Gary Falconer Transport Limited - Issuance of a licence to remove 20,000 tonnes or less of aggregate annually from a pit or quarry

Gary Falconer Transport Limited has applied for a Class B licence (Category 7 - Pit Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a site 9.9 hectares in size.  The tonnage would be limited to no greater than 20,000 tonnes removed annually. The total extraction area is proposed to be 8.8 hectares.

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.

For each new licence, the applicant must provide information (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 information is available from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) contact:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Report (Levels 1 & 2)
• Cultural Heritage Report (Stages 1-4)
• Hydrogeological Report (Level 1)

The Site Plan addresses the existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 metres); 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 (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 reports are to ensure that significant archaeological resources are identified, assessed for their significance, and protected (preserved or collected).

A Hydrogeological 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.

A Noise Assessment report is prepared if extraction and/or processing facilities are within 150 metres (for pit 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 (ARA) in accordance with section 4.0 – Notification and Consultation Standards of the Provincial Standards 1.0 under the ARA. 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.

Public Consultation opportunities

As specified in the ARA, 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 newspaper, on October 29, 2020. A public information session will be held on November 19, 2020 at the Fire Junction between 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at 23752 Adelaide Road, Mount Brydges, Ontario.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the MNRF. Additionally, notification of this application has been circulated to the Upper Thames Conservation Authority, Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc, County of Middlesex, Ministry of Agriculture Food & Rural Affairs, and Ministry of the Environment Conservation & Parks for comment.