Beck’s Construction - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

Proposal Updates

This notice was updated on September 28, 2021 to advise the public that there has been no change to the status of the proposal and it is still being considered.  No additional opportunity for comment is being provided for at this time.  

Proposal Details

Beck’s Construction has applied for a Class A licence (Category 3 – Pit Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit of 3 hectares in size, with an extraction area of 1.7 hectares. This application is for the establishment of a new pit. The annual tonnage condition applied for is unlimited.

Other Information

The extraction of aggregate from a pit or quarry on private land designated by regulation, in the Province of Ontario, requires the issuance of a licence. The Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards Version 1 (Provincial Standards) sets out the application process and requirements. A link to the Provincial Standards for proposed pits and quarries is provided: https://www.ontario.ca/page/application-standards-proposed-pits-and-quarries.

For each new licence, the applicant must provide information (i.e. site plan, summary statement, technical reports) with respect to the existing features, operation and rehabilitation of the site to demonstrate that the proposed operation will minimize adverse impact on the environment. This information is prepared in accordance with the category being applied for under the Provincial Standards.

For this proposal, the following are available for viewing at the MNRF office listed below:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment (Levels 1 and 2)
• Cultural Heritage (Stage 4)
• Noise Assessment

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (e.g. existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 m); the proposed operation (e.g. shape, dimensions, area and depth to be excavated, method of extraction); and progressive and final rehabilitation.

The Summary Statement includes information on one or more of the following considerations:land use planning, agricultural classification, quality and quantity of aggregate, haul routes, truck traffic and entrance permits, progressive and final rehabilitation, surface water, and elevation of the established groundwater table.

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 metres of the site.If features are identified, then an impact assessment (i.e. 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 purpose of a Cultural Heritage Resources report is to ensure that significant archaeological resources are identified, assessed for their significance, and protected (ie. preserved or collected).

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 metres (for pit applications) or 500 metres (for quarry applications) of a sensitive receptor defined by the Provincial Standards.The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

Comments received through Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the Aggregate Resources Act in accordance with section 4.0 – Notification and Consultation Standards of the Provincial Standards 1.0 under the Aggregate Resources Act. To be considered as a formal objector, individuals need to contact the MNRF person specified on this notice to determine how to submit an objection.

A link to the Aggregate Resources Act is provided http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90a08 

Public Consultation opportunities

As specified in the Aggregate Resources Act, written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 metres of the proposed licenced boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Notice of Application appeared in the local papers, the Prescott Journal and the Brockville Recorder and Times Review, on April 20, 2019. A public information session was held on May 13 at 2:00 pm at Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal Township Office Council Chambers, 18 Centre Street, Spencerville, ON.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the MNRFKemptville District Office.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Township of Edwardsburgh/Cardinal, United Counties of Leeds Grenville, Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (Kingston), Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, and South Nation Conservation Authority.