The Concerned Residents Coalition (CRC) has reiterated its belief that a proposed quarry southeast of Rockwood could impact the quality and quantity of local groundwater.
“It’s a very hydrogeologically-delicate area,” CRC member Michael Venhuis told Guelph-Eramosa council on Nov. 18.
Venhuis, an environmental consultant and geochemist with experience in dealing with mines, said there are no “geological descriptions of the area [James Dick Construction] wants to excavate.”
One report submitted by the company, which plans to annually extract about 700,000 tonnes of aggregate at the northeast corner of the 6th Line and Highway 7, states the site “does not represent a sensitive recharge, discharge or headwater area.”
“I disagree with that statement,” said Venhuis.
He told council the area east of Rockwood, while representing just four per cent of the total area of the township, accounts for 10% of the total groundwater recharge volume for the township.
“This is a significant recharge area,” said Venhuis, who also noted there are a number of municipally-classified hazard zones in the area surrounding the site.
James Dick officials have stated the quarry will have no adverse impacts on groundwater, but Venhuis said the operation would have a “significant” impact on the water table.
He noted the operation could cause water levels in some areas to drop by as much as 2.45 metres (eight feet).
Venhuis also reiterated a number of the CRC’s water quality concerns, including:
– increased turbidity in groundwater from blasting (dust fallout);
– fuel/hydrocarbon leaks into groundwater from trucks and/or machinery;
– temperature impacts on groundwater;
– high groundwater nitrate levels;
– possible contamination from a small pond to be constructed on the site for wash water.
Venhuis concluded by stating, “There is more work required to assess the impact of this proposed quarry on our invaluable water supply.”
Councillors thanked Venhuis for his presentation and said it would be considered before a decision is made.
