RJ Concrete & Construction Ltd. - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry

RJ Concrete and Construction Ltd. has applied for a Class A licence above the water table to excavate aggregate from a pit and quarry of 4.75 hectares in size with an extraction area of 3.53 hectares. This application is for the establishment of a new pit and quarry. 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.

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 has been prepared and submitted in support of the application:

• Site plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment Level 1 and 2
• Cultural Heritage Resources Stage 1 (Archeological and Heritage Impact Assessment)
• Noise Assessment
• Blast Design (Blast Study)

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 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.

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.

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   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 licensed boundary; an information sign, giving notice to the public of this application, was erected at the proposed site; and a Public Notice of Application appeared in the local paper, the Chronical Journal on July 27, 2021.

An in-person Public Information Session will be held on August 13, 2021 at 1:30pm at 501 Donald Street E, Thunder Bay, Ontario.   If you wish to participate virtually, please email dmatson@rjconcrete.ca  or call 1(437) 747-0435 (ID: 855 292 386#) to obtain further information to connect to the Public Information Session. 

All documents related to this application are available at 501 Donald Street E, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Monday through Friday from 9am to 4:30pm or by contacting dmatson@rjconcrete.ca.

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 City of Thunder Bay, the District of Thunder Bay, Lakehead Region Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks, for comment.