Although the Grand River Conservation Authority is developing guidelines for large fill permits, there may be glitches in its implementation.
Hans Groh, of Gamsby and Mannerow engineers, wrote to council recently regarding the Martinello Pit at Lot 10, Concession 4 in Puslinch Township.
He said the GRCA prepared draft guidelines as a result of “the volume of fill coming into the watershed from the GTA where the quality of fill cannot be guaranteed. “
Further, a large volume of trucks traversing municipal roads has caused concerns in neighbouring municipalities.
Groh wrote of the Martinellow Pit, “Since this site is only partially within the GRCA regulated area” he wanted to discuss how the township would like to proceed. He understood the aggregate licence was released, and asked if the land had been rezoned to agricultural use. He further hoped the item could be on the agenda at the June 16 meeting.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said he found it quite interesting the issue came up right after the walking tour of the Martinello pit.
“We heard of this possible fill being used at least in the Martinello pit. After going over the information and finding out a lot of the things that should have been done prior to the change in licence, as far as looking at elevation and determining water table and whether the pit was returned to the elevation requested as part of the planning, I’m kind of concerned with the process and where it’s going to go from here.”
“We need to keep an eye on this,” Stokley added.
He hopes that there could be some dialogue with the owner as well, and have a review of the use of fill there. He also hopes the GRCA draft would be voted on shortly, which, in turn, would help Puslinch deal with the process.
“My major concern would be bringing in fill from the Toronto area and the number of trucks using local roads. It’s something we really have to be aware of,” Stokley said.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt asked what township regulations come into play.
Clerk Brenda Law said when there is application is before the municipality, those issues are being reviewed.
As well, a the owner will need to apply for a fill permit, and a number of requirements have to be met before the municipality issues a permit.
Stokley asked the clerk if at some point she could provide more information about the local process to council.
Law said there is a basic form that outlines the quantities of fill to be brought in, and the time period. There is also a fee.
She said the issue with this particular application is that it is for a larger quantity of fill over a longer period of time – a three year time span.
Councillor Susan Fielding asked if the proponents have to verify the consistency of the fill.
Law said with others, the township is shown lab results.
In this case, she said it would need to be monitored.
Fielding suggested it could be difficult to control if the fill is coming in over a long period of time.
“I’d imagine it’s not all coming from the same place.”
Law said initially the fill is coming from the Hanlon industrial park in Guelph.
Mayor Dennis Lever asked if identification of the source material is part of the permit.
Law was uncertain, “But generally we do know where it is coming from.”
Stokley said this will be an interesting site because of the involvement of the municipality and the GRCA. There will need to be a balance of the two groups working together.
This has been a problem in Erin, he noted. He recommended that the operation be watched closely because of the potential of complications.
