Valley Voices Resident's Association; preserving the natural and scenic beauty of Shelter Valley in the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand, Northumberland County

Trow Associates

Sent to the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand

November 23, 2003
Re. Peer Review (Site Plans, Haul Route, Surface and Ground Water)
Shelter Valley Aggregates Ltd.
We have now had the opportunity to visit the Shelter Valley Aggregates Ltd. site and review the documentation provided with the initial submission dated February 2003 for a Category 3 - Class "A" Pit Above Water License over 56 hectares located in Part Lots 5 and 6, Concession 3, Haldimand.
General Comments
As Council is aware, the haul route issue must still be addressed. In addition, the visual impact of extraction from the north side of the Shelter Valley had not been addressed; nor do we feel the Operation Plan, as presented, addresses noise and dust exposure to residence located north of the site while extraction is occurring on the south face of the valley at elevations higher than the perimeter berms.
The above factors may result in a different manner of approach to site development and operation.
Surface and Groundwater
More information is required to establish the vertical limit of extraction by better definition of the groundwater table elevation, and the relationship of the upper aquifer to the local groundwater supply aquifer.
A summary of MOE well records was provided in the "Groundwater, Surface Water and Aggregates Resources Assessment Report" by Gartner Lee Ltd. However, the records do not include well location relative to the site or elevation. To address the concerns of the public with respect to whether or not their groundwater supplies will be interfered with, some relevancy must be given to the development proposal by providing a display of groundwater well locations on plan and in hydrogeologic cross-sections through the site. The cross-sections should show the ground surface profile, static levels, well depths, overburden stratigraphy, surface water, reference points, proposed vertical extent of extraction and indentify the supply aquifer. The cross-sections may be used to provide a visual picture of groundwater recharge and discharge areas and hydraulic gradients.
The extraction is to occur below the elevation of the agricultural pond located immediately west of the site. The consultant should address the impact of the extraction on the pond. (Also, see Site Plan comments below.)
Normally, at least three piezometers (or wells) are required to establish the direction of the groundwater flow, information has been provided for only two.
Numerous test pits and boreholes have been constructed on site by others, however, borehole log information was provided for only two boreholes constructed by Gartner Lee Ltd. There is at least one groundwater monitoring well associated with the old landfill that would provide useful information on overburden stratigraphy and static water levels.
Surrounding wells may also provide useful information on the direction of groundwater flow, static elevation and stratigraphy. The background hydrogeology and leachate migration patterns for the landfill should be included in the review by Gartner Lee Ltd. (Also see Site Plan comments below.)
Site Plans
Acoustic Berms
Given the acoustic berm detail configuration on the Operational Plan, the maximum berm height attainable having 2:1 slopes within a 15.0 metre setback is 4.8 metres. The Noise Assessment is suggesting a berm of 5.0 metres within the 15.0 metre setback located at the southwest License limit. Normally berms are constructed at 3:1 slope, which is inherently more stable than 2:1. The 15.0 metre excavation setback areas will need to be increased in locations where high berms are required. Berm slope becomes more important as the berm height increases due to potential for erosion.
Stockpile Heights
Stockpile heights should be specified.
Drainage
The Site Plans show a 3.0 metre high noise control berm adjacent to the farm pond west of the site, this berm will obstruct the overland surface water flow route onto the subject property from neighbouring lands to the west.
Former Landfill
A statement should be provided assessing the potential imapct of extraction of landfill gas migration and leachate production. It may be that the landfill is insignificant in size to pose any concern; however, the issue should be addressed by the consultant for the proponent.
Depth of Extraction
The depth of extraction shown on the Final Rehabilitation Plan appears to be deeper than that shown on the Operational Plan in respect to elevation 198 masl, or possibly more elevations indicating excavation to 198 masl should be shown on the Operational Plan.
Groundwater Table Elevation
From observation in the field, the groundwater elevation adjacent to the agricultural pond west of the site and the on-site pond appear to be at ground elevation, or at approximately elevation 204 masl. The consultant should be asked to confirm the groundwater table elevation in this area as the Site Plan shows extraction below elevation 204 masl.
Site Plan Notes
The following should be added to the Site Plan Notes.
Fuel Storage
Above ground fuel storage containers should be equipped with spill protection.
Building Permit
A building permit is required for any structures on the site
Noise (Hours of Operations)
The hours of operation should be subject to any local By-laws.
Wood/Dump Disposal
Further explanation is required with respect to the disposal of stumps, brush etc.
Burning
Any burning should be subject to local By-laws.
Haul Route
The haul route should be subject to Township approval. (this may not be enforceable under the Aggregate Resources Act, but should be noted on the Site Plan.)
Dust
A discussion with respect to the vulnerability of surrounding properties to dust exposure and a strategy for dust migration should be provided.
Other Approvals
A statement should be provided indicating that Certificates of Approval may be required under the Ontario Water Resources Act for water taking and disposal, and the Environmental Protection Act for processing equipment.
We await further information to be provided that will address the above.
Trow Associates Inc.

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