Municipality of Huron East - Changes to the site plan for a pit or quarry

An application has been made by the Municipality of Huron East to amend the site plan of an established pit to lower the depth of extraction in an area of the site that currently does not allow extraction below the water table. This proposal would result in the creation of an open pond and wetland approximately 4.9 hectares in size following extraction and rehabilitation.

Other Information

The Municipality of Huron Easts operates this site under the authority of licence No. 4781 under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA). The licensed pit area is 7.7 hectares, with a tonnage condition of 36,000 tonnes annually.

Ontario Regulation 244/97 and the Aggregate Resources of Ontario Standards set out the application process and requirements for the amendment.

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
• water assessment (hydrogeologic)
• natural environment report
• planning, land use and source water considerations.

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.

The water assessment 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) required to determine the significance of the effect and the feasibility of mitigation.

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 Ministry reviews all comments received through the Environmental Registry of Ontario (ERO) and the notification and consultation process under the ARA, and considers them before making a decision. Comments received through the ERO are considered by the Ministry however, the process under the ARA is proponent driven. This means that comments for consideration by the applicant under the ARA process must be submitted to the applicant and the Ministry during the 60-day consultation period (October 21, 2021 to December 22, 2021) initiated by the applicant.

Public consultation opportunities

Written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 meters of the licenced boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the site; and a notice of proposed site plan amendment appeared in the local paper, The Listowel Banner on October 21, 2021. A virtual information session was held on November 4, 2021 at 7:00 pm to provide details regarding the application.

The site plan and technical reports for this application are available at the Township of Huron East and Huron County municipal offices, or by request from markham@harringtonmcavan.com.

The proposal request 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 Municipality of East Huron, County of Huron, Maitland Valley Conservation Authority and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for comment.