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Valley Voices Letter to Ministry of Natural Resources:
July 18, 2003Ministry of Natural Resources
Dear Drew Young: Re: Application by Shelter Valley Aggregates for a License to Permit a Sand and Gravel Operation under the Aggregate Resources Act at Lot 5-6, Concession 3, Alnwick-Haldimand Township in the County of Nothumberland. We are writing on behalf of the Valley Voices, (a residents association in the process of being incorporated) to express our objection to the above application under subsection 11(3) of the Aggregates Resources Act. We object to the application for the following reasons: Environmental Impact: The proposed gravel pit will have a significant negative impact on the environment due to vehicle fumes, noise, vibration and dust caused by large trucks (possibly in excess of 30 tonnes) and equipment operating at the pit during aggregate extraction. The noise will be amplified by the location, impacting a large area with minimal existing ambient noise. The proposed pit may impact a previously closed hazardous waste disposal area (the exact location unknown). It will require the development of a roadway through an Environmental Control area, associated with a tributary of Cold Creek thus impacting cold water fish habitat. It will destroy a large wooded area and impact on the remaining wooded area, both of which are a sensitive animal and bird habitat located in close proximity to the Oak Ridges Moraine. Hydrogeology Impact: Even though the proposed extraction is stated not to proceed below the water table, absent independent hydrogeological evidence including well use data, there is no evidence that it would not interfere with local wells and ponds. Disturbance of the overlying gravel could permit contaminants (such as dust suppressant, fuel and oil) to enter the local groundwater. In addition, large amounts of water will likely be removed from the aquifer to wash gravel and suppress dust. The application contains contradictory statements in this regard: at one point stating that water would be the primary dust suppressant, yet later claiming that no water taking will be required at the site. Any water extraction may be inconsistent with a water bottling operation proposed for the vicinity. There is no independent hydrogeological evidence of the impact of the combined water taking for the bottling plant and the proposed gravel pit. Economic Impact: The proposed aggregate operation will have a negative impact on the township. Notwithstanding the payment to be made to the Township after the pit is in operation, the negatives on the economy outweigh this benefit. Economically, this is an area of local agricultural operations and residential dwellings created by severances. These are mainly residential dwellings on very large lots on Shelter Valley Road. In addition, Shelter Valley has several small businesses such as artist's studios, a camp ground and a golf course. An increase in truck traffic, and all the negative environmental impacts from the proposed pit, will impact these businesses which are an integral part of the area's development as a tourist destination. The unique scenery of this valley makes it a tourist destination. This proposal could cause the Township to look like the Township of Puslinch as more and more pits are developed on the designated aggregate resource. People will no longer live in the valley. There is no benefit to township road construction because there are existing pits in the Township and surrounding Townships to meet their needs. Contrary to information in the application, the representative of the applicant has stated in public that the gravel will likely be going to the widening of the 401. Scenic Beauty and Amenities: The operation of an aggregate facility on this site will result in dramatic and irrevocable changes that will destroy the scenic beauty of this area. Shelter Valley Road has become the location of choice for new residences, due mainly to the tranquil environment and magnificent views of the rolling hills. The introduction of raised berms around the extraction site will create an eyesore, and will not screen the pit from the view of surrounding residences located at higher elevations (210m to 230m). The proposal has not taken the steep terrain into account. The proposed extraction will remove a 20m high hill. Noise Impact: As stated, noise is an environmental impact. The noise estimates associated with the proposal are flawed because they assume that the "surrounding area is essentially flat or gently rolling terrain." The fact is that the aggregate removal will take place at relatively high elevations on steep terrain on the flank of a valley. The noise associated with equipment operation and traffic will impact all nearby residences, and will likely extend up and down the valley and beyond. No berm will abate this noise because of the terrain, and because of the existing minimal ambient noise, sounds will carry and echo through the valley. The proposed operating hours of 6AM to 7PM (Monday to Saturday) would impact many of the local residents who have retired to this area because of its quiet surroundings. Traffic and Roads Impact: There are many complex considerations with respect to traffic and roads. It is unclear what the maximum number of truck pass-bys per day will be at peak operating capacity, but it is likely to be as high as 500. Since these trucks will weigh between 20 and 35 tonnes, extensive and expensive damage is likely to result to all local roads. There are safety issues related to this tremendous increase to heavy truck traffic in the area. Vehicular traffic along this road includes children on bicycles, school buses, slow moving farm vehicles, ATV's, snowmobiles, and tourist traffic. Is it reasonable to expect to add hundreds of trucks per day to Shelter Valley Road and not see a significant increase in serious traffic accidents? There is interference with school buses. It is also unclear what routes trucks may take to and from the pit in light of the abutting townships refusing to allow such trucks on its roads. Although the proposal suggests that most trucks will travel east on Shelter Valley Road, we have no assurance that they will not travel west or north, and there is no known mechanism to stop trucks taking the shortest route, and thereby impacting residents along the entire length of Shelter Valley Road and perhaps Grafton itself. Trucks that do travel east, will meet Percy Street at the bottom of a steep hill, creating potential safety problems with heavily loaded trucks operating in icy conditions. Rehabilitation Impacts: No clear rehabilitation plan has been provided. It is impossible to rehabilitate a 20 metre hill which has been removed as well as a woodlot that has taken centuries to establish. Money cannot replace the devastation to the environment or recreate agricultural land. Summary: In conclusion we object strenuously to the application for the reasons stated above. This proposal will destroy forever a valley which is unique in this part of the Province of Ontario and strategic to the continuation of the Oak Ridges Moraine already recognized by the Province as being unique and worthy of preservation. On behalf of the Valley Voices citizens group, Carol Hanley
300 Water Street,
P.O. Box 7000
Peterborough, ON K9J 8M5
Attention: Mr. Drew Young, District Manager
Henricus Jansen
C. Shook
D. Edge cc: Doug Galt, M.P.P., Paul Macklin, M.P., Mayor Bill Finley