The Kearney Watershed Environmental Foundation ( KWEF) has received complaints regarding the expansion of the gravel pit/quarry located on Pt Lot 27, Concession 10, in the Township of Perry, as a possible threat to water quality within the upper Magnetawan River watershed. This development may have negative impacts on the aquatic ecology and human communities downstream. . The Magnetewan Watershed comprises a vast area, from its headwaters in Algonquin Park, through many communities and tourist areas, to its outlet at Byng Inlet on Georgian Bay. The location of this pit/quarry, on the banks of the Magnetawan River is possibly one of the worst locations for such an operation.
Once this stone is blasted, elements of pyrite may be exposed to the air, which will then begin to oxidize creating an acidic run-off into the neighboring wetland and the Magnetawan River. Should gravel containing pyrite be transported and spread, it may affect the areas where it is spread. There is also always the possibility of oil and other mechanical fluids leaking from large trucks and heavy equipment that will be operating on this site.
Blasting to extricate the rock may also adversely affect the underground aquifers that supply fresh water to many. Following so closely on the communiqué developed at the Clean Water Summit held June 1,2, 2010 in Bracebridge, this should be a consideration.
Noise pollution will also directly affect the residences surrounding the Pit. Nearby residents and paddlers presently enjoy the tranquility and natural beauty of this section of the river.
The Town of Kearney and the Kearney Watershed Environmental Foundation have already had experience with the environmental damage that can result from the stripping of natural vegetation and the extraction of rock for the purpose of mining graphite.
Extensive assessments by a third party, chosen by the approving licensing body, and paid for by the applicant, are essential before any approval is given. If the expansion of this pit/quarry is permitted, we strongly advise that the annual compliance report include monitoring of the water quality, both upstream and downstream from the pit, that testing be carried out by a qualified, independent, third party, and that the results of this testing be publicly posted.
