AAROC Aggregates Ltd. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

AAROC Aggregates Ltd. has applied for a Class A licence (Pit Below Water) to excavate aggregate from a pit of 66 hectares in size with an extraction area of 58.4 hectares. This application is for the establishment of a new pit. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 400,000 tonnes.

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. 

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.

For this proposal, the following information has been submitted in support of the application:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment level 1 and 2
• Cultural Heritage Resource Stage 1 and 2
• Hydrogeological level 1 and 2
• Noise Assessment Report

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.

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

The Ministry reviews all comments received through the Environmental Registry and the notification and consultation process under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA), and considers them before making a decision.  Comments received through the Environmental Registry are considered by the Ministry however, the process under the ARA is proponent driven. This means that comments for consideration by the applicant under the ARA process must be submitted to the applicant and the Ministry during the 60-day consultation period initiated by the applicant.

Details of the application process can be found in Ontario  Regulation 244/97 under the ARA and on the Ministry website at aggregate resources\ontario.ca.  Many regulatory changes for new applications took effect on April 1, 2021.  This means that applications submitted after March 31, 2021 must meet the new requirements in Ontario  Regulation 244/97 and Aggregate Resources of Ontario Standards.  However, if the application was submitted before April 1, 2021 and met the site plan and report standards of Aggregate Resources of Ontario Provincial Standards, Version 1.0 the applicant is not required to change these documents to meet the new requirements. 

Public consultation opportunities 

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 Public Notice of Application form appeared in the local paper, the Dorchester Signpost on May 26, 2021.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the information submitted in support of the application is available for viewing at the local municipal website: www.thamescentre.on.ca  or by contacting markham@harringtonmcavan.com. A virtual Public Information Session was held on Jun 10, 2021 at 7:00 pm to provide details regarding the proposal. To participate in this session, please provide your email address to markham@harringtonmcavan.com and an invitation will be forwarded to you with the details.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry.  Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Municipality of Thames Centre, Middlesex County, Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, and the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks, for comment.