The proposed location of the extraction pit
The conversation around a proposed sand and gravel extraction pit between Barbers Lake and Wheelers Pancake House in McDonalds Corners continues.
Tuesday’s public meeting brought the public out en masse to speak against the first site plan submitted by MHBC Planning on behalf of Cavanagh Construction.
The company wants to implement a pit within their 50 hectare property, 35 hectares of which to be used for extraction below the water table.
Lake 88 spoke to MHBC Land Use Planner Neal DeRyuter Wednesday, who explained why Cavanagh Construction holds this plot of land in high regard.
He said the area was designated by both the province and Lanark Highlands of having significant sand and gravel deposit, which makes the location valuable due to the materials general scarcity.
Residents shared several concerns surrounding the proposal, ranging from wildlife and noise pollution, to traffic and operating hours.
Written and oral submissions of opposition carry a lot of weight, DeRyuter said.
The current proposal states Cavanagh’s intention of running 24/7, though DeRyuter reiterated Wednesday what he said at the public meeting, that the evening shift would be limited to shipping and no extraction would take place.
Another concern continually raised through Tuesday’s meeting was the site having a 30 metre setback to wetlands, with residents saying that’s far too close to water.
DeRyuter says that concern, along with all of the others, will be reviewed by provincial and municipal third parties.
DeRyuter stressed that these are the infancy days of this process and lots can happen in the months ahead.
Cavanagh is scheduling an open house this spring to garner additional comments and provide input on their site plan application.
Story by Grant Deme
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