Severn Aggregates Limited - 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 October 29, 2020 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.

Description of instrument

Severn Aggregates Limited has applied for a Class A licence (Category 2 - Quarry Below Water) to excavate aggregate from a quarry of 138 hectares in size. This application is for the establishment of a new quarry. The annual tonnage condition applied for is 500,000 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. 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 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 Technical Report (Level 1 and 2) by Niblett Environmental Associates Inc.
• Archeological/Cultural Heritage Report (Stage 1, 2 and 3) by Kinickinick Heritage Consultants)
• Hydrogeological (Level 1 and 2) by MTE Consultants Inc.
• Noise Assessment by Valcoustics Canada Ltd.
• Blast Design by Explotech
• Traffic Impact Review by Skelton Brumwell & Associates Inc.

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 120m); 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 (i.e. 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 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.

A Blast Design report is prepared if a sensitive receptor, defined by the Provincial Standards, is based within 500 metres of the limit of extraction for a quarry application. The report is required to determine whether provincial guidelines can be satisfied.

Comments received through EBR 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 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.

Other 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 paper, Orillia Today on May 3, 2018. A public information session was held on May 24, 2018 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lake St. George Community Hall at 3239 South Sparrow Lake Road, Washago, Ontario.

The application for this licence is being circulated within the MNRF Midhurst District office. Additionally, notification of this application has been forwarded to the Township of Severn, Simcoe County, and the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change for comment.