I strongly oppose any change…

I strongly oppose any change to the ARA which will remove or diminish controls by local municipalities and/or the influence of feedback by local citizens with regards to decisions on gravel pit approvals.
Not only must local governments and citizens have increased control over decisions to approve or disapprove applications for new gravel extraction operations, but the right for local decision making must apply to requests for changes in gravel pit operating conditions including the nature of the extraction operation, amounts to be extracted short term and long term and the operating lifespan of gravel pits (sunset clause). In particular, applications to operate 'below the water table' gravel extraction should be subject to particular scrutiny given the potential to affect local water supplies and local environments in general. Requests to change gravel pit operations from above the water table extractions to below the water table operations must be treated as new applications with appropriate data, impact studies and other documentation provided which relates specifically to the new, below water table proposed activity. Any proposal to change the vertical level of gravel pit extraction from that originally approved must be subject to similar scrutiny and local governments must be given opportunity for both input and decision making in such cases. Sunset clauses must be enforced to ensure that gravel pit operators do not avoid their responsibilities including timelines for rehabilitation of land.
Respectfully submitted.