Acton Quarry Extension Halton Region Planning & Public Works Committee Meeting July 8, 2015 1
Proposed Extraction Area 50% Reduction The extraction area was reduced by 50% to address comments from the agencies and members of the public. 2
Impacts to Surrounding Residences Are Minimized Dufferin has acquired significant land 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 500m Agencies have confirmed: All standards for blasting, noise and air quality can be met The extension will not impact municipal water wells The extension will not impact private water wells, including those along 4 th Line The proposed haul routes are acceptable 3
Other Measures To Ensure That Residents Are Protected t Open door policy to address neighbour s concerns. Requirement for posting a sign at the Quarry Extension entrance with a Hotline Number for concerned citizens to call. Community Liaison Committee that has met 27 times since 2008. Annual Monitoring Meeting with Agencies and Members of the community to review the monitoring results. POWER has been invited to participate in these meetings. 4
Rehabilitation & Ecological Enhancement Plan Contribute to the Region s Natural Heritage System Acton Quarry Extension Rehabilitation Plan includes 40ha of ecological enhancements (tree plantings, lakes and shoreline wetlands), 2 turtle nesting sites and 1.8 km of cliffs. Off-site Ecological Enhancement Plan (EEP) includes : 16.3ha of tree planting 18.5ha thicket management 15.5ha woodland management 10.2 ha grassland creation 1 wetland (Pool G) 0.1ha wetland enhancement 2 turtle nesting sites 5
Conveyance of Land to Public Ownership 438ha of land are being conveyed to the Town of Halton Hills. Of these lands, 318ha are being added to the Niagara Parks and Open Space System. 6
Conveyance of Land for Public Use The lands north of 22 nd Sideroad would be available for active recreational uses subject to future approvals and conservation uses. The lands south of 22 nd Sideroad would be available for passive / open space recreation and conservation uses. 7
The Lands to be Conveyed to Public Ownership Include a Water Management System That 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: Protect t or enhance fish habitat t in Black Creek; Opportunities for enhancement of Acton Wastewater Treatment Plant, including additional capacity; Protect or enhance downstream water supply to 16 Mile Creek. Dufferin is building the water management system and fully funding the long term operation of the system at no cost to the public. The system will be operated by Conservation Halton and water will be managed for environmental lbenefits. 8
Supports the Local Economy The proposed extension lands contain 38 million tonnes of the highest quality aggregate in Southern Ontario. Superior Glove Splash Pad At Acton Branch of the Halton Hills Public Library 60 people directly employed and 150 people indirectly employed by the quarry. New Oakville Hospital $12 million spent annually on services, taxes and levies. Over the life of the extension (19 years), this would equal approx. $228 million. 9
Conclusion The Acton Quarry Extension application conforms to the Region of Halton Official Plan. The application is supported by all of the review agencies: MNRF NEC Town of Halton Hills Credit Valley Conservation Authority Conservation Halton Region of Halton Staff are recommending approval of the Extension. This application is in the public interest and includes numerous aspects that will benefit the community, environment and water resources. Dufferin supports Staff s recommendations to adopt OPA 44 and execute the legall agreements. 10