Columbia Shuswap Regional District directors have a better understanding of the gravel pit permitting process, thanks to a presentation from the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM) at their Nov. 17 board meeting.
Rick Adams, a senior inspector for permitting with the ministry, presented on both the massive demand for sand and gravel in B.C., and the process of application and inspection that goes into putting in a new gravel pit.
Adams said it’s estimated B.C. residents use 13 tonnes of sand and gravel per capita per year. He said although that number seems high, sand and gravel are used for everything from road and bridge construction to residential, commercial and industrial foundation drainage and walls.
There are shortages of sand and gravel developing in the Lower Mainland, Okanagan and Peace regions, Adams said.
He said applicants submit online directly to the Ministry of Energy and Mines. Applications must be very detailed, including property location and description, water courses, access, a detailed mine plan, sand and gravel resources, annual production levels and mine lifespan.
A plan for reclamation of the land and a mine emergency response plan must also be included.
In order to limit disturbance of the community the gravel pits are going into, Adams said there are measures to reduce noise and dust, such as berms, vegetation screening and tarping loads for trucks.
The ministry is responsible for monitoring and enforcing these issues.
“We try to maintain the viability of a business, but where that business happens to be located proximal to homes and a heavier populated area. Those guys are not going to be allowed to operate 24/7. We can set noise limits at the property boundary – the standard is about 50 or 55 decibels,” Adams said.
During the permitting process, comments from local government and First Nations are received and a public consultation is held through an announcement in local newspapers.
If concerns are received a public meeting can be held.
Electoral Area F North Shuswap-Seymour Arm director Larry Morgan asked how the regional district would go about co-ordinating with the ministry when they receive complaints about gravel pit operations. Adams said the regional district has the opportunity to comment during the permitting process, and could also forward concerns to MEM’s Kamloops office.
Alternate City of Salmon Arm director Tim Lavery asked if there is also a public consultation about how the land is reclaimed after the gravel pit has reached the end of its lifespan.
Adams said land must be reclaimed to the same condition which local government has it zoned for, and provided several examples from around the province of reclaimed gravel pits or other mine sites which are now everything from commercial areas to Butchart Gardens in Victoria.
