Puslinch officials are not pleased with the partial rehabilitation of the Nigro gravel pit and have taken exception to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) claim that the site has been “exceptionally” rehabilitated.
“If that’s exceptional, I’d hate to see what bad is,” councillor Susan Fielding said on Dec. 15. She added she is “very disappointed” with the partial rehabilitation of the pit, which is operated by St. Mary’s Cement on Concession 4.
Colleen Sutton, secretary of the township’s planning and advisory committee, wrote to council to inform them the committee “had a concern” with the term “exceptionally rehabilitated.”
That term originated with an October letter from MNR representative Jason MacLay advising St. Mary’s, as well as the township, county and ministry of labour, the partial surrender of the Nigro pit was approved.
“Final rehabilitation has taken place on the portion of the licence east of Sideroad 12,” MacLay wrote. “The surrendered area was found to be exceptionally rehabilitated and no longer has any obligations under the Aggregate Resources Act.”
Sutton said the committee wants to have the MNR explain to council “the criteria they use when accepting requests for the surrendering of licences and their description of the state of the rehabilitation.”
Councillors seemed to agree the request was more than reasonable.
“I’m still confused,” councillor Wayne Stokley said of the rehabilitation criteria being used by the MNR.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt agreed council needs more information and he wondered what “the norm” is for pit rehabilitation.
Mayor Dennis Lever said he wants to write MNR officials to get an explanation and he would also like to schedule an on-site meeting, likely in the spring, to address the situation.
