Puslinch councillors are concerned with the GRCA’s acceptance of a report on below-the-water-table gravel extraction and with the possibility of the township being overlooked for a joint committee on the issue.
“My concern is they’re losing focus,” Mayor Dennis Lever said last week of the GRCA (Grand River Conservation Authority).
He was responding to a recent GRCA Newsletter which stated its board accepted a paper that explains “the technical aspects for cumulative effects of below-water aggregate operations.”
The report, generated by representatives of the GRCA, the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of the Environment and the Ontario Sand Stone and Gravel Association, includes “general roles and responsibilities” for each when it comes to extraction below the water table.
Lever said the report was written in response to concerns from several municipalities – originating with North Dumfries and subsequently Puslinch – that below-the- water-table extraction could have an impact on surface and groundwater quality and quantity downstream of the pits.
“The GRCA has watered down that issue,” Lever said.
The GRCA Newsletter also stated it will “continue to chair and participate in a joint committee” on the issue, on which the Region of Waterloo and Wellington County “will be invited to participate in 2011.”
Lever wondered if that meant Puslinch Township, one of the original municipalities to call for the report, would not be afforded an opportunity to sit on the committee.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said he, too, was concerned about the issue and noted the township needs more information about the report and the new committee.
Clerk Brenda Law said staff will try to get hydrogeologist Stan Denhoed to report to council on the matter.
