PERL unimpressed by promise of smaller footprint

The extraction area is shrinking for Nelson Aggregate’s controversial quarry expansion proposal in north Burlington, but opposition still looms large.

The company announced Monday it’ll reduce the area to 42.3 hectares to meet the Ministry of Natural Resources’ (MNR) updated extraction footprint.

Nelson Aggregate’s president said the company is committed to preserving natural features on the newly-protected lands, which set aside habitat for the Jefferson salamander, certain wetlands, woodland areas with endangered butternut trees and related buffer areas.

“There was definitely concern expressed by a number of agencies about natural features on site and protection of some species at risk,” said Norm Elmhirst. “By going to this footprint, we’re confident these species will be protected.”

He noted the extraction area of 73.2 hectares originally sought in 2004 has since been reduced by more than 40 per cent. (The quarry licence application area, which includes extraction, protected lands and buffers, has remained at 82.3 hectares).

“We’re trying to scope and clarify areas of concern,” said Elmhirst. “Hopefully, the change in the extraction area will reduce the number of issues that are outstanding.”

The company also announced it acquired access to cleared land east of the proposed quarry and will create a forested corridor there to enhance wildlife habitat.

Elmhirst said Nelson Aggregate is also working on water issues and an Adaptive Management Plan to monitor and reduce any quarry impacts.

The quarry licence application is before the joint review tribunal of the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) and Environmental Review Tribunal. Elmhirst said a hearing could start in September.

The proposal has been rejected by the City of Burlington, Halton Region, Conservation Halton and the Niagara Escarpment Commission (NEC).

The quarry expansion proposed south of Nelson Aggregate’s existing quarry on No. 2 Sideroad has also encountered stiff opposition from nearby Mount Nemo residents and environmental organizations.

The co-founder of the citizen group Protecting Escarpment Rural Lands (PERL) was unimpressed by Nelson Aggregate’s announcements.

“The new footprint doesn’t put minds at ease over protecting source water,” said Juno-winning singer Sarah Harmer. “There’s highly-fractured limestone there, with caves and fissures. It’s highly unpredictable and risky.”

She said it’s an inappropriate area to do work under the water table. Harmer added it’ll be difficult to protect the provincially-significant wetlands with the extraction area next door.

“This is just a foot in the door to further industrializing the future of Mount Nemo,” said Harmer. “We should be restoring it and bringing back the area for the people of Halton and Burlington to use for recreation and as a learning lab. We need to restore the biodiversity and this is a tremendous opportunity.”

Harmer said the MNR has mapped the proposed quarry for provincially-significant wetlands and Jefferson salamander habitat.

She said now the NEC needs to update its mapping and get planning designations in place to protect the area. “We need to get the planning right, then see what’s left over.”

Harmer doesn’t feel quarry buffers will provide adequate safeguards. She’s skeptical about rehabilitation plans, as she feels Nelson Aggregate hasn’t met such targets for its existing quarry.

Burlington Councillor John Taylor said he can’t comment on Nelson Aggregate’s announcement until he sees maps of the changes, expected in a couple of days.

“I haven’t seen the rationale for it,” he said.

Taylor added the joint review tribunal has just ruled Nelson Aggregate will need a separate development permit to process rock from the new quarry at its existing one.

“This is a very important decision,” he said. “The current quarry was part of the (quarry licence) application. They wanted to do production there.”

The proposed quarry would produce aggregate for roads, bridges, houses and other products.

Nelson Aggregate estimates it would provide 26-million tonnes of aggregate over a 13-15-year lifespan.

The existing quarry employs 48 workers and is expected to run short of reserves in about five years.