1302824 Ontario Limited - Changes to the site plan for a pit or quarry

1302824 Ontario Ltd. has applied to change the final extraction depth of Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) Licence No. 6584 to permit below water table extraction. The proposed excavation would be undertaken by dragline and as such, no dewatering is proposed. Currently, this site is licensed to extract aggregate up to 1.5 metres above the established water table.

The proposal would also entail a change to the final rehabilitation plan. The proposed rehabilitation plan would create a combination of meadow and wetlands with an area of open water of approximately 8.7 hectares.

Other information

ARA Licence No. 6584, issued to 1302824 Ontario Ltd., is a 27.18 hectare Pit Above Water licence. The current extraction permitted is 500,000 tonnes per calendar year.

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

• Site Plan
• Summary Statement
• Natural Environment (Level 1 and 2)
• Hydrogeological Assessment

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 metres); 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 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.

A Hydrogeological Level 1 report is a preliminary evaluation to determine the final depth of extraction relative to the established groundwater table(s) and the potential for adverse impacts 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.

The Ministry reviews all comments received through the Environmental Registry and the notification and consultation process under the 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.

Public consultation opportunities

Written notice concerning this application was delivered to landowners within 120 metres of the 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, Uxbridge’s The Cosmos, on March 18th, 2021. A virtual public information session was held on April 14, 2021 at 7p.m.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the information submitted in support of the application is available by contacting melanie@esherplanning.com.

The application for this amendment was circulated within the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. Additionally, notification of this amendment has been circulated to the Township of Uxbridge, Regional Municipality of Durham, Toronto Region and Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authorities, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.