A war of words appears to be brewing between James Dick Construction and a group of residents opposed to the company’s plans for a quarry southwest of Rockwood.
On Oct. 7 mushroom farmers Natalie and Witold Jaroszewski, on behalf of the Concerned Residents Coalition (CRC), made an emotional presentation to Guelph-Eramosa council, citing a number of concerns with the aggregate pit proposed at the northeast corner of the 6th Line and Highway 7.
Two days later James Dick Construction vice president Greg Sweetnam dismissed their claims and lashed out at the CRC, calling it a “hate group” making “ridiculous arguments” and “intimidating” council.
“It isn’t like they’re presenting objective information,” Sweetnam said in an interview. “They continue to reinforce amongst themselves this negative spin … they’re trying to grasp at straws to say anything negative.”
Natalie Jaroszewski could not contain her emotions on Monday night while describing the impact she feels the quarry could have on her family’s operation, W&T Mushroom Ltd., which she said is located about 100 metres north of the proposed quarry.
“Our entire operation could be lost,” Jaroszewski said moments before breaking down in tears.
She told council the quarry will have a detrimental impact on local farmers who have “invested their dreams, money and lives” in the area.
She added the pit application has “stopped us in our tracks,” delaying a possible facility expansion and an increase in production at her family’s mushroom farm, which produces about 120,000kg of mushrooms per year.
“Our momentum is lost,” she told council. “With the threat of a quarry we can not invest in growing our business.”
Her father Witold Jaroszewski, who started the business in 1984, echoed Natalie’s fears that three decades of work and millions of dollars of investments could be lost if their concerns about the pit are realized.
“For us, dust is a killer,” Witold told council.
He explained bacteria sticks to dust and could kill entire mushroom crops, particularly during the crucial first 72 hours of starting a new colony. Green mould is the main concern, Witold said, noting mushrooms are made up of 86% water.
He told council his operation uses 5,000 to 7,000 litres of water per day to create the steam necessary to control humidity in growing rooms – and contaminated water, another major concern several local residents have expressed about the quarry application, could destroy his crops.
Sweetnam told the Advertiser dust will not be a concern at the proposed quarry.
“This is an underwater quarry operation. There is no dust whatsoever,” he said. “I’ve never seen dust blow off a lake before.”
Another concern highlighted by the Jaroszewskis is the possible impact of blasting at the proposed quarry, which will measure about 25 hectares (61 acres) in size and is expected to produce about 700,000 tonnes annually of sand, gravel and dolostone.
Shock waves may be felt within 100 metres, Natalie said, and a cracked foundation, or something as simple as a pipe bursting, could damage computer equipment and have a disastrous effect on the farm.
Sweetnam countered his company blasts at other pits all the time – within 160 metres of neighbouring properties – and has never had an issue.
“There’s very strict guidelines we have to adhere to,” said Sweetnam.
He added the rules for blasting in Ontario are “so conservative it’s impossible to cause any damage on any neighbouring properties.”
James Dick Construction is proposing about 25 blasts per year, each lasting one second.
“A little bump and it’s done,” said Sweetnam.
At council Witold Jaroszewski questioned a past assertion by Sweetnam that property values near the quarry will increase over time.
“I don’t see this,” Witold said simply, to much laughter from the 30 or so CRC members present at Monday’s council meeting.
Yet on Wednesday Sweetnam reinforced his original statement, noting the creation of a lake and the paving of the 6th Line will ultimately result in higher property values in the area.
Sweetnam called the proposed quarry a “win-win” for everyone, saying every member of the CRC uses aggregate products daily.
He opined the proposed location is a fine spot for a quarry and said CRC members are not acting rationally.
On Monday night Mayor Chris White thanked the Jaroszewskis for an “excellent” presentation, and said council will consider their concerns before making a decision on zoning for the pit.
To proceed, James Dick requires an aggregate licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources as well as a zoning amendment from the township.
