Province expects up to 30 quarry rehab projects in 2022
The provincial quarry rehabilitation program is expected to see between 25 to 30 projects funded this year, through the reserve funded by the aggregate extraction levy, the Quarry Rehab Advisory Committee heard May 30.
The committee is composed of representatives of municipalities, industry and provincial departments to discuss the program, rehabilitation standards and the per tonne levy that is raised to ensure that spent pits and quarries are rehabilitated. The committee provides advice to the minister of Agriculture and Resource Development.
A report on a broad review of the program was submitted to the minister in November, 2021. The committee was apprised of the status of its recommendations. The province has started working on some, including more timely flow of information to lease and permit holders.
The committee has also been tasked with discussing how the current setback requirements for excavation and blasting any consolidated materials be reduced. At present, the setback from any residence must be 400 metres. Industry has provided reports suggesting new technology has reduced the impacts of blasting and excavating.
“We are very pleased the committee will continue in its collaboration and advisory role, now that the broad program review is done and the minister has its recommendations,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said.
Every piece of infrastructure built starts with aggregates at its base, so that demands economical sourcing of rock, sand and gravel, Lorenc noted.
“Communities hosting pits and quarries need to be assured that such activities are well regulated and their interests are represented, and that includes knowing that once a pit or quarry is spent, the land will be returned to a more natural state or developed into a community resource.”
To read the Quarry Rehabilitation Advisory Committee report click here.
