Question 1

Why are your evaluating alternatives to underwater blasting?

Accepted Answer

The Reid Road Reservoir Quarry (RRRQ) is designated by Ontario Regulation 539/21 (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/210539)under the Environmental Assessment Act. Section 8 of Regulation 539/21 requires that the proponent assess "alternative design methods for carrying out the project, including alternatives to underwater blasting". The intent is that the Environmental Assessment will comparatively demonstrate which design method will result in the least impact.

The alternative to underwater blasting is dewatering.  The ARA process assumed underwater blasting as less impactful than dewatering, but the Environmental Assessment must demonstrate this to be the case.

Question 2

Why are you evaluating alternative haul routes?

Accepted Answer

The Reid Road Reservoir Quarry (RRRQ) is designated by Ontario Regulation 539/21 (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/210539)under the Environmental Assessment Act. Section 8 of Regulation 539/21 requires that the proponent assess "alternative haul routes". The intent is that the Environmental Assessment will comparatively demonstrate which haul route will result in the least impact.

The proponent is not proposing a secondary haul route. Rather, the proponent is required to assess an alternative haul route, in addition to the one proposed through the ARA process, to demonstrate which of the two haul route options is the least impactful. Only one haul route will be utilized.

Question 3

How will existing reports be incorporated into the Environmental Assessment?

Accepted Answer

The Reid Road Reservoir Quarry (RRRQ) is designated by Ontario Regulation 539/21 (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/210539)under the Environmental Assessment Act. The regulation was developed to provide a project-specific environmental assessment process for the project, which will provide additional opportunities for public consultation and studies, including studies not required as part of the application process under the Aggregate Resources Act (ARA), while recognizing the work that has been completed to date pursuant to the ARA application process.

Studies prepared as part of the ARA process can be incorporated into the Environmental Assessment. Of course, updates will be made to ensure assessment of alternative methods and alternative haul routes occurs, and to ensure that studies are up to date. Specifics of how studies will be undertaken will be the focus of Public Information Meeting #2 - Draft Environmental Assessment Work Plan. The work plan will include information on how all studies will be prepared, and how criteria and indicators will be evaluated. The draft work plan will be posted to the website in advance of the meeting.

Reid Road Reservoir Quarry Environmental Assessment

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