Environmental assessment not warranted: Highland

By Chris Halliday Jun 08, 2011 - 4:58 PM

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It may not come as a surprise to most, but The Highland Companies doesnt believe a federal environmental assessment (EA) is needed, or required, for its plans in Melancthon. Nor does the company, which has submitted an application for a 2,316-acre aggregate license, foresee the provincial government undertaking one instead of following regular processes required under Ontarios Aggregate Resources Act (ARA). We believe the current process governing the companys application is fully comprehensive, explained Michael Daniher, spokesperson for The Highland Companies. (It) deals with all the issues, provides for a thorough review by government and provides opportunity for public input. Danihers comments follow Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilsons recent request to Canadas Ministry of the Environment (MOE), calling on federal minister Peter Kent to launch an EA in regards to the quarry proposal.Although it is largely a provincial issue, Tilson believes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act contains a number of triggers that could force an EA be done at the federal level. Daniher fired back, however, arguing there are no such triggers in this case. There are processes governing such designations and we assume they will be followed. Our conclusion is that the application does not trigger a federal EA, Daniher said. Mr. Tilsons letter is being reviewed by the company and will be addressed in due course. The local MPs call for an environmental inspection is not the only request for an EA on the books; the Citizens Alliance United for a Sustainable Environment (CAUSE) has also submitted an application to the provinces MOE. There could be more coming too, as Melancthon council has wrestled with whether or not to file a similar request. Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones has also been conflicted with the same dilemma, and is yet to decide where she stands on the issue. Both Melancthon council and Jones have struggled with whether the protocol for an EA, rather than procedures laid out by the ARA, might compromise the provinces review of the application. Seeking an answer to that dilemma at Queens Park, Jones asked Ontario

Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey whether the ARA process has the resources necessary to fully assess the environmental impact of the proposed quarry given its size and scope. Jeffrey acknowledged she is aware residents, citizen groups and local municipalities are concerned about the loss of agricultural land and the quarrys possible effect on the water table, but in Jones opinion, danced around the question. Jeffrey noted the ARA gives The Highland Companies up to two years until March 2013 to resolve any objections to the application, and if complaints remain unresolved, the ministry can refer it to the Ontario Municipal Board. Speaking to The Banner last Thursday (June 2), Jones was a little thrown aback by the ministers answer; she thought Jeffrey would have exhibited a little more confidence in the ARA process. I thought she would say, Absolutely. We have the best staff that can review the full application, and she didnt, Jones said. I dont know why she didnt. Claiming calls for EAs are a common request made by opponents of aggregate projects, Daniher argued they are for public sector projects, and are only extended to private commercial ones if other approval processes fail to cover those projects. Under the current law, quarries are exempt from an EA there are two provincial processes, including the ARA and the Planning Act, already in place. Governments have consistently declined requests to conduct an EA of aggregate projects, Daniher said. Theyve done so on the basis that the Planning Act, the Aggregate Resources Act and other legislation provide the appropriate and comprehensive level of protection for the environment and communities.