Community Impact

Silica dust is a serious occupational health hazard in BC gravel pits, with the potential to cause silicosis, lung cancer, and other lung diseases. WorkSafeBC limits the exposure of silica dust to certain levels.

Hopefully none of the people within 5km plan to be outside their house for significant lengths of time. It is likely that the dust produced from the mine will be above exposure limits and a significant cancer risk to those near the mine. 

Berms may reduce some levels of dust,  though they will not control it to safe levels for the properties surrounding the mine location.

Speaking with residents near Playmor Junction it's not uncommon for those close to have all of their outdoor items be constantly covered in dust. That is with 10-15 ft high berms.

The technical proposal states that noise will be “unnoticeable” and that the closest residence is in “excess of one kilometer”.

A simple look at Google maps show 9 properties within 1km and more than 9 buildings. Some less than 500m. Not only is the statement in the technical paper inaccurate, the 1km distance is arbitrary. Speaking with residents around Playmor Junction, noise from the gravel operations is disruptive as far as 5km away.

The RDCK has no control over noise complaints on crown land. Once approved, there is no control.

The proposed mine location is on top of aquifer 1121 and 1117. Many local residents use these for access to safe and clean drinking water. Due to the sand and gravel make up of the area, the proposed mine is likely well within the WHPA-B, meaning any contamination at the site would only take 2 years to contaminate the well water in the area.

Many jurisdictions limit gravel pits to outside WHPA-C or even WHPA-D areas and control the use of all chemicals and contaminates on site.  There is no mention in the report of the risk or mitigation strategies so that they can be reviewed.

Shore acres recently did a study and found that the highest risk for contamination was the local quarry.

With soil removed and a highly permeable sand and gravel left the use of chemicals, Fuel/Chemical Storage, Septic Systems, and Waste Disposal (soil and fill) are some of the biggest threats to water contamination. 

Residents in the area have mentioned wells have run dry in their lifetime. The limited resources for water in the area should be protected for domestic use and prohibited for industrial use. Productivity is listed as low for aquifer 1121.

The proposal does not go into any detail on how water will be available on site.

Their proposal lists an estimated 40,000 tonnes per year. It could be more.

A standard dump truck at full capacity is 10 to 18 tonnes. A larger truck can hold 15 - 25 tonnes. That works out to 1,600 to 4,000 trucks a year. Or 9 - 24 trucks a day.

This is a huge impact to the safety of residents, enjoyment of properties, and road deterioration.