April 14 th, 2015 Clint MacDonald, BASc (Civil Engineering and Mgmt Science) Gravel Pit Objections Objections based on Hydrology, Hydraulics, Air Flow, and Traffic Patterns
Overview Hydrology Water Table Underground Aquifers Drinking Sources Remediation Pond? Hydraulics Boyne River/Tosorontio Creek Water Levels/Annual Flooding Seepage and Contamination Monitoring Air Pollution Air Particulates and Sediments Prevailing Winds Air Quality Traffic Patterns Road Maintenance Increased Noise Speed Limits Public Safety
Hydrology Water Table Proposed excavation below existing water table Potentially lowering mean table level (category 1) Local drinking water source Natural Springs, wells and cisterns would be impacted Potential contamination machinery and vehicles imported materials Aggregate washing
Hydrology Long Term Impact Potential to damage the aquifers natural containment system Digging through the Blue Clay Layer may result in the long term reduction in aquifer size and groundwater source Further investigation is required to determine exact aquifer location, extent, and existing natural confining barriers (aquitards)
Hydraulics Wetland Water Levels Several natural springs in the area might disappear Potential lowering of average river levels through lowering water table creating near drought conditions (Boyne River and Tosorontio Creek) Natural Water Filtration May be impacted by impacts on wetland area
Hydraulics Water Levels Potential Flooding in the spring (Proposed Berm Creation) Cross contamination Long term impacts on wetland area Wetland Flood Zone
Air Flow / Pollution Airborne particulates and Sediments Gravel Pit created Traffic created Prevailing Winds Local residents Air Quality (Asthma) Continuing persistent dust Road Cleanliness Local Businesses and Recreation Agriculture (sod) Tree Farms (Somerville) Earl Rowe Provincial Park
Natural Habitats and Wildlife Home to many land and aquatic species Salmon (annual spawning and running) Steelhead Trout (Endangered Fish) Bobolink survey results confirm the nesting, territorial defence and foraging presence of 20 to 28 pairs [on site] (Endangered Bird) Bank Swallow (Endangered Bird) present onsite Beavers protected animals make their home along the northern border of the proposed site Many other animals including deer, humming birds, foxes, coyotes, various amphibians plus many more
Natural Habitats and Wildlife Removal of natural vegetation and top soils will result in a rise in ground temperature and thus water temperature Greatly impacts aquatic species & their ability to survive Impacts spawning Swampy wetland Is home to many species of animal and aquatics Natural filtration of water directly upstream from drinking sources Noise Impact Regardless of remediation and protection that is implemented, the noise itself which is unavoidable will force animals out of the area.
Traffic Flow, Patterns, and Risks 1 truck every 85 seconds 6am to 7pm Approx. 500-550 truck trips per day Road Maintenance Wear and Tear Road Cleaning Winter Safety Traffic Bottlenecks Traffic Safety 80km/hr. vs. 100km/hr. Community Safety Zones Police Enforcement (Cost)
Traffic Flow, Patterns, and Risks Traffic Noise Basic Engine Noise Engine (Jake) Brakes Larger hills surrounding area Residences in high noise areas Truck Maintenance Tires Leaking Fluids in natural sensitive area Idling times (Air Pollution) Patterns North on County Road 13 (Everett) South to Hwy 89 (Lights and dangerous intersection) East through Alliston (to Hwy. 400) South on Hwy 50 West on 89 (Rosemount)
Costs to the Region/Government How much just does one death cost? Traffic/By-Law/Environmental Policy Enforcement Groundwater and Drinking Water Monitoring Potential Remediation Road Maintenance Air Quality Monitoring / Enforcement
Costs to the Local Residents/Businesses Property Values greatly decreased Quality of Life Air Pollution Noise Pollution Water Source Pollution or Quantity Decrease Traffic Danger Agricultural Value greatly reduced Legal and Mediation Fees Increased Car Maintenance (increased dirt and salt on roads)
Benefits to the Region, Government, Environment, Residents, or local Businesses
Why grant the license? There are hundreds of objections There are thousands of voters against this There is great cost to everyone and organizations involved There are no benefits of any substance There is great risk to the environment There is great risk of traffic accidents There is a large reduction in quality of life for many local residents SO WHY WOULD ANYONE EVERY GRANT A LICENSE???