Red Deer County is dropping the required deposits for reclamation of gravel pit operations. Council agreed unanimously to stop the practice, which echoed requirements from Alberta Environment.Alberta Environment's Code of Practice for pits sets the terms that gravel pit operations must adhere to in order to receive approval, Nancy Lougheed, legislative services manager, explained to council. The applicants have to supply a sufficient deposit to cover the cost of pit reclamation once they're finished mining and they have to submit reports every five years the pit operation is active.The county has similar requirements and as a result 10 previously approved applicants have made deposits to both the county and Alberta Environment.ìOver the last few years both municipalities and Alberta Environment have been collecting. Basically the applicants have been paying more than required. We are asking council to consider reimbursement or a return,î Lougheed said.Council agreed unanimously to return the security deposits paid to the county by the applicants once it has been confirmed with Alberta Environment that they have acquired sufficient security. Future applicants will provide a security deposit to Alberta Environment only.
