Highland: Environmental Assessment Not Warranted

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Environmental assessment not warranted:Highland

By Chris Halliday

Jun 08, 2011 - 4:58 PM|

It may not come as a surprise to most, but The Highland Companies doesntbelieve a federal environmental assessment (EA) is needed, or required, for itsplans in Melancthon.

Nor does the company, which has submitted an application for a 2,316-acreaggregate license, foresee the provincial government undertaking one instead offollowing regular processes required under Ontarios Aggregate Resources Act(ARA).

We believe the current process governing the companys application is fullycomprehensive, explained Michael Daniher, spokesperson for The HighlandCompanies. (It) deals with all the issues, provides for a thorough review bygovernment and provides opportunity for public input.

Danihers comments follow Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilsons recent request toCanadas Ministry of the Environment (MOE), calling on federal minister PeterKent to launch an EA in regards to the quarry proposal.Although it is largely aprovincial issue, Tilson believes the Canadian Environmental Assessment Actcontains 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 befollowed. 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 beaddressed in due course.

The local MPs call for an environmental inspection is not the only request for anEA 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 withwhether 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 shestands on the issue.

Both Melancthon council and Jones have struggled with whether the protocol foran EA, rather than procedures laid out by the ARA, might compromise theprovinces review of the application.

Seeking an answer to that dilemma at Queens Park, Jones asked Ontario

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Minister of Natural Resources Linda Jeffrey whether the ARA process has theresources necessary to fully assess the environmental impact of the proposedquarry 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 quarryspossible effect on the water table, but in Jones opinion, danced around thequestion.

Jeffrey noted the ARA gives The Highland Companies up to two years untilMarch 2013 to resolve any objections to the application, and if complaintsremain unresolved, the ministry can refer it to the Ontario Municipal Board.

Speaking to The Banner last Thursday (June 2), Jones was a little thrown abackby the ministers answer; she thought Jeffrey would have exhibited a little moreconfidence in the ARA process.

I thought she would say, Absolutely. We have the best staff that can review thefull application, and she didnt, Jones said. I dont know why she didnt.

Claiming calls for EAs are a common request made by opponents of aggregateprojects, Daniher argued they are for public sector projects, and are onlyextended to private commercial ones if other approval processes fail to coverthose projects.

Under the current law, quarries are exempt from an EA there are twoprovincial processes, including the ARA and the Planning Act, already in place.

Governments have consistently declined requests to conduct an EA ofaggregate projects, Daniher said. Theyve done so on the basis that thePlanning Act, the Aggregate Resources Act and other legislation provide theappropriate and comprehensive level of protection for the environment andcommunities.