[GREN-Exec] Region EAC report on Hallman pit

[Susan Koswan]

Hi GREN Exec - particularly John and Greg,

I met Rory Farnan this afternoon who showed me around the proposed 
Hallman pit and shared the community's concerns. Are either of you still 
on the Region's EAC, because this report from them seems to be giving a 
thumbs up to the pit.

https://facility-admin.esolutionsgroup.ca/Uploads/Files/16E7D05A-FC42-4E34-A1EF-8C5C6858A2BF/zca-11-19/EEAC_Proposed_Hallman_Road_Aggregate_Pit_Recommendation_Report.pdf

The Region's hydrogeology report gives it, at least initially, a thumbs 
down.

https://facility-admin.esolutionsgroup.ca/Uploads/Files/16E7D05A-FC42-4E34-A1EF-8C5C6858A2BF/zca-11-19/Region%20of%20Waterloo%20Comments%20(HSW%20Review).pdf

Rory rhymed off the studies they've commissioned and there are serious 
concerns all round for noise, air quality from dust, trucks, dangerous 
intersections, impact on groundwater, loss of agricultural land. I just 
had a read through GravelWatch about rehabilitating aggregate pits and 
it's a real eye-opener. 
http://gravelwatch.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Rehabilitation-of-Pits-and-Quarries.pdf

A thought we both had is that the establishment of the Greenbelt is 
pushing extraction companies outside of it - i.e. here! Also have 
concerns that the studies and experts the citizens' group is 
commissioning can be used against them at no cost to the applicant 
since, I suspect, the information gathered is subject to interpretation 
depending on whose side you're on. In one article, the applicant makes 
some remark that all these studies contribute to their application.

Also, just read that "public entities account for over 60% of the sales 
of aggregate" How much is this affecting zoning decisions by municipal 
politicians?

Not sure if I'm going to just focus on Hallman pit, or take a broader 
approach to include Greg's pit of concern that I still need to see, (one 
near Maryhill?) and the massive warehouse in Blair.

There seems to be a bigger picture here of for-profit self-interest 
being imposed on community. NIMBY, but for good reason.

Thanks for anything you can add to this.

Best,

Susan K

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