The owners of a gravel pit where an asphalt and concrete recycling operation is planned are seeking an expanded extraction licence.
Moorefield Excavating has applied for a zoning amendment to permit the additional use of recycling asphalt, concrete, bricks, etc. in a small existing gravel pit on Concession 17 near Wellington Road 109.
At the June 16 meeting, Mapleton council agreed to defer consideration of the amending bylaw to allow Wellington County planning staff time to consult with Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) officials on the ministry’s role in monitoring potential for groundwater contamination.
Once the aggregate on site has been depleted, no further recyclable materials will be permitted on site.
The pit is currently licensed for the extraction of 30,000 tonnes per year, which is “quite small compared to other pits in the county,” manager of planning and environment Mark Van Patter noted at the June 16 meeting.
At the June 23 meeting council received correspondence form Moorefield Excavating stating the company has applied to the MNR for a licence amendment that would increase the pit’s allowable extraction from 30,000 tonnes annually to 100,000.
“While we don’t expect our current market area to demand 100,000 tonnes per year; we do believe that there is sufficient demand for the pit to deliver 60,000 tonnes to market per year,” the letter states.
“As well, we would like to be prepared if a project comes along that requires a substantially greater amount.”
Councillor Dennis Craven expressed concern over the increased extraction.
“When the applicant first came to us it was for 30,000 tonnes and that’s not very much. When I see it’s for 100,000 that’s a bit more of a concern,” he commented.
“And this was after our meeting, too,” noted Mayor Neil Driscoll.
CAO Patty Sinnamon pointed out the licence application goes through a different process than the zoning amendment.
“Keep in mind this is separate to the zoning amendment that came forward at our last meeting,” Sinnamon told council.
