Brad Crigger - Issuance of a licence to remove 20,000 tonnes or less of aggregate annually from a pit or quarry

Brad Crigger has applied for a Class B Licence (Category 7 – Pit Above Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit 2.0 hectares in size with an extraction area of 1.52 hectares. This application is for an expansion to the existing adjacent pit authorized under Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) Licence No. 624969. The annual tonnage applied for is 20,000 tonnes.

Other information

Brad Crigger currently operates the adjacent site under the authority of Licence No. 624969 under the ARA. In total, 9.8 hectares are currently licenced as a pit with an annual tonnage condition of 20,000 tonnes.

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 are available for viewing at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office listed below:

• Site Plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Report (Level 1 and 2 )
• Cultural Heritage (Stage 1 and 2)
• Hydrogeological study (Level 1)

The Site Plan addresses existing features of the pit and/or quarry area (existing natural features and land use on and surrounding the site within 120 meters); the proposed operation (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 meters 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 report is 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.  If the Level 1 report identifies a potential adverse effect resulting from the operation, then an impact assessment (Level 2 report) is required to determine the significance of the effect and the feasibility of mitigation.

Comments received through the Environmental Registry should not be construed as an objection under the 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 Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry 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 meters 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 Owen Sound Sun Times on January 21, 2021 and in the Wiarton Echo on January 27, 2021.  A public information session is being held on February 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm via a virtual public meeting. To register for access to the virtual public meeting, please contact corbin.sweet@gmblueplan.ca.

All documents related to this application are available digitally upon request and can be obtained by contacting corbin.sweet@gmblueplan.ca. 

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula, Bruce County, and Grey Sauble Conservation Authority, for comment.