Procedures for Assessing…

Procedures for Assessing Applications for Below Watertable extraction by existing permit holders

There are many important environmental issues associated with below-watertable extraction operations that do not arise with applications for above-watertable extraction of gravel. These include:
• Exposure of large areas of water surface to airborne contaminants (not a hazard for above watertable extraction)
• Changes in direction and magnitude in subsurface water flow with effects on both upslope and downslope environmental features (ponds, wetlands, spring-fed streams)
• Changes in overall waterbalance due to increased evapotranspiration from created water surfaces
• Loss of post-extraction land surface resulting in the loss of a large range of post-extraction land uses that are possible with above watertable extraction
None of these possible environmental impacts receive attention during the review process for above-watertable applications.
The procedures for review of these environmental impacts for an application for extension to allow below-watertable extraction on an existing above-watertable licenced property should be identical to the procedures for public notification, required studies, public meetings and opportunity for public review and comment for new applications.