RED DEER COUNTY – Officials are contemplating bringing in a number of additional requirements for new and existing sand and gravel extraction operations in Red Deer County.
Existing gravel extraction overlay district policies apply to sites in the county’s agriculture district.
They cover requirements like site, mining and reclamation plans, extraction setbacks, dust and noise control, site security and protection, hauling and operation details, environmental and historical assessment, and other considerations including registration with Alberta Sand and Gravel Association (ASGA) and comply with ASGA Truck Registry Minimum Operating Standards.
“The purpose of the overlay is to ensure consistent and appropriate regulations are applied to the land for the extraction of sand and gravel materials,” the county said in a release issued Wednesday.
County officials are asking for public comment on additional requirements currently under consideration including:
• Changing the setback distance from 165 metres to 300 metres from an adjacent dwelling to the pit.
• Additional dust control measures using water to dampen when there is: increased hauling or gravel operation traffic; dry conditions, complaints determined to be caused by the gravel operation.
• Preparation of a hydrology report to the satisfaction of the county and Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, when warranted.
• New Screening could be required when the pit is: abutting residential parcels or visible from public roadways.
• Public consultation - Applicant will be required to complete public consultation prior to an application including: notifying all landowners within 1.6 kilometres of the proposed of the pit; and holding a minimum of one open house that Red Deer County and Alberta Environment & Protected Areas is invited to attend to attend. Notifications of an open house are to be sent a minimum of three weeks prior to the date of the open house and the public is to be allowed a minimum of two weeks to submit comments afterwards.
The public has until March 31 to provide input on the proposed changes to Red Deer County.
