The following provides a summary of each study that was completed for the proposed East Oxford Pit. Click any document below to view the full report.
A Level 1 and Level 2 Water Report and a Maximum Predicted Water Table Report were prepared by WSP Canada Inc. which concluded that groundwater users in the vicinity of the site will not be impacted subject to recommended mitigation measures, including: a proactive and long-term groundwater and surface water monitoring program during the pit below water operational phases, until the licence is surrendered; and a well interference and mitigation plan implemented proactively prior to pit operation.
A Natural Environment Report was prepared by WSP Canada Inc. which confirmed there is no fish habitat, significant wetland, significant valleyland, significant Life or Earth Science Areas of Natural and Scientific interest (“ANSI”), significant wildlife habitat or habitat for Species at Risk (“SAR”) on or within 120 metres of the proposed East Oxford Pit. A candidate significant woodland is located to the northeast of the site. The Report evaluated and concluded that the wetland to the west of the pit is not considered significant. The Report also concluded that through the implementation of the recommended mitigations measures (notably setbacks from the wetland during operations and wetland creation during rehabilitation) there will be no negative impacts to the wetlands, woodland or potential wildlife habitat (including SAR habitat).
Freefield Ltd. prepared an Acoustic Assessment Report which concluded that the proposed East Oxford Pit is predicted to satisfy Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) sound level limits at nearby receptors based on the recommendations and mitigation measures provided in the assessment and implemented on the Aggregate Resources Act Site Plan. Mitigation measures include the construction of acoustic berms and operational restrictions that will be applied to mitigate noise to acceptable levels.
Matrix Heritage prepared Cultural Heritage Report to assess the cultural heritage value and interest of the site and surrounding study area. The report concluded that none of the buildings on the site are of cultural heritage value or interest. However, two buildings in the study area were determined to be of cultural heritage value or interest. As such, Matrix Heritage prepared a Heritage Impact Assessment to identify conservation measures for the protection of these buildings. The Heritage Impact Assessment concluded that planned mitigation measures and those recommended by the assessment, will limit adverse impacts on the built heritage resources. The planned mitigation measures will safeguard the identified cultural heritage resources and address adverse heritage impacts by orienting the site away from the identified cultural heritage resources, maintaining the mature vegetation that retains the rural appearance of the surroundings, creating visual and auditory buffers, and monitoring conditions on an ongoing basis.
Matrix Heritage prepared a Stage 1 and 2 Archaeological Assessment that identified two artifact scatters sites, J. McAvoy Site (BfFv-21) and L. Russell Site (BfFv-22), within the proposed licence area. Matrix Heritage completed Stage 3 Archaeological Assessments for the two archaeological sites. The assessments concluded that the L. Russell Site represents a later phase in the settlement history of Oxford Township of which the artifact assemblage does not meet the criteria for a Stage 4 assessment. The report recommends partial clearance and mitigation through a Stage 4 excavation for the J. McAvoy Archaeological Site. The archaeological site consists of typical mid-19th century Euro-Canadian farmstead. Accordingly, the extraction limit and acoustic berms along the pit have been delineated to avoid the archaeological site.
Castleglenn Consultants prepared a Traffic Impact Study which concluded that the existing transportation infrastructure can accommodate the projected increase in traffic resulting from the proposed East Oxford Pit. The report also concluded that both current and future traffic conditions, including the added site-generated traffic, will not result in significant impacts on the surrounding road network and proposed haul route.
A Planning Justification Report was prepared by MHBC Planning Limited to review and assess the proposed pit relative to provincial, and municipal land use planning policies and regulations. The Planning Justification Report also includes a Summary Statement as required by the Aggregate Resources Act which outlines planning and land use considerations, agricultural classification of the site, any Source Protection Area considerations, the quality and quantity of aggregate resources, projected truck traffic, and the proposed progressive and final rehabilitation plans.
The subject lands are designated as ‘Rural Lands’ and ‘Agricultural Lands’ and identified within a ‘Sand and Gravel Resource Area (Tertiary)’ according to the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Official Plan Schedule A and B, respectively. The subject lands are designated ‘Rural’, ‘Agriculture’ and ‘Mineral Aggregate Reserves’ in the Municipality of North Grenville Official Plan according to Schedule ‘A’. The lands are zoned Agricultural (A1), Rural (RU) and Mineral Aggregate Preservation (MXAP) in the Municipality of North Grenville Zoning By-Law No. 50-12. Applications to amend the Municipality of North Grenville Official Plan and Zoning By-law to permit the pit operation have been submitted in conjunction with the Aggregate Resource Act licence application.
As required by the Aggregate Resources Act (“ARA”), a site plan has been prepared which identifies the existing features on and adjacent to the site, the operational requirements and conditions for the pit, and how the site will be progressively rehabilitated following aggregate extraction. The operational design of the proposed pit has been supported by technical reports addressing natural environment, water resources, noise, traffic and archaeology. Operational controls and mitigation have been incorporated into the ARA Site Plans. The site plans will regulate the operation to ensure that impacts from the operation satisfy provincial standards, regulations and guidelines.