Residents skeptical of Strada-NDACT quarry agreement
Strada Aggregates is exploring the possibility of turning a portion of its existing 360-acre sand and gravel pit, in operation since 2004 in the area of 4th Line and County Rd. 17 in Melancthon, into a quarry, meaning they would be extracting limestone below the water table.
The situation is unique because the community doesn’t usually catch wind of a quarry application until it has been filed.
The crux of the agreement is a commitment by Strada to hire a trusted community consultant, the same person who helped NDACT fight the mega quarry, and if studies prove the science is viable for Strada to proceed to file the application, NDACT has agreed not to object to the application.
When Strada reached out with an offer to engage the group that led the fight against the mega quarry, Carl Cosack said NDACT members felt they had little choice but to participate. They worried that if they declined to engage they would have little recourse when it came time to an appeal, given the development-friendly government at Queen’s Park.
“It’s very difficult for us to talk to a proponent and try to find positive outcomes… but I must say with Kevin Powers help, Strada has come to the table to talk and has agreed to some things that I don’t think any other proponent currently has ever agreed to,” said Cosack.
So, after two years of negotiation and many heated exchanges at the board table NDACT and Strada are taking the preliminary agreement to the public. The agreement includes six protocols designed to ensure collaboration and cooperation between the two parties and the local municipality throughout all phases of the property development. The six major subject areas include communication, peer reviews, wells and natural features, establishing a recreation fund, land assumption and licence assumption.
Many in attendance had engaged in the fight against the mega quarry.
One resident said, “I am shocked that we are even having this discussion after the mega quarry. You don’t go below the water line. It’s a black and white issue.”
The crowd voiced concerns about traffic, the viability of their wells, protection of wetlands and the impact of blasting on area homes.
The audience expressed frustration at Powers’ lack of detailed technical information but he tried to reassure them saying that Strada has to demonstrate in the application process that the quarry will not have any negative impact on area residents.
“One of Strada’s chief concerns and area of study is around water, and water quality, for surrounding residents,” said Powers.
Ken Fryer expressed skepticism about the agreement, congratulating Strada on getting NDACT on board so quickly. He said he expects Strada will come up with every reason not to recognize wetlands and protect wells.
Another resident said it’s all about profits and greed.
“Nothing is going to change until we make a change at Queen’s Park,” said NDACT chair Karren Wallace to applause.
She also said that just because NDACT may not oppose the quarry application, that doesn’t preclude others from forming a grassroots organization and doing so.
She urged people to donate to the cause if they want NDACT to continue to advocate on the community’s behalf. Funds can be sent to info@ndact.com.
