Update on Nelson's Quarry Licensing Process

Burlington, Ontario - November 24, 2008 - Nelson Aggregate Co.  

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In 2003 Nelson Aggregate Co. began pre-consultation process with government agencies and in October 2004 filed application for an aggregate license under the Aggregate Resources Act to extend the bedrock reserves of its Halton quarry operation. Since that time, Nelson has listened to comments from the Joint Agency Review Team (JART) and members of the public and has made a number of revisions to its proposal in an effort to satisfy objections. 

 

By May 2008, after holding an information session and after sending individual responses to all objectors, it became clear that a number of objector concerns could not be resolved. In accordance with planning process, Nelson requested referral of the matter to a Consolidated Hearing before the Environmental Review Tribunal and the Ontario Municipal Board (also called a 'Joint Board Hearing') to continue to seek approval for the extension lands for its Halton operations. The first pre-hearing meeting has been scheduled for December 8th by the Joint Board.

 

"Clearly, for a proposal of this nature a joint hearing process is in the public interest. The sooner the process begins, the sooner the 48 employees at the operation and over 500 other workers that provide services to the existing quarry who are dependent upon our success, will have greater certainty for their families in these very uncertain economic times", said Nelson President Norman Elmhirst.

 

"As we proceed to a hearing, we will continue to find ways to engage our stakeholders towards a more collective outcome to meet the community, environmental, infrastructure and economic challenges here in Halton."

 

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