MNRF to make final decision on underwater expansion of sand pit.

Jeff Green | Dec 16, 2015

Stefan Duerst was informed two weeks ago by Lafarge, the operators of a sand pit just behind his property near Godfrey, that they were applying for a permit to keep removing sand from their pit long into the future.

Even though they have just about exhausted the material on the surface, they are applying for an amendment to their site plan to permit the creation of a 10 metre deep, 18 hectare lake as they remove sand from their quarry over the next 15 years or so.

Duerst is concerned about the impact of this on the water table downstream, where he lives, and about the kinds of industrial processes Lafarge might use on their property, which they access through a right of way that passes over his land.

There is a public open house at the Bedford Hall this week being put on by Lafarge to outline their plans, and although the company has not responded to a request for information from the Frontenac News, an official from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) did get back to us this week to explain how the process works.

The process is similar in some ways, to how the local township, in this case South Frontenac, would handle a planning request such as a plan of subdivision. A hydro-geological study that was completed by Lafarge, which says that the change in site plan will not impact the neighbors' well water or the wildlife habitat in the vicinity has been sent to Quinte Conservation, the township and the county as well as to the MNRF for comment, and the MNRF will accept public submissions until January 25, after which time they will make their decision.

However, unlike the case in municipal planning matters, the public will not have the opportunity of appeal should they disagree with the decision. In municipal matters, any party to a decision can appeal the matter to the Ontario Municipal Board, but under the Aggregate Resources Act the decision by the Ministry will be final.

If the decision goes against Lafarge, they cannot appeal, and if it goes for Lafarge the opponents cannot appeal.

A meeting took place early this week with Stefan Duerst, some of his neighbors, and officials from the MNRF and the Ministry of the Environment (MoE).

The group of neighbors, who have been working together and are seeking advice from legal and environmental sources, posed a series of questions that concern groundwater impacts, air pollution from sand piles that will be drying in the breeze at the site, the potential for flooding, noise pollution, and more.

Duerst said afterwards that the MoE will be preparing a report in response to the questions, which will be presented to the MNRF on January 8 and will be available to the public as well.

A petition opposing the expanded use of the pit will be presented to South Frontenac Township early in January as well.