Opponents of a planned quarry near here want Guelph-Eramosa to take a closer look at what impact the quarry may have on surrounding farms and agricultural land.
Glen Duff of the Concerned Residents Coalition (CRC) asked council at its meeting on June 16 to conduct an agricultural impact assessment study as part of the rezoning process for a 100-acre parcel of land located at the northeast corner of 6th Line and Highway 7.
James Dick Construction is seeking an aggregate licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and a zoning amendment from Guelph-Eramosa council that will allow it to proceed with a pit expected to produce about 700,000 tonnes annually of sand, gravel and dolostone.
The June 16 CRC presentation follows previous presentations made by the group calling on council to review conflicting water and air studies.
Council has been compiling information from all sources as part of the rezoning process.
Duff, who operates a sheep farm about a kilometre from the planned quarry, called for the impact study. He said an impact study should focus on three questions: who pays, who gets the benefit, and who takes the risk.
According to Duff, agriculture is a “$34-billion industry” in Ontario, while about 350 acres of prime agricultural land is lost annually in the province.
“It’s important to the province that we have a strong farming and food industry,” he told council.
Dust generated by the quarry from blasting of bedrock and truck traffic could impact nearby crops, people and livestock, said Duff.
Surrounding the development are cash crops, as well as sheep, beef and horse farms. Duff also pointed out the quarry could have an impact on a nearby mushroom farm, “a $1-million business.”
“We need to protect our food and water,” Duff said. “Quarry dust can kill. That’s been proven.”
He claimed the quarry will mean the loss of about 100 acres of prime farmland, a move discouraged by farm organizations who “encourage that quarries not be placed on prime farmland.”
Loss of nearby farms would also impact businesses that supply the farms.
“These are people we need to embrace,” he said of existing businesses dependent on agricultural.
Duff said the provincial government should be working to enhance existing businesses rather than trying to attract new business.
“They (provincial government) need to work with businesses that exist,” he said.
“These are businesses that are the heart and soul of the Canadian economy.”
Concern has been raised about the impact the quarry may have on the water table that supplies nearby wells and farmland.
“As the water table changes it takes a long time for it to refill,” Duff said.
The blasting planned by the developer and vibrations it might cause is also a concern.
“Vibration and noise has its effects,” he said.
“We own an 1840 farmhouse one kilometre away. This could be subject to structural damage.”
Councillor Doug Breen said he is concerned about the impact the quarry could have on nearby agriculture.
“We absolutely hear you when it comes to agriculture,” Breen said.
Hinting at a possible CRC-initiated Ontario Municipal Board hearing should council approve the rezoning, Duff told council, “We want to work with you, but if you vote the other way…”
