Acton Quarry Extension. Halton Region June 11, 2014

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1 Acton Quarry Extension Halton Region June 11,

2 Background Background Proposed Extraction Area Compliance with Ministry Guidelines Halton Region Official Plan Greenlands System Conveyance of Land Pre-consultation began in June, The application was submitted in March, For 8 years Dufferin has been working to address comments from the agencies and members of the public. 10 Public Meetings / Open Houses have been held. Additionally, Dufferin has met individually with many of the neighbours. 3 JART Reports have been issued since submission of the application. Local Economy Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy 2

3 Proposed Extraction Area 50% Reduction The extraction area was reduced by 50% in an effort to address comments from the agencies and members of the public. MNR advised in March 2014 that agreement reached on extraction limits and MNR had no technical issues regarding the Endangered Species Act allowing extraction in Phases 5 & 6 3

4 Protects Surrounding Residences Dufferin has acquired significant lands to increase the separation distance between the proposed extension and surrounding residences: Phase 4 no residences within 500 m Phase 5 East no residences within 500 m Phase 5/6 West 5 residences within 500 m JART has confirmed: All standards for blasting, noise and air quality can be met for the closest residents The extension will not impact municipal water wells The extension will not impact private water wells, including those along 4 th Line, recognizing that these wells are constructed in a different geologic formation than the quarry The proposed haul routes are acceptable 4

5 Background Proposed Extraction Area Residential and Agricultural Wells Will Be Protected A detailed Hydrogeological Report has been completed Compliance with Ministry Guidelines Hydrogeologists from the: Ministry of the Environment; Halton Region Official Region of Halton; Plan Credit Valley Conservation; Conservation Halton; Greenlands System Ministry of Natural Resources; and, Conveyance of Land Local Economy An Independent Peer Reviewer hired by the Agencies Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy all concur that the wells will be protected and are satisfied with Dufferin s well complaint response procedure. 5

6 Well Complaint Response Procedure Background Proposed Extraction Area Compliance with Ministry Guidelines Halton Region Official Plan Greenlands System Conveyance of Land Local Economy Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy In Consultation with the Agencies, Dufferin has developed a Well Complaint Response Procedure. The following are highlights from the protocol: - In the event of a complaint, Dufferin shall notify government agencies immediately. - If water supply is disrupted, Dufferin will supply water within 24 hours at Dufferin s expense. - Investigations to be completed at Dufferin s expense. - If the investigation cannot definitively rule out the quarry, Dufferin, at its expense, is required to restore or replace the water supply. 6

7 Blasting Limits Satisfied A detailed blast impact assessment has been completed The Agencies hired a peer reviewer who concurred that the blasting can be completed within the limits prescribed by the Ministry of the Environment. Dufferin notifies those land owners who have requested notification prior to a blast All blasts will be monitored Dufferin has implemented a program called Blasting Beyond Compliance at Acton Quarry 1. Refinement of blasting techniques smaller holes, reduced charges, etc., 2. Significant reductions in blast vibration further below MOE standards 7

8 Background Proposed Extraction Area Quarry Vibrations Below Limits Ground Vibration Far Below Limits and Impact Thresholds Peak Particle Velocity Ground Vibration Effect (mm/s) mm/s, Ontario limit for construction blasting (different from Quarry blasting) Compliance with Ministry Guidelines Halton Region Official Plan Greenlands System Conveyance of Land Local Economy Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy mm/s, potential impact on structures 22.4 mm/s, pounding nails 12.7 mm/s, door slamming 12.5 mm/s, Ontario limit for surface mines/quarries 5 mm/s, maximum levels recorded around Acton Quarry 0.8 mm/s, minimum levels recorded around Acton Quarry mm/s, ground vibrations become perceptible Air Vibration Below Limits Acton Quarry Air vibration levels approx 113 db (Provincial Limit is 128dB). 8

9 Operational Noise Limits Satisfied Background A detailed noise impact study has been completed. Proposed Extraction Area Compliance with Ministry Guidelines A peer reviewer was hired by the Agencies to review the study. The Peer Reviewer concurred that the Ministry limits can be met. Halton Region Official Plan At the commencement of each phase Dufferin is Greenlands System required to complete a Noise Monitoring Report to ensure that MOE limits are being adhered to. Conveyance of Land Local Economy Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy The Monitoring Report will be provided to the MOE, the Region of Halton, the Town of Halton Hills, MNR and the NEC. 9

10 Air Quality Requirements Satisfied Background Proposed Extraction Area A detailed Air Quality Study has been completed The study has been peer reviewed by an independent reviewer hired by the Agencies. The Peer Reviewer concurs that the MOE limits can be met. Dufferin prepared a Best Management Practices Plan in 2009 to control dust on site for the existing quarry and the proposed extension. The BMP includes: Implementation of plan/schedule Inspection and Maintenance Practices Monitoring and Record keeping The MOE and Peer Reviewer have reviewed and endorse the Best Management Practices Plan. Compliance with Ministry Guidelines Halton Region Official Plan Greenlands System Conveyance of Land Local Economy Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy 10

11 Background Proposed Extraction Area Compliance with Ministry Guidelines Other Measures To Ensure That Residents Are Protected Open door policy to address neighbour s concerns Requirement for posting of sign at the Quarry Extension entrance with a Hotline Number for concerned citizens to call. Halton Region Official Plan Community Liaison Committee that has met 25 times since Greenlands System Conveyance of Land Annual Monitoring Meeting with Agencies and Members of the community to review the monitoring results. Local Economy Rehabilitation Dufferin Aggregates Open Door Policy 11

12 Halton Region Official Plan 49.3 ha to be designated for Mineral Resource Extraction. The Region s Official Plan directs extraction to these locations ha is being designated to a more restrictive Environmental Designation. 12

13 Acton Quarry Enhances Region Greenland System Application proposes to remove 8.7 ha of existing greenlands (Non significant wetlands and a portion of the significant woodland) Regional policy permits removal of the features subject to providing an overall net gain taking into account rehabilitation of the Extension and other offsite ecological enhancements. Overall, the Off-Site Ecological Enhancement Plan and the Rehabilitation Plan will enhance ha of future Greenlands Area. 13

14 Off-Site Ecological Enhancement Plan Enhances Region Greenlands System ha +9.0 ha tree planting /reforestation within 5 years +7.2 ha tree planting /reforestation within 15 years +18 ha thicket management ongoing for 15 years ha woodland management ongoing for 15 years +10 ha grassland creation within 5 years 1 amphibian pool/wetland within 5 years (already built Pool G) +0.1 ha wetland enhancement area within 5 years 2 turtle nesting areas within 5 years 14

15 Conveyance of Land to Public Ownership If the currently extraction area is Dufferin has agreed ±436 ha of land ownership. proposed approved, to convey to public The Town of Halton Hills has an interest in acquiring land for recreation, conservation and water management purposes. 15

16 Conveyance of Land for Public Use The lands north of 22nd sideroad would be available for active recreation (e.g. Sports fields, buildings, structures, etc). The lands north and south of 22nd sideroad would be available for passive / open space recreation (e.g. Trails, swimming, boating, lookouts, picnic areas etc.) 16

17 Water Management System will Benefit CH & CVC Watersheds Current approvals for the existing quarry require water to be pumped to the Conservation Halton and Credit Valley Conservation watersheds during periods of high flow (spring season / storm events) which provides only limited ecological and social benefits. The application proposes a water management system that protects the existing ecological water resources and allows water to be stored and released to the watersheds during periods of low flow, thereby providing higher ecological and social benefits. This water management system will provide significant public benefits: o Protect or enhance fish habitat in Black Creek; o Opportunities for enhancement of Acton Wastewater Treatment Plant; o Protect or enhance downstream water supply to 16 Mile Creek. Dufferin is prepared to enter into legal agreements and post financial securities for mitigation performance and for long-term water management system operations by a public agency. Conservation Halton is planning to take over long-term water management operations. 17

18 Supports the Local Economy The Region s Official Plan has an objective to provide for new quarries in this location, by amendment. The proposed extension lands contain 38 million tonnes of the highest quality aggregate in Southern Ontario. Superior Glove Splash Pad 60 people directly employed and 150 people indirectly employed by the quarry. $12 million spent annually on services, taxes and levies. Over the life of the extension (19 years), this would equal approx. $228 million. Acton Branch of the Halton Hills Public Library The Acton Quarry is a key contributor to many local charities and groups and has made donations totaling over $220,000 in the last 2 years. Dufferin has contributed to initiatives in Halton Region totaling an additional $450,000 in the last 2 years. New Oakville Hospital 18

19 Acton Quarry Rehabilitation is Restoring Habitat In 2012, Dufferin began implementing a biodiversity monitoring program with Bird Studies Canada and Couchiching Conservancy. Rehabilitation of Phase 1 Recent biodiversity monitoring was completed in the existing quarry s rehabilitated areas. For example, in Phase 1 and 2, the following were recently observed: o 93 different species of birds including Bank Swallow, Barn Swallow, Osprey, and Wood Thrush. o Amphibians including American Toad, Gray Treefrog, Green Frog, Northern Leopard Frog. Dufferin is proud of its National Partnership with Earth Rangers Bring Back the Wild TM project in Rehabilitation of Phase 2 Barn Swallow Rehabilitation of Phase 2 Wood Thrush 19

20 Dufferin s Open Door Policy Future Meetings: If anyone has any questions or concerns with the existing operation or proposal, Dufferin would be pleased to arrange a meeting to discuss these concerns with you. Quarry Tours: If you are interested in touring the current operation, please contact Dufferin. Additional Information: For additional application information, please visit: Dufferin Contact: Enzo Bertucci (905) Enzo.Bertucci@Holcim.com 20