As CAO for Thames Centre I…

As CAO for Thames Centre I hear many complaints from landowners around pits regarding lack of enforcement related to haul routes, dust, noise and general lack of care of berms. Many pits become unsightly and this leads to conflicts with neighbours. Better enforcement by the Province to make sure operators are complying with the terms of their license would resolve many of these issues.

Another big issue is concern with impacts on private wells when the pit goes below the water table. Any changes should require continuous well monitoring to appease concerned land owners. While pits are essential for our economy, they can not become self regulating as this inevitably leads to short cuts to save time and money. This is not appropriate and the impacts on neighbours are greater when this happens. Reduced regulations makes sense only if it does not result in reduced compliance with the ARA and the license requirements the company entered into with the Province.