VALLEY NEWS #17 January 9, 2005

PUT AWAY THE WHITE FLAGS!    It ain't over.  The fat lady has laryngitis!

Some members gained the impression from the tone of articles in the local papers that approval of Turk Road East as the haul route for SVA meant approval of the gravel pit. NOT. What Cramahe did was approve the haul route.

Bob Garthson writes:
VV should probably have an all-member rally to "rev up the troops". While it has been to VV's advantage to have a series of delays on the "pit" decision, there is a downside. Those who want to enact unpopular measures understand that delay works to their advantage because it induces apathy among the opponents. Further, volunteers can seldom dedicate significant hours (although several VV members have done so) to all of the essential tasks that "need" to be done. Opposition to the SVA is a protracted battle; there are many stages, lulls, and diversions. The only thing that will lead to victory for VV is unity, an unwavering sense of purpose, right to the end. SVA backers are not interested in gravel; they are interested in profit. Our community will, therefore, be tested many times by those who wish to exploit our environment. We must always stand up and defend what we believe in.

A/H & SVA still have procedures to follow and conceptual studies to do, and VV has submitted more QUESTIONS FOR COUNCIL. Council hopes the pit by-law amendment will be ready for a February vote. They are voting on the amendment. Even if that passes, SVA must apply for a licence to mine. Council then negotiates restrictions and conditions with SVA.

January 18:
Public Information Meetings re the SVA by-law amendment. 2:00pm and 7:00pm, with presentations by Peter Josephs and SVA. Questions and written/verbal representations are permitted. It's essential that VV members show up in droves. Let's show Council that we still actively oppose SVA's application. Grafton.

QUESTIONS  SUBMITTED TO COUNCIL TO BE ANSWERED JANUARY 18:
1.  Has Council received and formally approved a final noise study?
If so, VV would like a copy of this study.

2.  Is Council now aware of the amount of water to be taken for the cleaning of the aggregate and the suppression of dust? What has Council learned about the types and amounts of any other proposed dust suppressants?
Please provide this information to VV.

3a)  Because there will be some watertaking and because  well water records for the township are incomplete, is Council prepared to make a decision on SVA's application at this time without complete information?

3b)  Has council also considered this application in light of the
nearby bottling plant proposal?

4a)  What is the timing for the Class A EA, and peer reviews,
for the proposed haul route?

4b)  Will Council confirm that such an EA would be taken in all seasons and would address fully the impact on the area's flora and fauna?

4c)  When will VV be able to comment on the EA?
What public process is being proposed?

5.  What plan is in place for the required traffic and safety studies and peer reviews related to the revised haul route (Turk Rd East and connecting County Roads)?

6.  Has Council studied all the chemicals that may be used by SVA, and is it satisfied that area residents are not at risk? VV would like a copy of the studies.

7.  Given the outstanding issues, the overwhelming negative public response to the pit, and the forthcoming new Provincial Policy Statement, would A/H Council consider delaying a vote on SVA's application?

January 19:
Planning Meeting. Grafton. Time/format to be announced.

 

PLEA #1: We use the email Newsletter as a cheap way to pass on timely info. If you get this Newsletter as part of a flyer and want to be added to the email list, contact Carol Hanley at 905.344.5947 or email. Email is sent bcc. If you have changes in addresses, etc, please contact the BoD, and if you know of residents new to the area, pass on their names to us. New members are always welcome.

PLEA #2: The BoD sees that all Council and Planning meetings are covered but their presence would be greatly enhanced if more members of VV attended. Remember, there is a democratic process going on here and you are a stakeholder (steakholder if you raise beef cattle). Your active participation and attendance will help your BoD.

Your Advocacy and Government Relations Committee, Carol/Chuck/Bob/Doug, continues to work for you by establishing contacts with the media and contacting similar activist groups. Help, contacts, your experiences with other environmental conflicts, and ideas are always appreciated.

The Concerned Citizens of Northumberland have told us:
1)  new Provincial watertaking regulations do not come into effect until February so Council can't be sure of what can be done with the Township's water.
2)  Lower Trent C/A recently stated that, due to MoE cutbacks in the 1980s, drillers' data have not been recorded properly, and there are gaps in its water resource inventory for this area.
3)  The MoE can require a company to undertake "a water balance or sustained aquifer yield assessment of a group of watertakings in certain areas of concern (eg: areas where there are large numbers of permitted takings near to one another, or where water flow problems have been reported, etc.)"

 

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