARA licence No. 19854. The licensed pit area is 19.15 hectares, with a maximum tonnage condition of 500,000 tonnes annually.

For this application the following information has been prepared and submitted to the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry (Ministry):

• Updated Site Plan
• Hydrogeological Report Level 1 & 2

The updated site plan describes and incorporates any changes to the extraction phasing, operations or rehabilitation that would result from the proposed amendment.  Any mitigation and/or monitoring measures that must be undertaken, as identified in the technical reports are also described on the site plan. 

A Hydrogeological Level 1 report is a preliminary evaluation to determine the final extraction depth relative to the established groundwater table(s) and the potential for adverse effects to groundwater and surface water resources and their uses.  If the Level 1 report identifies a potential adverse effect resulting from the operation, then an impact assessment (Level 2 report) is required to determine the significance of the effect and the feasibility of mitigation. 

Public consultation opportunities

Written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 meters of the proposed licensed boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Public Notice of Application appeared in the local paper, the Dorchester Signpost on October 6, 2021.

A virtual public information session was held on October 19, 2021, at 7:00 pm. The documents submitted in support of the proposal can be requested by contacting markham@harringtonmcavan.com.

This proposal is being circulated within the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Township of Zorra, County of Oxford, Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, for comment.