CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry Planning Summary

CBM Aggregates (CBM), a division of St. Marys Cement Inc. (Canada) has applied to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) for a Class A Licence (Pit and Quarry Below Water) and to the Town of Caledon for an Official Plan Amendment and Zoning By-law Amendment to permit the proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry, a new mineral aggregate operation.

The Planning Justification Report and Aggregate Resources Summary Statement were prepared to evaluate the proposal from a planning perspective and to address provincial, regional and Town of Caledon policy through a number of technical Reports, including Stage 1/2 Archaeological Assessment, Cultural Heritage Report, Agricultural Impact Assessment, Air Quality Impact Assessment, Blast Impact Assessment, Noise Assessment Report, Natural Environment Report, Water Report Level 1/2, Maximum Predicted Water Table Report, Visual Impact Assessment, Socio-Economic Assessment, and Transportation Impact Study.

The subject site is mapped as High Potential Mineral Aggregate Resource Area (HPMARA) in the Region of Peel Official Plan and Caledon High Potential Mineral Aggregate Resource Area (CHPMARA) in the Town’s Official Plan, which represents an area of primary significance for sand and gravel and bedrock resources and is protected and prioritized for potential future extraction. It is proposed that approximately 262 hectares of the subject site are to be designated / zoned under the Planning Act and licenced under the Aggregate Resources Act to permit the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry. The proposed Extraction Area includes approximately 80 million tonnes of a high-quality bedrock resource and approximately 5 million tonnes of a high-quality sand and gravel resource.

The primary market area for the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry is the Greater Toronto Area, including the Town of Caledon and the Region of Peel. This site represents a close to market source of a high-quality mineral aggregate resource and will result in minimizing the length and number of vehicle trips required to transport an essential raw material needed for the construction and maintenance of communities, thereby minimizing overall social, economic and environmental impacts.

The proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry is proposed to be progressively rehabilitated and CBM’s after use vision for the site includes ecological enhancement areas that have been designed to fit into the overall regional context and complement the existing topography and terrestrial and aquatic features in the area. The extraction is below-water and accordingly, rehabilitation to an agricultural after use is not feasible. The overall final rehabilitation plan will consist of three separate lakes in each of the North, Main and South extraction areas surrounded by nearshore, riparian, and upland habitats. As part of the application, CBM is prepared to explore opportunity to convey approximately 36 ha along the southern limit of the site (north of Cataract) permanently to a public authority for long term protection.

Overall, the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry represents good planning, wise resource management and has been sited and designed to address the requirements of the Aggregate Resources Act Provincial Standards, be consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, and conform to the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Greenbelt Plan, Region of Peel Official Plan and Town of Caledon Official Plan.

Background

The purpose of the Agricultural Impact Assessment (AIA) is to identify and evaluate potential impacts of the proposed project on the local Agricultural System and to recommend mitigation measures that avoid, minimize, and/or eliminate identified potential adverse impacts to the extent feasible. The AIA included a review of background information, field work, analysis of impacts, alternative site assessment, and analysis of net impacts following mitigation measures.

The site is located within the Greater Golden Horseshoe’s agricultural land base and is part of a prime agricultural area. The site is also designated “General Agricultural Area” and “Rural Lands” in the Town of Caledon Official Plan, and “Prime Agricultural Area” and “Rural Lands” in the Region of Peel Official Plan. The site consists predominately of agricultural field crops, with two active agricultural operations, one remnant agricultural operation, and one non-farm residence. An AIA is required to satisfy provincial and municipal requirements for new mineral aggregate extraction operations proposed in prime agricultural areas.

Potential Effects

The proposed project has the potential to cause direct and indirect impacts on the surrounding Agricultural System. The largest potential impact is the unavoidable loss of 119.18 ha of prime agricultural lands. Other possible impacts on the agriculture environment include:

  • Loss of agricultural infrastructure
  • Loss of approximately 258 ha of crop land
  • Traffic along haul route
  • Disruption to surrounding farm operations
  • Water levels changes to farm wells or irrigation systems
  • Noise, dust and vibration from extraction, processing and drilling on surrounding farm operations

Managing Potential Effects

To manage the potential effects of the project, the following measures are recommended:

  • Existing agricultural infrastructure for active farm operations should remain in place until removal is required for extraction.
  • Continue to cultivate lands until they are needed for extraction (including site preparation).
  • Lands not directly impacted by extraction to be made available for future agricultural use.
  • Existing haul routes to be used.
  • Creation of a 5-metre visual/acoustic berm and visual plantings on the Setback/Buffer Lands.
  • Groundwater monitoring to identify any changes to groundwater supply.
  • Noise, dust and vibration to be kept at provincial standards through recommended mitigation techniques.
  • Open communication with agricultural operations in close proximity to address complaints.

The AIA has concluded that the application is consistent with provincial and municipal agricultural-related policies and that adverse impacts have been considered and minimized to the extent feasible.

Background

The Air Quality Impact Assessment (AQIA) assessed the potential impact of the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry on air quality. The assessment focussed on contaminants that are typically associated with emissions from pit and quarry operations, which include the following:

  • particulate matter: suspended particulate matter (SPM), particles nominally smaller than 10 µm in diameter (PM10), and particles nominally smaller than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5);
  • crystalline silica: as a fraction of PM10; and
  • combustion gas: nitrogen oxides [expressed as nitrogen dioxide (NO2)].

A combination of published emission factors and site-specific information were used to estimate emission rates from the proposed activities at the site. Relevant sources of emissions at the site include the following:

  • Drilling and blasting;
  • Material Handling and Vehicle Movements;
  • Material Processing (Crushing and Screening); and
  • Stockpiling of Materials.

Emission rates were modelled using Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)- approved modelling methodologies to estimate predicted concentrations of relevant air quality contaminants at surrounding sensitive receptors, in particular local residences.

Potential Effects

The results of the modelling were combined with local monitoring data taken from stations managed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, to estimate “cumulative” air quality. The cumulative air quality concentrations were compared to the relevant Ontario Ambient Air Quality Criteria (AAQC), which are typically used as an indicator of good air quality. The maximum off-site predicted cumulative concentrations as a result of emissions from the Site were below the AAQC for all assessed contaminants.

Managing Potential Effects

As per the outcomes of the AQIA, the proposed operation has been designed to minimize and mitigate to acceptable levels any potential adverse effects from dust and other air pollutants in accordance with provincial guidelines, standards and procedures.

The implementation of best management practices identified in the proposed operation’s Best Management Practices Plan for dust, will help to control fugitive dust and to minimize impacts on surrounding sensitive land uses.

Background

The purpose of the archaeological assessment (AA) is to evaluate the archaeological potential of the CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry Study Area (approximately 262 hectares); identify archaeological resources that may be present; and to make recommendations regarding the need for additional archaeological work, if required. The AA was undertaken in compliance with the requirements of the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism’s (MCM; formerly, Ministry Tourism, Culture, and Sport) 2011 Standards and Guidelines for Consultant Archaeologists.

Indigenous communities, including the Huron-Wendat First Nation (HWFN), Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN), Six Nations of the Grand River (SNGR), Haudenosaunee Development Institute (HDI) and the Metis First Nation (MFN) were provided updates on the project and invited to participate in the fieldwork. Participants from the HWFN, MCFN, SNGR, and the HDI were present at various stages of the fieldwork based on their availability.

The fieldwork surveys resulted in the identification of 30 sites, including 12 historical Euro-Canadian sites and 18 pre-contact Indigenous sites. Following site analysis, it was concluded that a total of 16 sites did not have sufficient cultural heritage value or interest (CHVI) to meet the provincial guidelines, criteria, while the remaining 14 sites did have sufficient CHVI and required further study.

Potential Effects

All 14 archaeological sites with CHVI in the Study Area have been recommended for further study, Further study will determine if mitigation is required to conserve these sites in accordance with Provincial requirements.

Managing Potential Effects

Further study will determine the extent of each site, collect a representative sample of artifacts, further assess CHVI, and make appropriate recommendations for mitigation.

If mitigation is required, then potential impacts to sites will be avoided through long-term avoidance or through systematic archaeological excavation to document the site and preserve artifacts.

Until further study is completed, the sites will be avoided and protected by establishing 70 m “no-go” zones around the extent of each site based on the results of the field survey completed to date.

Background

The purpose of the blast impact study is to assess potential effects of the ground and air vibrations that will be produced by the proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry blasting operations on adjacent receptors such as residences, structures, Enbridge pipeline, water wells and fish spawning areas. The purpose of the BIA is to demonstrate that applicable guidelines for blast overpressure and ground vibration can be satisfied at adjacent receptors. The BIA for the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry was carried out in accordance with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF), Aggregate Resources Act (ARA) Ontario Regulation 244/97.

Potential Effects

Blasting effects on adjacent structures are subject to ground and air vibration limits of 12.5 mm/s and 128 dBL respectively, as established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and outlined in Noise Pollution Control (NPC) publication 119 of the Model Municipal Noise Control By-Law, for operations where monitoring of these effects is carried out as a matter of routine.

All blasting and monitoring would occur in accordance with the ARA prescribed conditions so as to comply with the provincial guidelines. Blasting operations are also subject to a number of additional ground vibration limits, including: a) 13 mm/s at fish spawning areas around the proposed quarry as established by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) for the use of explosives in or near Canadian fisheries waters, b) 50 mm/s at the two identified Enbridge pipelines, c) 50 mm/s at the structures located within the project that have potential heritage value.

The movement of rock from a blast is a predictable and necessary component of any blast. However, the ejection of rock from a blast must remain within the site (i.e., is prohibited from leaving the site boundary).

Managing Potential Effects

The results of the study carried out for the CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry indicated that the blasting operations may be performed at the site in compliance with the current quarry blasting guidelines published by the MECP (NPC-119), as well as the additional vibration limits noted above. A comprehensive blast monitoring program is proposed during operation of the site as outlined in the BIA report and will be a requirement of the licence.

Through proper blast design and diligence in inspecting the geology before every blast, flyrock will be maintained within the proposed quarry limits.

Background

The goal of the Cultural Heritage Report was to assess the proposed operation’s potential impacts on heritage buildings and landscapes in the study area. It outlines heritage law and policies, and describes the study area's history and current conditions. Of the 22 heritage-properties identified by the study, five have buildings and features with heritage potential that are located within the proposed extraction area. These five areas of cultural heritage potential will be subject to further study to determine the cultural heritage value of these areas and potential mitigation measures.

Potential Effects

The Cultural Heritage Report concludes that surrounding cultural heritage landscapes and built heritage resources will not be impacted by the proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry and that the majority of the proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry does not include significant built heritage resources and significant cultural heritage landscapes. Portions of five listed (not designated) or inventoried heritage properties are located within the proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry and contain cultural heritage potential. Accordingly, these areas are identified in the Cultural Heritage Report and on the Aggregate Resources Act Site Plans and no site alteration or development is permitted until a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) is completed.

Managing Potential Effects

To avoid potential impacts, the report recommends Heritage Impact Assessments for the five properties within the extraction limit. The HIA should include a full evaluation of the property using the criteria prescribed in Ontario Regulation 9/06 of the Ontario Heritage Act, provide a Statement of cultural heritage value or interest (CHVI) with list of heritage attributes, identify all direct and indirect impacts, and recommend site-specific mitigation measures to ensure the CHVI and heritage attributes of the property are conserved in accordance with provincial requirements. It also recommends to protect their heritage buildings and features with construction buffers and vibration monitoring. Four of the properties will need mothball plans if their buildings are vacated before or during the operation.

Background

The purpose of the natural environment study is to assess potential environmental impacts of the proposed aggregate extraction on the site with respect to the environmental features and functions in the study area (the site and adjacent lands); the potential effects on the natural environment; and the rehabilitation potential of the site. The assessment was undertaken for potential ecological impacts under the ARA Provincial Standards, the Provincial Policy Statement, Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe, Greenbelt Plan, policies of the Region of Peel and Town of Caledon, as well as other relevant legislation, including the Migratory Bird Convention Act (MBCA), Fisheries Act, and the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The study area for this assessment matches the expected groundwater zone of influence and extends a minimum of 120 m from the Site as defined in the Aggregate Resources of Ontario Technical Reports and Information Standards, Section 2.2.

The investigation of existing conditions in the study area included a background information search and literature review to gather data about the local area and provide context for the evaluation of the natural features. An assessment was conducted to determine which species at risk (SAR) had potential habitat in the study area. The habitats and communities on the site were characterized through field surveys that were conducted from April to August 2020 and July to October 2021; and involved area searches, amphibian surveys, snake surveys, breeding bird surveys, general wildlife surveys, a bat habitat assessment, bat acoustic surveys (stationary detectors), fish habitat assessment, ecological land classification and three-season botanical inventory. The boundary of the significant woodlands and provincially significant wetland (PSW) was also delineated and staked in the field with staff from the Credit Valley Conservation Authority (CVC).

Potential Effects

Four SAR were detected on the site, including two bat species designated Endangered under the ESA (little brown myotis, eastern small-footed myotis), and two bird species designated Threatened under the ESA (bobolink and eastern meadowlark). Non-significant woodland and wetland areas were also identified on the Site. SAR habitat and non-significant woodland and wetland areas will be removed as part of the Project and compensation will be provided at an equal or greater amount, as noted below.

Significant natural heritage features were identified on the property and/or in the study area, including fish habitat, Coulterville Wetland Complex, Cataract Southwest PSW, Credit River valleyland, significant wildlife habitat, and significant woodlands. These features will not be removed as part of the proposal, and no negative impacts due to dewatering are expected.

Managing Potential Effects

Consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is ongoing to identify any required approvals, or additional mitigation for removal of SAR habitat. Compensation habitat will also be created through progressive and final rehabilitation.

Non-significant woodland and wetland areas will be replaced with an equal or greater amount of higher-quality habitat through progressive and final rehabilitation.

Based on the assessment, it is expected that there will be no negative impacts to adjacent significant natural features and functions in the study area with the implementation of mitigation measures and an ecologically based rehabilitation plan that will enhance the natural heritage system. The recommendations include implementation of ecologically appropriate setbacks, avoidance of soil compaction adjacent to the significant woodlands, sediment and erosion control measures and general best management practices. Ongoing monitoring will also be conducted in adjacent sensitive receptors.

Background

The purpose of the Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) was to assess the potential effect that the CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry may have on the existing acoustical environment at the noise-sensitive receptors located in the area adjacent to the site. The assessment was completed in accordance with Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) study requirements and Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) noise guidelines. The potential noise impact was assessed at existing and potential future Point(s) of Reception (POR(s)) identified within the area surrounding the site. A total of 43 existing residential receptors and 2 vacant lots were identified as PORs.

Potential Effects

Noise levels resulting from the proposed operation at the identified PORs were predicted using noise-modelling software based on modelling inputs including; equipment sound power level, location of equipment and its operational scenarios, and the location of the PORs. Local topography and the proposed pit/quarry design was also taken into consideration within the noise predictions. The predicted noise levels associated with operations were compared to the noise limits established according to MECP guidance.

The results of the noise predictions indicate that the noise levels associated with the proposed operations at the off-site PORs, are expected to be at or below the applicable noise limits, after implementation of identified noise controls or equivalent acoustical treatment and mitigation

Managing Potential Effects

Results of the noise assessment indicate that the proposed operations will meet the applicable noise limits at the relevant PORs with the implementation of noise mitigation measures. The proposed noise mitigation is comprised of physical and operational controls. Physical controls include a 5-meter high property line barrier, local barriers incorporated into the design of the processing plant, and local barriers to the drills. Administrative operational controls include restrictions to the amount of equipment operating in specific areas of the property, and procurement of quieter equipment (e.g., silenced drills).

Background

The socio-economic assessment examines and evaluates several different factors that may affect the day-to-day lives of individuals who reside near the proposed CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry and how any identified potential effects from other studies may have implications (positive or negative) for the socio-economic environment. A socio-economic study area was developed in order to establish the magnitude of effects to residents, businesses, and other community features. The study area is, approximately, a 1 km radius from the site boundary. This area was determined in consideration of the study areas used for other disciplines studies (i.e., air quality, noise, blasting, water resources and visual assessments) and the area in which potential concerns have been raised through public engagement. Additionally, haul routes into and out of the site were considered.

Potential Effects

Factors considered within the socio-economic assessment included:

  • Environmental nuisance – changes in noise, water supply, air quality and visual quality of the environmental setting as a result of operational activities, and potential nuisance effects to nearby residents and other human receptors.
  • Traffic and transportation – changes to traffic volumes along local roads during operations and potential effects to local road use and access, which may result in traffic delays for local road users or safety issues.
  • Local and provincial economy – potential changes to the local and provincial economy from site operations including employment opportunities, tax revenues and expenses.

Potential for effects were evaluated through comparison of changes to the existing socio-economic setting.

Managing Potential Effects

Environmental nuisances are proposed to be mitigated such that unacceptable impacts are not realized. Mitigation measures proposed have been identified in each of the applicable assessment reports.

Overall, numerous economic benefits are anticipated to the local and regional economy through employment and increased municipal and provincial tax revenue.

Background

This Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) analyzed future traffic conditions at a 2032 planning horizon year, ten years beyond the baseline 2022 year.

A total of 30 and 60 new passenger car trips are estimated to be generated by the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry during the a.m. and p.m. peak hours, respectively. A total of 75, 60, and 60 new truck trips are estimated to be generated during the weekday a.m., p.m., and Saturday peak hours, respectively.

The proposed truck haul route distribution estimates 95% of truck traffic heading east on Charleston Sideroad towards Hurontario Street (with 90% travelling south and 5% travelling north on Hurontario Street) and the remaining 5% truck traffic heading west on Charleston Sideroad. The proposed haul route is an existing and identified haul route in the Town of Caledon Official Plan.

An assessment was also undertaken to determine the location of the new future site access for the Caledon Pit / Quarry. The preferred location of the proposed site access is recommended to be along Charleston Sideroad, approximately 600 metres east of Mississauga Road and 720 metres west of Regional Road 136 (Main Street).

Potential Effects

The TIA concluded that the Charleston Sideroad study intersections at Main Street and Mississauga Road can accommodate the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry development with significant reserve capacity. Under baseline traffic conditions the Hurontario Street and Charleston Sideroad intersection experiences near capacity operations. However, implementation of recommended traffic signal timing plan adjustments is expected to improve operations capacity at the intersection and provide additional capacity to accommodate the forecasted traffic growth. Traffic analysis shows that the addition of site traffic would not contribute materially to the expected future operations at this intersection.

From an overall transportation perspective, the proximity of the site to market will result in minimizing the length and number of vehicle trips required to transport the essential raw material needed for the construction and maintenance of communities.

Managing Potential Effects

Though a traffic signal was not explicitly warranted at the proposed Charleston Sideroad site access based on future traffic volumes, a traffic light at the access is recommended to improve operation of the intersection by providing suitable gaps for trucks to enter and exit the site without posing potential risk to other vehicles using Charleston Sideroad. Dedicated eastbound left- and westbound right-turn lanes are proposed at the site access as per Regional and National road design guidelines.

It is recommended that the Region make adjustments to the Hurontario Street and Charleston Sideroad intersection signal timing plan and operation parameters in order to accommodate an increase in background traffic.

With the implementation of the recommendations, the estimated truck traffic from the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry is expected to be able to use the road network in a safe and efficient manner.

Background

The purpose of the visual impact assessment was to determine the potential effects that the CBM Caledon Pit/Quarry may have on the existing aesthetic character of the local landscape. The majority of the local area is characterized by agricultural fields, with patches of mixed forest woodlands as well as wetlands and other aggregate operations. There are rural residences adjacent to or near the site along Charleston Sideroad, Main Street, Mississauga Road and Cataract Road.

To identify potential viewing locations for the assessment, a computer-assisted visibility analysis was completed in consultation with regulatory agencies. A photographic survey was then performed to document the existing landscape from 28 potential viewing locations using established inventory techniques. Technical drawings and photo-composite simulations were created to illustrate the project for assessment of the level of visual contrast with the existing landscape, as seen from 14 key viewing locations.

Potential Effects

An established visual assessment framework was employed that includes standard criteria and techniques to evaluate and address potential site effects to visual quality. The assessment identified that activities operating at grade will be effectively screened from view by temporary vegetated earthen berms around the perimeter of the extraction areas. The berms will be five meters in height and constructed with soils on-site (topsoil and subsoil) and will remain in place throughout the operational phases until extraction has been completed. Once operations are completed in each area, the material from the berms will be used for site rehabilitation.

The entrance to the pit/ quarry will be developed on Regional Road 24/Charleston Sideroad at the initiation of operations. Visible entry components will include a driveway, an entrance gate and signage. The entrance is proposed to be controlled by a new intersection with visible infrastructure including traffic lights and turning lanes.

Managing Potential Effects

Temporary visual impacts can be minimized by implementing the mitigation measures identified in the assessment, including a designed landscape with trees to be planted at the pit / quarry entrance. During the initial berm construction, the visible berms will result in a moderate level of visual contrast temporarily; however, once the berm grasses begin to establish, the vegetation will reduce visual contrast within the setting.

In addition to the berms, visual planting areas consisting of a mixture of native trees and shrubs will be planted along the site boundaries, where specified. Over time the plantings will blend effectively with the existing landscape character and local woodlands. After the final rehabilitation is complete, the resulting landscape will feature several water bodies and a mosaic of woodlands, grasslands and wetlands that will complement and enhance the current rural / agricultural character of the area.

Background

The purpose of the Water Resources Assessment is to characterize the existing hydrogeological (groundwater) and hydrological (surface water) conditions in the vicinity of the Site; how they relate to the surrounding natural environment; and to assess potential impacts, if any, that the proposed below-water extraction would have on surface water and groundwater in the area, including groundwater wells. The assessment involved establishing baseline (current) surface water and groundwater conditions and completing an impact assessment considering proposed operational and rehabilitated site conditions.

This included a background review of available hydrogeologic and hydrologic data; an extensive field data collection program; a survey of local groundwater users; the development of a conceptual hydrogeologic site model; the development and calibration of a numerical groundwater and surface water flow model; and an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed below-water extraction on the surrounding groundwater and surface water receptors, including watercourses, wetlands and groundwater wells, informed by numerical model simulations of operational stages and final rehabilitation conditions.

Overall, the progressive and final rehabilitation plan for the Site includes the creation of lakes, vegetated shorelines, islands, wetlands, upland forested areas, riparian plantings adjacent to waterbodies, nodal shrub and tree planting on upland areas, grassland meadows and specialized habitat features for bats and turtles. The proposed rehabilitation has been designed to use all of the on-site topsoil and overburden and does not require the importation of additional soils.

Potential Effects and Mitigation

Groundwater Users

The proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry is not located within a wellhead protection area (WHPA) or an intake protection zone (IPZ) and, as such, there will be no impacts to municipal water supplies.

Approximately 100 individual water supply wells were evaluated, and a majority of the wells will not be impacted by the proposed pit / quarry. Fifteen residential wells were identified that have the potential to be impacted during some operational phases, due to their close proximity to the Site and their relatively shallow depth in comparison to other wells. In all cases, these wells could be deepened to restore the water supply, should there be an issue. In the event of a water well complaint, there is an established procedure in place which requires an immediate investigation and provision of a temporary water supply, if required. If the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry impacts a well, it is CBM’s responsibility to restore the water supply, at their expense. An extensive on-site and off-site groundwater monitoring program will be in place, and annual reports will be submitted to government agencies and available to the public. The proposed design of the pit / quarry, the comprehensive groundwater monitoring and reporting requirements, and the water well complaint procedure will together ensure that the water supply wells are protected.

Aquifer Protection

Portions of the CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry property are mapped as a Highly Vulnerable Aquifer on the Region of Peel Schedule A-2 (Highly Vulnerable Aquifers). This is very common for mineral aggregate resource areas and, based on the design of the operation and the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Water Report, the proposed CBM Caledon Pit / Quarry does not result in additional risk to the aquifer.

Almost all of the Rural Area in the Region of Peel, including the CBM property, is mapped as a Significant Groundwater Recharge Area on the Region of Peel Schedule A-3 (Significant Groundwater Recharge Area). This is also very common for mineral aggregate resource areas. Based on the design of the operation and the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Water Report, the groundwater recharge function of the area (i.e., providing flow to the Credit River) will be maintained, as water from the pit / quarry will report to the Credit River and its tributaries via dewatering (operational) or groundwater inputs and lake outflows (rehabilitation).

Rehabilitation of the Site will result in the creation of 4.8 ha of new wetland and 158.3 ha of new lakes, resulting in the overall creation of 163 ha of new key hydrologic features. With the implementation of the recommendations in the Water Report, sensitive groundwater and surface water features will be protected, improved and restored during all phases of operation and rehabilitation.