Background
Aggregate resources in the Province of Ontario are regulated by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry under the Aggregate Resources Act. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry oversees rules for aggregate management (i.e., sand and gravel pits and rock quarries) in Ontario; issues licenses, permits and changes to existing approvals; inspects aggregate operations and responds to complaints; enforces compliance; and, ensures that rehabilitation is carried out on aggregate sites.
The following sections describe the steps involved in licensing an aggregate site on a general level. Detailed requirements are available on the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry website.
Application Process
As part of the application process, proponents are required to prepare a site plan for the proposed site, and detailed technical reports, prepared by qualified individuals that assess the potential impacts due to the proposed aggregate site development. The studies undertaken by the qualified individuals are very thorough and can take years to complete. Appropriate zoning must also be in place at the location of the proposed aggregate site.
Brief descriptions of the technical reports and other required information are incorporated into a Summary Statement for the proposed site. A complete aggregate application includes copies of the site plan, application form, application fee as well as the Summary Statement and copies of each of the complete technical reports.
Upon receipt of the application, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry has 25 days to determine if the application is complete. Once the application is deemed complete, the proponent can proceed with the Notification and Consultation procedures for the application.
Notification and Consultation
Notification begins when the proponent informs all landowners within 120 metres of the site boundary that an application for an aggregate license has been submitted. In addition, a notice is to be published in a newspaper(s) with general circulation in the area of the proposed site and a sign must be erected at the site that informs the public of the application.
Copies of the application package are sent to various regulatory agencies for review, as required by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
The consultation component begins immediately after all aspects of the notification requirements are complete. The consultation period lasts for a period of 60 days. During that time, the site plan, technical reports are to be made available to the public for review. A public information session must also be held no sooner than 10 days and no later than 50 days from the beginning of the consultation period. The public information session is an opportunity for the proponent to provide information to the public and answer any questions related to the application.
Anyone who wants to comment on the application can do so by submitting their comment(s) in writing to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry and the proponent during the 60-day consultation period. The proponent has a period of 2 years to address any comments on the application.
Once all of the information regarding notification and consultation has been provided to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, a decision is made regarding the license.
