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PHASE 2 OPERATIONS
Hillstone Aggregates has been part of the community for many years and our intend is to continue servicing you for the years to come. We are currently working on the new phase approval alongside with the Rocky View County, by following all the necessary guidelines and measures to ensure the community is safe.
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An amended Master Site Development Plan (MSDP) was submitted to the Rocky View County during the Fall of 2020. This document contains all the relevant information and policies required by the County for us to be able to continue our operation in a safely and the most environmentally-efficient manner. We are glad to inform the public about our next hearing happening on February 23rd of 2021 and looking forward for a positive result that will allow us to keep servicing you and the community.
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NOISE
Noise Mitigation
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Trucks without suitable noise mitigation devices (e.g., mufflers) are not allowed on site - - Reduced speed limits are posted and enforced.
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Gravel processing occurs in significantly depressed locations.
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Hillstone Aggregates has adopted a threshold noise limit of 65 dBA Leq (one hour)
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As activity moves further south into Phase 2, Phase 3 and beyond into future phases the impact on northerly and westerly neighbors will be diminished.
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Hillstone Aggregates is fully committed to work with surrounding potential gravel pits with respect to a collaborative approach to the monitoring, recording and sharing of noise measurements and appropriate mitigation.
STORM WATER MANAGEMENT
Storm Water Management
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The pit is porous material with a high infiltration rate.
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Any stormwater runoff collected within the excavation area in Phase 1 will be directed to a suitable area in the excavation (generally toward the south end of the excavation) where it can naturally evaporate or dissipate into the floor resulting in zero discharge.
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No external stormwater enters the pit, based on +10 years of experience.
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No permanent stormwater pond at final reclamation stage is required.
MITIGATION MEASURES
VISUAL IMPACT
Visual Impact Mitigation
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The 60m setback is currently in place to the north (the permanent berm) and 15m setback from the east (temporary berm) of the quarter section will be maintained.
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In time a further 15m setback will be considered on the south boundary.
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Berms will be graded, seeded to grass and maintained, contributing to the pit’s aesthetics.
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An additional berm has been constructed on the West Lands using the specifications of the existing berms, e.g. shaping, seeding, maintenance, etc.
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Current uses available on the subject and surrounding quarter sections will be in accordance with the applicable existing land use designation.
GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT
Ground Water Management
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Several water level measurements conducted at the site between 2012 and 2018 indicate the water table is expected to be at an elevation of between 1,272.1 and 1,286.8 m asl.
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To ensure no negative impacts, aggregate operations are phased, and the site will be developed as a dry pit with excavation to a depth of 1.0 m above the groundwater table.
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Measuring wells have been preserved from drilling operations in 2012 and 2015.
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Additional wells are being established on the floor once mining is complete.
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Wells are measured and recorded on a monthly basis. The records indicate that there is little if any fluctuation of groundwater elevations either seasonally or year over year.
DUST
Dust Mitigation
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Hillstone Aggregate will ensure that operations compliance with
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Canadian Ambient Air Quality Standards
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Alberta Ambient Air Quality Objectives
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Air emissions are expected to be below applicable above mentioned standards
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Hillstone Aggregates will undertake several measures to control dust caused by mining and hauling.
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Topsoil berms/stockpiles will be seeded with approved grass mixture.
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Weeds will be cleared from long-term
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Gravel haul routes will be treated with water or calcium chloride during periods of anticipated dusty conditions.
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A low speed limit is posted on site and enforced.
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Operations will cease during periods of high winds.
EROSION, SEDIMENT AND WEED
Erosion, Sediment and Weed
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Installation of silt fencing; weed removal; rough-grading berms and stockpiles are being done.
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once long-term (more than 2 years) stockpiles and berms have been graded to shape, seeing them to grass.
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Measures are inspected each season by a qualified individual to determine effectiveness and identify maintenance or mitigation needs.
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On steeper slopes runoff attenuation barriers (e.g., purpose-made straw bales) will be used.
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Monitoring for noxious and restricted weeds as defined by Alberta’s Weed Control Act and County bylaws is being done.
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Any weeds will be controlled by mowing, or herbicide may be applied in accordance with the latest edition of the Environment Code of Practice for Pesticides (Alberta Environment 1998) and the Code of Practice for Pesticides.
COMMUNITY COMMITMENT
Hillstone Aggregates commits to the safe operation of the gravel pit and the safety of their employees, neighbours and the larger community. Through the adoption of these MSDP policies and any future County wide policies relating to natural resource extraction, there will be a level playfield and standard for gravel operators.
At the time of submission of this MSDP application, Hillstone Aggregates is the only operating pit in the area. On July 11, 2017 Rocky View County Council directed Administration to develop minimum standards and policies to help guide collaboration amongst gravel pit operators. Hillstone Aggregates would be pleased to be an active stakeholder within the development of these proposed policies. However, it is recognized that Hillstone will be able to successfully apply for new phases of gravel extraction via the policies identified within their approved MSDP and county policies as a long-standing operating entity independent of potential future adjacent and likely competitive operators.
Application History
MSDP Submission
An amended Master Site Development Plan has been submitted to the Rocky View County by Hillstone in August 2020.
Status: Summited
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DP Submission
A new Development Permit for phase 2 has been submitted to the Rocky View County by Hillstone in January 2021.
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Status: Submitted
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MSDP Approval
Hillstone Aggregates is happy to announce that approval has been granted approval for the amended MSDP on February 23 of 2021.
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DP Approval
Hillstone Aggregates is happy to announce the approval of the Development Permit for phase 2 on June 7th, 2021.
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Status: Approved
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Annual Operating Reports
- Annual Operating Report 2022
(Will be available upon county approval of revisions)
CONTACTS
Office:
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403-932-7784
403-851-0423
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Trucks Related:
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Gustavo Rojas
403-899-4238
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HOURS OF OPERATION
Winter time (Nov 1st - Apr 30th )
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Mon - Fri = 8am - 4pm
Summer Time (May 1st - Oct 31st)
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Mon - Fri = 7am - 5pm
Sat = 7am - noon
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