s. w. weeks construction ltd. troy quarry …

S. W. WEEKS CONSTRUCTION LTD.TROY QUARRY

ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REGISTRATION

PROJECT NO. NSD16953

PROJECT NO. NSD16953

REPORT TO

S. W. WEEKS CONSTRUCTION LTD.

ON

TROY QUARRYENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REGISTRATION

ROUTE 19, TROYINVERNESS COUNTY, NOVA SCOTIA

JACQUES WHITFORD ENVIRONMENT LIMITED3 SPECTACLE LAKE DRIVEDARTMOUTH, NS B3B 1W8

TEL: 902-468-7777FAX: 902-468-9009

JANUARY 31, 2003

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd., Troy Quarry EA Registration • Jan. 31, 2003 Page i

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd. proposes to expand its existing quarry footprint in order to continueoperation activities at its existing quarry at Troy, Inverness County, Nova Scotia. The proposal willallow continued aggregate production (blasting and crushing), stockpiling, and occasional asphaltproduction. Quarry advancement and aggregate production at the quarry is currently limited by the needfor additional stockpile area adjacent to the existing quarry working face. The proposed activities willtake place over the next several decades (up to 100 years depending on market demand) involvingapproximately an additional 50 acres (20.2 ha) of land immediately adjacent to the existing quarry. Thecurrent and anticipated production rate is 100,000 tonnes per year, which equals an advancement rate ofapproximately 10 feet per year. The operating schedule will be based on 12 hrs/day, 5 days/week, and40 weeks/year, weather permitting, which is consistent with the current operating schedule.

Proposed project activities will be consistent with current quarry operations approved by the NovaScotia Department of Environment and Labour (NSDEL) and in accordance with the Nova Scotia Pitand Quarry Guidelines (NSDEL 1999). Aggregate production will begin with drilling and blasting,which will be conducted by a qualified blasting contractor. Blasting will take place approximately twotimes per year, between April and December. After blasting, portable crushing equipment will bebrought to the site to process the blasted rock. Various products (i.e., various aggregate sizes) will bestockpiled at the quarry site until they are sold and transported to local markets via tandem trucks ortractor trailer trucks. The primary markets for the products are within Nova Scotia. No additionalfacilities are needed to accommodate the expansion.

S. W. Weeks Construction Limited is required to register this project as a Class I Undertaking pursuantto the Nova Scotia Environment Act and Environmental Assessment Regulations. Other relevantprovincial regulations include the Activities Designation Regulations, which requires an IndustrialApproval from the NSDEL for the quarry operation; and the General Blasting Regulations madepursuant to the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Act (1996). Provincial guidelines to beadhered to include the Nova Scotia Pit and Quarry Guidelines (NSDEL 1996).

This environmental assessment registration evaluates the potential environmental effects of the projectand identifies appropriate mitigation and monitoring to minimize these effects. The document focuses onthose aspects of the environment of most concern. Components evaluated include:

• rare and sensitive flora;• wildlife;• freshwater fish and fish habitat;• groundwater resources;• hydrology;• archaeological and heritage resources;

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd., Troy Quarry EA Registration • Jan. 31, 2003 Page ii

• air quality; and• socio-economic environment.

Environmental effects from the quarry expansion will include the loss of terrestrial habitat within thequarry footprint. This area does not include unique habitat or rare or sensitive species; therefore, theseeffects are not anticipated to be significant. Assuming the mitigative measures specified in this reportare implemented, and the quarry is operated according to existing provincial guidelines and approvals,no significant adverse residual environmental or socioeconomic effects are likely.

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd., Troy Quarry EA Registration • Jan. 31, 2003 Page iii

TABLE OF CONTENTSPage No.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ......................................................................................................................... i

1.0 INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................1

2.0 REGISTRATION INFORMATION ...............................................................................................3

3.0 NATURE OF THE UNDERTAKING ............................................................................................4

3.1 Reason for the Undertaking .................................................................................................4

3.2 Project Alternatives..............................................................................................................4

4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE UNDERTAKING...................................................................................5

4.1 Project Location and Scope .................................................................................................5

4.2 Project Schedule ..................................................................................................................5

4.3 Project Activities..................................................................................................................5

4.4 Employment.......................................................................................................................10

5.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACT MANAGEMENT ...............................................11

5.1 Methodology......................................................................................................................11

5.2 Rare and Sensitive Flora ....................................................................................................115.2.1 Description of the Existing Environment ..............................................................115.2.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................14

5.3 Wildlife ..............................................................................................................................155.3.1 Description of the Existing Environment ..............................................................155.3.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................18

5.4 Fish and Fish Habitat .........................................................................................................185.4.1 Description of Existing Environment ....................................................................185.4.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................19

5.5 Groundwater Resources .....................................................................................................205.5.1 Description of the Existing Environment ..............................................................205.5.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................22

5.6 Air Quality .........................................................................................................................255.6.1 Description of the Existing Environment ..............................................................255.6.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................25

5.7 Socioeconomic Environment .............................................................................................265.7.1 Description of the Existing Environment ..............................................................265.7.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation ............................................................26

6.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION .........................................................................................................28

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd., Troy Quarry EA Registration • Jan. 31, 2003 Page iv

7.0 CONCLUSIONS............................................................................................................................29

8.0 REFERENCES ..............................................................................................................................30

LIST OF FIGURESPage No.

Figure 1 Troy Quarry Location Map................................................................................................. 2

Figure 2 Proposed Permitted Quarry Area ........................................................................................ 6

Figure 3 Bedrock Geology .............................................................................................................. 21

LIST OF TABLESPage No.

Table 1 Summary of Well Construction Specifications - Low Point (5), Troy (36), andCreignish (20) ................................................................................................................... 20

LIST OF APPENDICES

Appendix A Industrial Approval and Terms and Conditions for Existing Quarry Operation

Appendix B Notice of Lease

Appendix C Troy Quarry Hydrology

Appendix D Vascular Plants Recorded in Study Area

Appendix E Bird Species Recorded in Study Area

Appendix F Project Information Sheet

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd., Troy Quarry EA Registration • Jan. 31, 2003 Page 1

1.0 INTRODUCTION

S. W. Weeks Construction Ltd. (Weeks Construction; the Proponent) proposes to continue its existingquarry operations at Troy, Inverness County, Nova Scotia (refer to Figure 1). Continuation of quarryactivities requires an expansion of the existing approved facility footprint. The quarried materialconsists mainly of rhyolite and quartzite, which is primarily used for road building aggregate. Theprimary markets for the products are within Nova Scotia. Quarry operation will continue to take placeover the next several decades (up to 100 years depending on market demand) involving approximatelyan additional 50 acres (20.2 ha) of land immediately adjacent to the existing quarry.

This project must be registered for environmental assessment under the Environmental AssessmentRegulations of the Nova Scotia Environment Act as a Class I Undertaking. This report fulfills theprimary requirement for project registration under this legislation.

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Figure 1

SW WeeksTroy Quarry ExpansionData Source:

Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre

Map Parameters:NS MTM 3° Zone 4Datum: ATS77Scale : 750,000

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3.0 NATURE OF THE UNDERTAKING

3.1 Reason for the Undertaking

The purpose for the project is for Weeks Construction to extend the life of its existing quarry at Troy.The quarry has been operating under an approval from the Nova Scotia Department of Environment andLabour (NSDEL) since 1999 (Approval No. 97-1AE-105 issued in December 1998 and Amendment #12001-020402 issued in June 2001). Copies of the NSDEL Approvals are included in Appendix A. Theproposed expansion is within a parcel of land owned by Mr. Angus J. Beaton and John and SandraMacDonald and leased to Weeks Construction. Mr. Beaton contracted Weeks Construction to develop,operate and manage the quarry in October 1999. A copy of the lease agreement for the propertycontaining the quarry operation is included in Appendix B.

The Proponent is required to register this project as a Class I Undertaking pursuant to the Nova ScotiaEnvironment Act and Environmental Assessment Regulations. Other relevant provincial regulationsinclude the Activities Designation Regulations, which requires an Industrial Approval from the NSDELfor the quarry operation; and the General Blasting Regulations made pursuant to the Nova ScotiaOccupational Health and Safety Act (1996). Provincial guidelines to be adhered to include the NovaScotia Pit and Quarry Guidelines (NSDEL 1996). Relevant federal legislation includes the Fisheries Actand the Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Weeks Construction anticipates the source material to be of similar quality to adjacent material currentlymined at the existing quarry, primarily rhyolite and quartzite of the meta-volcanic Fisset BrookFormation. The land to the southwest of the quarry is underlain by sedimentary rock of the HortonGroup, and that to the northeast is granitic in nature.

3.2 Project Alternatives

Other methods for carrying out the undertaking may include different methods of extraction of theresource and alternative facility locations. The current method of extraction at the Troy quarry isdrilling and blasting. Alternative methods for extraction of the rock (i.e., mechanical means) are notpractical or feasible in this instance due to the nature and characteristics of the rock (e.g., hard, anddense). There are no feasible alternatives to drilling and blasting as a means of extracting this material.

An alternative facility location is also not a feasible alternative. The expansion is occurring in an areathat is already exposed to mining/quarrying activities. Expansion of the quarry will not require theconstruction of any new facilities since the existing facilities are sufficient for the current and expandedoperations. Relocation of the quarry to another location may likely require development of a new site,construction of new facilities, and would potentially have greater effect on the surrounding biophysicaland socioeconomic environment.


4.0 DESCRIPTION OF THE UNDERTAKING

4.1 Project Location and Scope

The Weeks Construction quarry at Troy is located along Route 19, approximately 7.5 km north of thePort Hastings Rotary, overlooking St. Georges Bay and the Strait of Canso, Inverness County. Thequarry lies along Creignish Mountain which stands approximately 228 m (750 feet) high. The localtopography is steep, with a topographic gradient increase of 27 percent at the quarry site.

Weeks Construction proposes to expand its existing quarry footprint to allow for continued aggregateproduction (blasting and crushing), stockpiling, and occasional asphalt production. Estimated rockreserves in the proposed expansion area is in excess of 11 million tonnes. Based on the current andanticipated production rate of 100,000 tonnes per year (advancement rate of 10 ft. per year) it will takein excess of 100 years to quarry the expanded area. The desired approved land area will cover a total ofapproximately 60 acres (see Figure 2.0).

The proposed expansion will be 100 percent privately funded.

4.2 Project Schedule

Approval of the expanded footprint will allow for operations at the quarry to continue for severaldecades. Expansion will be initiated immediately following approval from NSDEL. The operatingschedule will be based on 12 hrs/day, 5 days/week, and 40 weeks/year, weather permitting, which isconsistent with the current operating schedule. Blasting is expected to occur approximately two timesper year.

4.3 Project Activities

Site Development

The quarry at Troy has been in operation since July 1999. Site development began with installation oftwo sedimentation ponds, complete with straw filters and rock spillways.

Weeks Construction was contracted by Mr. Beaton to bring in portable crushing equipment and crushaggregates for the local market. After producing a minimal amount of crushed aggregates, Mr. Beatonrequested that Weeks Construction manage and operate the quarry on a permanent basis. Only minordevelopment (described above) had occurred at the quarry site at that time.

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Map Parameters:Modified Transverse Mercator (MTM) Projection Zone 4

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Data Source: Nova Scotia Geomatics CentreDate of Areial Photography: 1998

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SW WeeksTroy Quarry Expansion

Proposed PermittedQuarry Area

Figure 2

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° ° Quarry Advancement

Working Face (December, 2000)

Quarry Features

r Early Coral Root

r Dwarf Ginseng

Uncommon Plant Species


Upon evaluation of the site, Weeks Construction determined that in order to continue quarry operationsand further develop the quarry, additional laydown area for stockpiling of aggregates was needed. Oneof the original sedimentation ponds was moved to the south side of the working area while the otherremained at the north end of the working area. Additional erosion control structures (rock and strawcheck dams) were installed. The laydown areas for the crusher and stockpiles were grubbed andstripped. The grubbed material was stockpiled and seeded for future use for revegetation and siterehabilitation. A small blast was then set off at the quarry. Exposed soils in the laydown areas werecovered with the blasted material to minimize/prevent sediment laden runoff. The site was graded todirect surface runoff to the sedimentation ponds.

In order to gain access to the working face of the quarry for grubbing, drilling and blasting, an accessroad was constructed. The permanent access road begins at the north side of the working face at thefloor of the quarry, proceeds to the south side of the working face at an elevation of approximately30.5 m above the floor and finally up the south side to an elevation of approximately 61 m above thefloor.

The working face was then carefully grubbed and stripped; grubbed and stripped material wasstockpiled, seeded and covered with hay for future use for revegetation and rehabilitation. Temporaryworking pads for the drills were constructed using blasted material. The first production blast was thencarried out. Blasted material was shot in the direction of the laydown area, restricting the spaceavailable for aggregate stockpiling. Crushed aggregates were then temporarily stockpiled adjacent toscale-house.

In 2000, a laydown area was prepared to accommodate a portable asphalt plant, primarily for NovaScotia Department of Transportation and Public Works highway paving projects. Preparation of thislaydown area involved construction/installation of two water collection ponds that serve as bothsedimentation ponds as well as a supply of process water for the asphalt plant. The grubbed andstripped material was stockpiled, seeded and covered with hay and the laydown area was stabilized withblast rock. Additional aggregates required for asphalt production were stockpiled adjacent and to thesouth east of the scale-house.

Approximately 90% of the construction required for site development is complete. All that remains ispreparation of additional laydown area for future aggregate stockpiles.

Operation

Proposed project activities will be consistent with current quarry operations approved by NSDEL(Approval No. 2001-020402) and in accordance with the Nova Scotia Pit and Quarry Guidelines(NSDEL 1999).


Production flow begins with drilling and blasting. It is currently anticipated that there will be two blastsper year, between approximately April and December, which will be sub-contracted to a qualifiedblasting company. The blasting sub-contractor is responsible for blast designs and methods inaccordance with the General Blasting Regulations made pursuant to the Nova Scotia OccupationalHealth and Safety Act (1996). A blast design has been prepared and submitted to NSDEL as per theexisting Industrial Approval.

The blasted rock in then processed by portable crushing equipment transported to the quarry site once ortwice a year (depending on frequency of blasting) for a period of approximately one month at a time.

The various products are stockpiled in designated areas within the quarry. Piles are built in layers tominimize segregation and prevent contamination by mixing of different piles. Material is hauled andmoved within the quarry with the loader. No washing of aggregates is or will be carried out at thequarry.

Access to the quarry site is an approximately 1 km, paved road from Provincial Highway Trunk 19specifically constructed for operation of the quarry. From the quarry, products are and will continue tobe transported via tandem and tractor trailer trucks to the local markets. Trunk 19 is a Schedule Cprovincial highway which allows for year-round triaxle trucking. Trunk 19 connects directly tohighways 104 and 105 which are also designed to handle year-round triaxle trucking. WeeksConstruction does not anticipate an increase in trucking as a result of the proposed footprint expansionand continued quarry operation.

Effluents and Emissions

Surface runoff at the quarry is collected in four sedimentation ponds where, for the most part, itevaporates or infiltrates into the ground. Any overflow from the sedimentation ponds is directed tovegetated areas more than 100 m from any receiving waterbody, for additional filtration. Fieldinspection of the sedimentation ponds by qualified personnel detected no evidence of overflow orsiltation downstream of the ponds. All exposed soil capable of producing sediment laden runoff will bestabilized with blasted rock or rehabilitated with seed and hay. Overflow, if any, of final sedimentationponds will be monitored and sampled according to the existing Approval to ensure total suspendedsolids levels do not exceed the final effluent discharge limits indicated in the Approval. In the unlikelyevent that overflow exceeds final effluent discharge limits as determined through monitoring,contingency measures may include pumping of sediment laden water to vegetated areas (away fromwater courses) or other settling ponds for additional filtration and/or use of additional filtration devicesor structures.

Rock check dams have been placed in the ditches along the quarry access road and in on site drainagechannels. Additional check dams will be installed as new drainage channels are formed or constructed.


A desktop hydrological assessment of the quarry and the proposed expansion was conducted (refer toAppendix C). The assessment concluded that although the quarry expansion will result in an increase ofthe peak rates of surface runoff, the placement of free-draining material (e.g., blasted rock) over thedisturbed areas and the use of properly sized flow retention structures (i.e., sedimentation ponds) isexpected to fully mitigate any effects on the downstream flows and water quality. Based on the site planincluded in the back pocket of this report and inspection of the site and flow retention structures, and inconsideration of their past performance, the existing sediment ponds are adequately sized toaccommodate the anticipated increase of surface runoff.

Dust emissions will be controlled with the application of water, retrieved from thecollection/sedimentation ponds, as per current practice. Since the access road to the site is paved, theworking areas and laydown areas are covered with blasted rock, and stockpiled topsoil is seeded andcovered with hay, generation of dust emissions is minimized. Monitoring of particulate emissions (dust)will be conducted at the request of NSDEL.

Hazardous Materials and Contingency Planning

There is no storage of hazardous materials or petroleum products at the quarry site. Atlantic Tractorsand Equipment Ltd. is contracted by Weeks Construction to conduct regular maintenance of equipment.Used oil and filters are removed from the site.

Refuelling of equipment is conducted daily under contract by a tanker truck onsite. Refuelling activitieswill not be conducted within 100 m of any surface water and equipment operators will remain with theequipment at all times during refuelling in accordance with the Petroleum Management Regulations ofthe Nova Scotia Environment Act.

In the event of a leak or spill during refuelling, maintenance, or general equipment operation, immediateaction will be taken to stop and contain the spilled material. All contaminated material will be collectedand stored in an appropriate manner so as not to be re-released to the environment until such time as itwill be hauled to an approved treatment/disposal facility. All spills will be reported to the 24-hourenvironmental emergencies reporting system (1-800-565-1633) in accordance with the Emergency SpillRegulations of the Nova Scotia Environment Act.

Decommissioning and Abandonment

Weeks Constructions has undertaken a progressive rehabilitation program at the quarry site. Therehabilitation process at the quarry began during site development with the installation of sediment anderosion control structures and preservation of topsoil for future revegetation of the quarry. As distinctareas within the quarry become inactive, the area is graded to a stable slope, covered with topsoil, andseeded. At the end of the quarry operation (within six months of abandonment), rehabilitation willconsist of: grading and contouring of all slopes and exposed rock faces in consideration of rock falls,slope stability, and safety; spreading existing stockpiled topsoil; and hydroseeding. The laydown areas


within the quarry, which are covered with quarried materials, will be graded, as required, and leveled toallow for future commercial, industrial, recreational, or residential land use. It is currently proposed thatthe paved access road remain in place for service future land uses.

4.4 Employment

The Weeks Construction quarry at Troy currently employs a quarry foreman and a loader operator on afull time basis while the quarry is open. An additional five employees are on site during production tooperate crushing and mobile equipment and conduct general labour activities. Drilling and blastingactivities are sub-contracted to a professional blasting company.


5.0 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT AND IMPACT MANAGEMENT

5.1 Methodology

Several potential environmental issues regarding the proposed quarry expansion were raised duringpreliminary consultations with NSDEL. These issues included: potential impacts on rare and sensitiveflora; wildlife; wetlands; fish and fish habitat; groundwater resources; and archaeological and heritageresources. Field studies were conducted by Jacques Whitford Environment Limited (JWEL) betweenJune 4 and July 23, 2002 to investigate existing conditions and to determine appropriate mitigation, ifnecessary, to minimize environmental effects from the proposed expansion project. These surveysconsisted of: vegetation survey; bird survey; mammal survey; herpetile survey; and fish and fish habitatsurvey. These surveys were undertaken by qualified terrestrial and fresh water ecologists employed byJWEL.

Additional information was gathered through a review of: an earlier version of the EnvironmentalAssessment Registration document prepared by Weeks Construction and the various regulatorycomments on that version; air photos; site mapping; and discussions with other information sources suchas the Nova Scotia Museum. As a result of comments from the Nova Scotia Museum on the earlierversion and a subsequent discussion with a representative of the Nova Scotia Museum, anarchaeological and heritage resource assessment was not conducted as the area is believe to have verylow potential for archaeological and heritage resources.

5.2 Rare and Sensitive Flora

5.2.1 Description of the Existing Environment

A vascular plant inventory was compiled for the site. The survey was focussed on natural habitatslocated in the area where quarry expansion is expected to occur, however, some surveying was alsoconducted in areas already heavily disturbed by quarrying activity and in areas where no futuredisturbance is expected. Vegetation surveys were conducted on two occasions, once on June 4, 2002during the breeding bird and herpetile survey and again on July 23, 2002. All species of vascular plantencountered during the survey were identified and their population status in Nova Scotia weredetermined through a review of the species status reports prepared by the Atlantic Canada ConservationData Centre (ACCDC 2002) and the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada(COSEWIC 2002).

The study area is composed of eleven distinct habitat types. These include mature mesic hardwoodforest, immature mesic hardwood forest, mature mesic softwood forest, mature mesic mixedwood forest,immature mesic mixedwood forest, mature hydric mixedwood forest, immature hydric mixed forest,clear-cuts, tall shrub thicket, and disturbed area.


Mature Mesic Hardwood Forest

Mature hardwood forest on the site is found on well drained slopes above the existing quarry. Thedominant species of this forest type are sugar maple (Acer saccharum), red maple (Acer rubrum), whiteash (Fraxinus americana), white spruce (Picea glauca), and American beech (Fagus grandifolia). Theunderstory is composed of advanced regeneration of tree species the most abundant of which are whiteash, striped maple (Acer pensylvanicum), sugar maple, and yellow birch (Betula allegheniensis). Theground vegetation layer consists mainly of ferns including evergreen wood fern (Dryopteris intermedia),beech fern (Phegopteris connectilis) and Christmas fern (Polystichum acrostichoides). Wild sarsaparilla(Aralia nudicaulis) is the most abundant dicot species. The mature mesic hardwood forest stands on thesite appear to be approximately 60 years old.

Immature Mesic Hardwood Forest

This forest type is found on the southern side of the proposed quarry expansion in an area that appears tohave been harvested approximately 15 years ago. The harvesting may have been conducted to salvagespruce and fir killed or damaged during a spruce budworm outbreak in the 1980’s. The dominantspecies of this habitat type include American beech, red maple and white birch (Betula papyrifera). Theunderstory consists mainly of root sprouts of American beech, and seedlings of balsam fir (Abiesbalsamea) and striped maple. The ground vegetation layer is quite sparse and is composed mainly ofevergreen wood fern, wild lily-of-the-valley (Maianthemum canadense) and broom moss(Dicranum sp.).

Mature Mesic Mixedwood Forest

This habitat type is found mainly at the eastern end of the proposed quarry expansion area wheredrainage is somewhat inhibited. The age of the stand was estimated to be forty years and the dominanttree species are white spruce, balsam fir, red maple, and white birch. The shrub understory is composedlargely of tree seedlings of balsam fir, white birch, red maple and white spruce. Schrebers moss(Pleurozium schreberi) and star-step moss (Hylocomium splendens) form a patchy carpet on the forestfloor. Other abundant ground vegetation species include New York fern (Thelypteris noveboracensis),goldthread (Coptis trifolia), wild sarsaparilla, and yellow clintonia (Clintonia borealis).

Mature Mesic Softwood Forest

This habitat type is found along the southern side of the proposed quarry expansion area on the slopesimmediately adjacent to the existing quarry. The stand appears to be between 50 and 60 years of ageand is dominated primarily by white spruce along with lesser amounts of balsam fir and white birch.The shrub understory is very sparse consisting of a few scattered seedlings of balsam fir and white birch.The ground vegetation layer is also relatively sparse, consisting of wild lily-of-the-valley, hay-scentedfern (Dennstaedtia punctilobula), bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum), and evergreen wood fern. Thepresence of large numbers of white spruce would suggest that this area was used as rough pasture in thepast.


Immature Mesic Mixedwood Forest

Immature mesic mixedwood forest occupies most of the eastern end of the proposed quarry expansionarea. This habitat type appears to be approximately 15 years of age. The presence of many dead firtrees suggests that this habitat originated as a result of heavy mortality of overstory balsam fir due torepeated defoliation by spruce budworm. The overstory vegetation is composed mainly of balsam firand white birch along with lesser quantities of yellow birch, red maple and striped birch. The groundvegetation layer is relatively sparse and composed largely of spinulose wood fern (Dryopteriscarthusiana), bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), wood sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), and wild sarsaparilla.

Mature Hydric Mixedwood Forest

This habitat type is found along a small stream which flows through the eastern end of the proposedquarry expansion area. The stand is poorly drained and is dominated by a mixture of balsam fir, whiteash, red maple, and white birch. The shrub understory is composed largely of balsam fir, speckled alder(Alnus incana), red maple, and white ash. Sphagnum moss forms a continuous carpet on the forest floorwhich is punctuated by a heavy growth of cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), sedge (Carextrisperma), twinflower (Linnaea borealis), and spinulose wood fern. The estimated age of this stand isbetween 50 and 60 years.

Immature Hydric Mixedwood Forest

This habitat is restricted to the southeast corner of proposed quarry expansion area. The stand is locatedin an area of groundwater seepage resulting in poorly drained soils. It is characterized by an open treecanopy composed of a mixture of white spruce, red maple and balsam fir. The trees of this stand areestimated to be approximately 20 years old. The shrub understory is well developed and composed ofwhite birch, speckled alder and red maple. The forest floor is largely covered by sphagnum moss(Sphagnum spp.). In addition to this species, sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis), cinnamon fern, sedge(Carex gynandra), rough goldenrod (Solidago rugosa), and soft rush (Juncus effusus) are also abundant.

Cliff

Cliff habitat is present on the northern side of proposed quarry expansion area, north of the existingquarry. The cliffs on the site support a moderately dense cover of white spruce, white birch and balsamfir. Shrub cover is sparse and is composed largely of yellow birch, white birch and mountain maple(Acer spicatum). The ground vegetation layer is characterized by a heavy cover of Schreber’s moss onstable surfaces. Polypody (Polypodium appalachianum) is abundant in crevices in the rock. Otherground vegetation species commonly found in this habitat type include reindeer lichen (Cladoniarangiferina), wild lily-of-the-valley and evergreen wood fern.


Clear-cut

The area west of the quarry and aggregate storage area has been clear-cut within the past year. Thevegetation on this site is dominated by stump sprouts of red maple and white birch as well as by a heavycover of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica).

Tall Shrub Thicket

Tall shrub thickets are present on the southwestern portion of the proposed quarry expansion area, westof the aggregate storage area. This habitat is characterized by a dense tall shrub overstory composed ofspeckled alder, downy alder (Alnus viridis) and willows (Salix spp.). Low shrubs includingmeadowsweet (Spiraea alba) and red raspberry are present in opening in the canopy or along themargins of the thickets. There is little ground vegetation cover.

Disturbed Areas

Heavily disturbed areas are present around the margins of the working areas of the quarry at thenorthwestern corner of proposed quarry expansion area and throughout most of southwestern portion ofthe proposed quarry expansion area. These areas are characterized by a sparse ground cover composedmainly of introduced weeds and forage grasses. Some species present in this habitat type include fieldhorsetail (Equisetum arvense), New York aster (Aster novi-belgii), Canada blue-grass (Poa compressa),Kentucky blue-grass (Poa pratensis), hawkweed (Hieracium spp.), and dandelion (Taraxacumofficinale).

5.2.2 Potential Effects and Proposed Mitigation

Appendix D contains a list the vascular plant species recorded during the field visit. None of the speciesrecorded during the surveys is considered to be rare or endangered in Nova Scotia (COSEWIC 2002,ACCDC 2002). Two species listed as uncommon in Nova Scotia (ACCDC 2002) were encounteredduring the field surveys. These are early coral-root (Corallorhiza trifida) and dwarf ginseng (Panaxtrifolius). Early coral-root is an orchid species which is a parasitic plant. It is found near thesoutheastern corner of the expansion property (Figure 2). Early coral-root is listed as a green species bythe Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR 2002), which indicates that this species isnot considered to be sensitive or at risk. Early coral-root is found within 30 m of the boundary of theproperty and may not be disturbed as a result of quarrying activities due to required separation distances.Dwarf ginseng is found in the mature mesic hardwood forest habitat located approximately 100 mnortheast of the current working face. One small patch of this plant was observed during the breedingbird survey in early June. It was not recorded during the vegetation survey conducted in July. This isnot unexpected since dwarf ginseng is a spring ephemeral that dies back during the summer. The smallpopulation found in the study area will be lost as a result of quarrying activities. This species has beenfound at other sites in the general area including Carter’s Lake and Porcupine Mountain. Dwarf ginseng


is also listed as a green species by the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR 2002),and is therefore not considered to be sensitive or at risk. The loss of the population at Troy is unlikely tohave a significant adverse effect on local populations of dwarf ginseng.

Quarry reclamation and noxious weeds: will use seed mixtures that are free of invasive species; themixtures will also include native species where practical.

5.3 Wildlife


Birds

A breeding bird survey was conducted at the site on June 4, 2002. Additional bird observations wererecorded during the vegetation survey conducted on July 23, 2002. The survey area included theproposed quarry expansion as well as areas up to 250 m outside of the footprint of the project. Thesurvey began at sunrise and ended at noon. All habitats and all birds heard or observed within thesurvey area were recorded. The breeding status of each species recorded was determined using themethodology employed by the Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritimes program. Species identified butnot exhibiting signs of breeding were classified as non-breeders. Species observed or heard singing insuitable nesting habitat were classified as possible breeders. Species exhibiting the following behaviorswere classed as probable breeders:

• Courtship behaviour between a male and female;• Birds visiting a probable nesting site;• Birds displaying agitated behaviour; and• Male and female observed together in suitable nesting habitat.

Species were confirmed as breeding if any of the following items or activities were observed:

• Nest building or adults carrying nesting material;• Distraction display or injury feigning;• Recently fledged young;• Occupied nest located; and• Adult observed carrying food or faecal sac for young.

The population status of each species was determined from existing literature. Lists of provincially rareor sensitive birds were derived from the Endangered Species and Status of Wildlife in Nova Scotia(NSDNR 2002a) and Species at Risk in Nova Scotia (NSDNR 2002b) while nationally rare species werederived from COSEWIC (2002).


Appendix E contains a list the bird species recorded during the survey. A total of 157 birds representing41 species were recorded during the breeding bird survey. The most abundant species in descendingorder of abundance were Magnolia Warbler (7.6% of all birds recorded), Ovenbird (7.6%), SongSparrow (7.0%), Black-throated Green Warbler (7.0%), American Robin (5.7%), Ruby-crowned Kinglet(5.7%), White-throated Sparrow (4.4%), and Red-eyed Vireo (4.4%). Together these species accountedfor 50% of the total number of birds recorded during the survey. Two species were confirmed asbreeding on the site, seven were listed as probable breeders, twenty-four were listed as possiblebreeders, and no evidence of breeding activities were found for seven species. The low number ofspecies confirmed as breeding or probable breeders is attributable to the timing of the survey in earlyJune when evidence of breeding activity is more difficult to obtain due to the fact that few young havehatched at this time so there is little obvious breeding activity other than singing males. The habitat typein which birds were most frequently encountered was immature mixedwood forest. Thirty percent of allbird observations were made in this habitat type. The high frequency of observations in this habitat typeis attributable largely to the fact that this was the most abundant habitat type in the study area. It alsoprovides good cover and habitat for species that prefer to forage in either deciduous forest or coniferousforest habitats.

None of the bird species recorded during the breeding bird surveys is considered to be rare in NovaScotia (Erskine 1992) or particularly sensitive to anthropogenic activities (NSDNR 2002a). Onespecies, Bald Eagle, which is sensitive to disturbance around its nest sites was recorded during thesurveys. A Bald Eagle was observed flying over the site during the survey. There was no evidence toindicate that there is a nearby nest site. Expansion of the quarry is not expected to have any adverseeffects on Bald Eagles in the area.

Mammals

Information regarding the presence of rare mammals and sensitive mammal habitat within the study areawas derived from field surveys and interviews with staff of NSDNR and the Nova Scotia Museum.Field surveys were conducted concurrently with vegetation and bird surveys on June 4 and July 23,2002. The field surveys provide a good indication of the presence of large mammal species in the studyarea. Knowledge of the distribution of small mammals in the study area is limited by their secretivenature and the undesirable requirement to conduct intensive small mammal trapping programs todetermine their presence in the area. Fortunately, many small, rare mammals have very specific habitatrequirements, which can be used to predict areas where they are likely to be found.

Habitat in the study area is relatively diverse. The northeastern half of the proposed quarry expansionarea is forested. Mature hardwood and softwood forest is present on the slopes immediately above theexisting quarry. The relatively flat area northeast of these mature stands is occupied by immaturemixedwood and hardwood forest which has developed in response to heavy spruce budworm inducedmortality of the balsam fir dominated forest which previously occupied this area. The area to thesouthwest of the existing quarry has been recently clear-cut and now supports a dense growth of early


successional shrubs such as raspberry and pin cherry. The southwestern portion of the proposed quarryexpansion area has been heavily disturbed by activities such as the construction of settling ponds and theremoval of fill material.

The species recorded in the study area are generally typical of woodland habitats. Species recordedduring the field survey included white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), varying hare (Lepusamericanus), red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), eastern chipmunk (Tamias striatus), meadowjumping mouse (Zapus hudsonius), American black bear (Ursus americanus), coyote (canis latrans),and red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

A review of the records for the Nova Scotia Museum and the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Center(ACCDC) did not reveal the presence of any rare mammal species in the vicinity of the study area. Withthe exception of the cliff habitat, the habitats present in the study area are commonly encounteredthroughout the province and are unlikely to provide habitat for rare small mammal species. Several raresmall mammal species are associated with cliffs including Gaspe Shrew (Sorex gaspensis), long-tailedshrew (Sorex dispar) and rock vole (Microtus chrotorrhinus). These species are typically found inforested talus near rivers and streams. This habitat type is not present in the study area and it istherefore unlikely that these species would be present.

Herpetiles

Information regarding amphibians and reptiles and their habitat within the study area was also derivedduring the June 4 and July 23, 2002 surveys. Breeding habitat for the four-toed salamander(Hemidactylium scutatum) along small pools in the forested boggy headwaters of the small stream at thenortheast end of the proposed quarry expansion area was marginal at best. No nesting femalesalamanders and their egg clutches were located in this region and no larvae noted during the later visit.Probability of any, or significant four-toed salamander on this site is low. Within the project imprint nopermanent pond, or significant ephemeral, aquatic, breeding habitat, suitable for other local amphibians,was discovered. Amphibian species noted consisted of wood frogs (Rana sylvatica), American toad(Bufo americanus), spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), all of which forage in the area’s woodland, andgreen frogs (Rana clamitans), juveniles of which were noted along the stream. The only amphibian,noted on site, to likely to have much breeding habitat within the expansion imprint is the redbacksalamander (Plethodon cinereus).

The only reptile species noted in the area during the survey periods was the garter snake (Thamnophissirtalis); however the potential for Northern redbelly (Storeria occipitomaculata), and smooth green(Opheodrys vernalis) snakes to occupy the site is high. There would be no expectation of finding anywood turtles (Clemmys insculpta ) (listed as vulnerable under the Nova Scotia Endangered Species Actand COSEWIC and are the only turtle species native to Cape Breton Island), utilizing this site as it isdistant from any of the known species population centers. In any event, the proposed quarry expansionsite would not represent core habitat for wood turtles.


A small permanent pond formed below the existing rock face workings in the area of the existing quarrywhere aggregate grades are piled, had a breeding population of green frogs as well as spottedsalamander (Ambystoma maculatum) egg mass remnants. Along the quarry access road, near the mainroad, a dug out fire pond held a plentiful population of red-spotted newts (Notopthalmus viridescens).Identified from the ditch immediately across the road from this pond was a blue-spotted salamander(Ambystoma laterale) larva, along with spring peeper, wood frog, and spotted salamander larvae


None of the bird species recorded during the breeding bird surveys is listed under the NS EndangeredSpecies Act, is considered to be rare in Nova Scotia (Erskine 1992), or particularly sensitive toanthropogenic activities (NSDNR 2002). Although a Bald Eagle was observed flying over the siteduring the survey, there was no evidence to indicate that there is a nearby nest site. Expansion of thequarry is not expected to have any adverse effects on Bald Eagles in the area.

No critical areas for mammals such as deer wintering areas are known to exist in the study area. Thespecies recorded in the study area are generally typical of woodland habitats. A review of the recordsfor the Nova Scotia Museum and the Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Center (ACCDC) did notreveal the presence of any rare mammal species in the vicinity of the study area. The habitats present inthe study area are commonly encountered throughout the province and are unlikely to provide habitat forrare small mammal species. The cliff habitat identified in the study area does not contain features suchas forested talus near rivers and streams where rare small mammal species are typically found.Therefore it is unlikely that these species would be present.

There were no rare or endangered amphibian or reptile species noted during the field surveys within thestudy area. Furthermore, rare herpetile species are not likely to be present due to the lack of specifichabitat features. No significant effect to the population of these species provincially or even in thegreater local sense is expected. Indeed the extant quarry workings, and associated access road, havealready generated pool habitat amphibian breeding sites, used by at least six amphibian species. Thequarry expansion is not expected to have any significant negative impact on local herpetile populations.

5.4 Fish and Fish Habitat

5.4.1 Description of Existing Environment

During a review of 1:50,000 scale NTS mapping, the site map provided by Weeks Construction, and airphotos, one watercourse was identified within the proposed quarry expansion area. This was confirmedduring the June 4, 2002 field survey. The potential for fish habitat was assessed by a qualified aquaticbiologist during the July 23, 2002.


The watercourse, which originates only a few hundred metres upstream of the quarry, traverses thenortheastern portion of the proposed quarry expansion area flowing in a southeasterly direction (refer toFigure 2). Within the proposed footprint, the channel is heavily meandering and is intermittentlysubterranean. The composition of run, riffle and pool habitat was difficult to assess due to the low flowconditions, overgrowth, and the often poorly defined channel. Downstream of the proposed quarryexpansion area, the watercourse increases in dimension (bank full width and depth) as it heads towardsthe sea; this is attributed to additional ground water and surface water interception points. Spotelectrofishing in varying fish habitat locations within approximately 500 m downstream of the proposedquarry expansion area was conducted, however no fish were observed/sampled. Additionalelectrofishing was conducted downstream of the crossing of Route 19 where brook trout were observed.In addition to the perched culvert at the road crossing, fish passage is likely impeded by the extremelysteep terrain between the quarry and Route 19.


Clearing, grubbing, and topsoil stripping activities will increase the potential for sediment erosion anddeposition downgradient, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or snow melt. These activitieswill also result in a reduction of evapotranspiration and a corresponding increase in surface runoff,which in turn increases potential for sediment erosion and deposition. Placement of free-drainingmaterial (i.e., blasted rock) over the disturbed areas and the use of properly sized flow retentionstructures is expected to fully mitigate this potential effect.

There were no fish or fish habitat identified within the proposed quarry expansion area or withinapproximately 500 m downstream of the area. As quarry development approaches the watercourse, allsurface water will be directed toward the pit, away from the watercourse, in an effort toprevent/minimize downstream sedimentation of fish habitat. This water will be captured in existingcollection/sedimentation ponds for use and/or filtration. Overflow of final sedimentation ponds (if any)will be monitored and sampled according to the existing Approval to ensure total suspended solidslevels do not exceed the final effluent discharge limits indicated in the Approval (refer to Section 4.3).Grubbing within a minimum of 30 m of the watercourse or the top of the approach slope to thewatercourse will be minimized prior to excavation to reduce the potential for downstream sedimentation.All exposed material which has the potential to cause sedimentation of the watercourse will beimmediately stabilized with blasted rock or hay.

As quarry development advances beyond the top of the approach slope to the watercourse (estimated tooccur several decades from now based on current and anticipated production rates), groundwater flow tothe watercourse will be redirected toward the quarry as the local groundwater divide shifts to thenortheast. Eventually, the quarry will advance through and beyond this low flow and non-fish bearingportion of the watercourse.


5.5 Groundwater Resources


The proposed quarry expansion area is characterized by loose, thin stony sandy glacial till interspersedwith areas of exposed bedrock (Grant 1994). In the low areas near Highway 19, the overburden isdescribed as a clay-silt glacial till. This material is of lower hydraulic conductivity than the sandy till,but may provide sufficient yield to dug wells for single family use where sufficient saturated thickness ispresent (e.g., > 5 m).

The quarry face originated in the vicinity of the fault controlled contact between the softer Hortonsedimentary bedrock (sandstone, siltstone and shale) and harder meta-volcanic rock of the Fisset BrookFormation (Keppie 2000) (refer to Figure 3).

Water supply in the area of the quarry is derived from drilled or dug wells. Residential properties withpossible drilled or dug water wells are located both southwest and northeast of the proposed quarry. Theclosest residential wells are located approximately 500 m immediately west and cross gradient of theproposed quarry boundary, approximately 1,000 m and hydraulically down-gradient of the quarry site atLow Point, and 1,150 m northeast of quarry in Creignish Rear (east of the local watershed divide and atan elevation of approximately 210 to 220 m). Other rural residences are located along Highway 19 atTroy, which is 2 to 5 km southwest of the site, and at Creignish which is 3 to 8 km northwest of the site.

A review of the available well log information was performed by NSDEL for an earlier submission ofthe registration document (November 2001). Table 1 summarizes well construction details. Based on 61well logs at the three communities within approximately 10 km of the quarry, domestic and lightcommercial water supply wells average 31.5 m in depth, 155 mm (6”) in diameter, have an average 10.4m of casing, and yield in the range of 5.5 to 341 L/min, averaging 39 L/min. Overburden thicknessranges from 0.9 to 35.1 m, averaging 6.1 m. Depth to water table averages 5.0 m below the surface.

Table 1 Summary of Well Construction Specifications - Low Point (5), Troy (36), andCreignish (20)

WellDepth

(m)

CasingLength

(m)

WellDiameter

(mm)

Est.Yield

(L/min)

WaterLevel(m)

TillThickness

(m)Min 9.8 1.2 101.6 5.5 flowing 0.9Max 93.0 33.5 152.4 341.0 48.8 35.1Mean 33.8 11.5 145.8 61.8 6.8 7.9

Geomean 31.5 10.4 144.6 38.7 5.0 6.1Median 29.6 12.2 152.4 36.4 4.6 6.1

STD 13.8 5.2 17.2 78.8 7.0 6.1N 62 62 62 62 58 61

NSDEL Water Well Records Database Inventory 1978 – 2001.

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% 115 110 105 100 95 90 85

80 75

70 65 60 55 50

125

120

145 140 135 130 125 120 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 65 60 55 50 45

Figure 3

Bedrock Geology

Topographic Features

% Building

Contours 5m

Waterbody

RoadsMajor RoadMinor RoadService Road / TrackRail

Watercourse

Proposed Quarry Boundary

Property Boundaries

0 100 200 300 400 500

Meters

N

Bedrock Geology

GranitoidHgtI

res siltstone, mudstone, sandstone, shale,conglomerate, gypsum, anhydrite, halite

Undivided Windsor Group FormationCWE

wacke, siltstone, arenite, mudstone, shale

Undivided Horton Group Formation

CHE

mafic & felsic tuff, basalt, siltstone, rhyolite, conglomerate, sandstone

Fisset Brook Formation

DCF

mudstone, shale, sandstone, conglomerate, limestone

Mabou Formation

CMA

Map Parameters:Modified Transverse Mercator (MTM) Projection Zone 4

Datum: ATS77Scale : 10,000

Data Source: Nova Scotia Geomatics Centre

D00-01. Geological Map of the Province of Nova Scotia, version 1, 2000, compiled by J. D. Keppie, 2000, scale 1:500 000.

SW WeeksTroy Quarry Expansion

CHE

DCF

CMA

HgtI

HgtI

CHE

DCF

CMA

CWE

CWE

°°

°

° Quarry Advancement

Quarry Features

Working Face (December, 2000)


Approximately 12 to 15 residences were identified at Low Point, immediately down-gradient of the site.The closest residence is located on the access road to the quarry, approximately 515 m from theproposed southwest boundary of the quarry and more than 900 m from the working face. These wellsare completed in sandstone and shale of the Horton bedrock group. The NSDEL well drillers logs for 5wells in this area suggest drilled wells are 29.6 to 93.0 m deep (mean 42.1 m); with 12.2 to 16.8 m(mean 14.1 m) of 155 mm (6”) diameter well casing; yield 27.3 to 341 L/min (mean 128.2 L/min); andwater levels are 4.6 m to 12.5 m (mean 9.5 m) below ground. Overburden thickness varies from 2.4 to15.2 m (mean 39.3 m).

Approximately 5 to 10 wells were identified approximately 1,150 m to the northeast of the proposedquarry boundary. These wells are completed in the granitoid pluton and are expected to have loweryields than those completed in the Horton bedrock group (13 to 23 L/min). Three drillers logs forCreignish Rear indicate moderately high yields of 45 to 182 L/min. These wells are on the other side ofthe local groundwater divide; the intermediate groundwater flow recharges these wells.

Water Quality

The water quality from bedrock drilled wells in the Horton Group bedrock this area is expected to begood, with most parameters meeting Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines (Health Canada 2001). Wellscompleted in the adjacent Windsor bedrock, which is characterized by calcareous shale, siltstone, minorsandstone, and possibly gypsum and salt deposits, could be of poorer quality, with a high degree ofhardness and dissolved solids. Little information is available for the Fisset Brook meta-volcanicbedrock, however a moderately dilute groundwater of good chemical quality similar to fracturedcrystalline bedrock is expected.


The wells at potential risk include those located at the community of Low Point immediately west andhydraulically down-gradient of the quarry as well as those located to northeast in Creignish Rear. Thenearest residence is located along the access road to the quarry, approximately 515 m from the proposedsouthwest boundary of the quarry and more than 900 m from the current working face. Wells farthernorth or south along Highway 19 are less likely to be directly affected due to the strong westerlyhydraulic gradient in this area.

The potential impacts from this operation include temporary siltation of nearby wells due to intermittentblasting, reduced water levels in wells hydraulically up-gradient of the quarry (temporary or permanent),decrease in well yield, and possible water quality deterioration of down-gradient wells from accidentalreleases of deleterious substances such as fuel oil within the quarry area or acidic drainage production.Potential impacts to residential water wells will be a function of distance, location of a well with respectto groundwater flow directions, intensity and frequency of blasting, and individual well constructionmethods.


As the quarry advances into the side of Creignish Mountain, the water table in the immediate vicinity ofthe up-hill side of the quarry (100 to 300 m) will decline. Conceptually, an approximate 25 to 30 metercut could theoretically lower local water levels by 15 to 20 meters, depending on current static levelsand bedrock hydraulic properties. This will reduce the hydraulic gradient both east and west of thequarry (and possibly shift the current watershed divide southwards towards the quarry) over a capturewidth of approximately 500 m. This process of water table lowering would be extremely slow, andwould occur over an extended period of time (up to 100 years) as the quarry face advances into the sideof the mountain. It is not anticapated that surface and groundwater flowing into the quarry will collector pool on the quarry floor. Dewatering of the quarry is not anticipated. In consideration of the distanceto residential wells (850 to 1,500 m) from the working face on the west side, and in excess of 1,100 mon the east side, and the moderate yields of these wells significant loss of yield is not anticipated. Smalldeclines in water level should be offset by the excess capacity of the well to supply typical domesticdemands (about 5 L/min).

The degree of water level decline at a domestic well would be proportional to distance from the edge ofthe quarry, decreasing exponentially with distance. Based on topography, the closest up-gradient wellsare located 1,150 m to 1,850 m from the edge of the advancing quarry. These wells are not expected toexperience significant water level declines. In addition, these wells are locally recharged from hillslocated between the quarry and the wells, and from highlands east of the wells (Creignish Mountain).

Reduced water level in wells down-gradient of the quarry are likely to be less than those up-gradient.The continuing discharge of the regional deep groundwater flow to the low areas, and possible enhancedrecharge through the floor of the quarry itself should continue to maintain existing high water tablesalong the Low Point area. Again, the degree of water level effect should decrease with distance from thequarry. Since excavation elevation (and water levels) in the proposed expanded quarry will not declinebelow the existing portions (e.g., approximately 120 m at previously excavated area), no further waterlevel effects are anticipated at the Low Point wells.

Water level and yield predictions are based on qualitative analyses conducted by a senior hydrologistwith knowledge of the hydrogeology of the study area.

Changes in water quality may occur due to excavations in the recharge area of wells. Wells west anddowngradient or the quarry are more likely to be affected in this manner than wells to the east, due to thelocation of the local groundwater and surface water divide. Potential impacts include: temporarysiltation from blasting, oil and nitrate from blasting operations, lubricant compounds, and other chemicalreleases within the quarry area. Again, due to distance, significant impacts are not anticipated due tonatural attenuation primarily by dilution and dispersion along the groundwater pathways. In the event ofwater deterioration, mitigation would include appropriate treatment, replacement of the supply, orprovision of bottled water.


Another possible long term impact of well water quality is decreased pH or increased dissolved solidsfrom attenuation of acidic drainage from exposed sulfide-rich bedrock. Three random samples collectedat the quarry in September 2002 (Fisset Brook Formation) were analyzed to determine the potential foracid drainage production. Analyses results confirmed that the rock is not acid producing. The range ofpercent sulphide by weight of 0.006 to 0.011 for the quarry samples is well below the provincialguideline of 0.4 percent. The average acid production potential of the samples was 0.28 kgsulphide/tonne which is also well below the provincial guideline of 12.51 kg sulphide/tonne.Monitoring of stockpile runoff for pH and acid drainage indicator compounds is not required.

Mitigation of short-term turbidity impacts caused by blasting vibration would likely involve temporaryprovision of bottled water to affected residents, or provision of an in-line dirt filter. In the unlikely eventof a persisting long term water quality or well yield loss event, the proponent will be required to replaceor repair any water supply well found to be adversely affected by this quarry operation to the satisfactionof the owner.

Monitoring

NSDEL’s review of the earlier submission (Dec 17/01) contained several recommendations/requests formonitoring of this project including a residential well survey prior to expansion activities to establishbaseline conditions and a program of groundwater monitoring using either dedicated site monitoringwells and/or selected residential wells. The proposed monitoring program includes ground-truthingexercise to locate/confirm all residential/domestic water supplies (wells and springs) withinapproximately 500 m of the working area (there is anecdotal information of a spring in the vicinity ofthe quarry that is used as a domestic water supply). Should a water supply well or spring be identifiedwithin this area, owners/users of the supply will be interviewed for the purpose of collecting wellconstruction (if applicable), water quantity, and water quality information. All domestic water supplysources will be sampled and analyzed for general chemistry and bacteria.

Due to the extremely slow rate of water table lowering, construction of dedicated monitoring wells is notbelieved to be necessary. However, should groundwater monitoring be required by NSDEL for thisproject, existing wells at the southwest end of the site could be used for down-gradient monitoringpurposes. Groundwater monitoring in the northeastly and up-gradient direction could commence onceblasting activities reach a point short of the top of the approach slope to the watercourse, currentlyestimated to occur several decades in the future based on current and anticipated production rates.Existing residential wells could be used for monitoring in this direction. Alternatively, a monitoringwell could be constructed at an accessible location between the quarry and the nearest residential well(s)to the northeast. Monitoring should consist of annual water level measurements and general chemistryand metals analyses.


In summary, assuming that blasting activities are conducted according to existing permit conditions andprovincial standard, and considering that the nearest potentially affected wells are more than 800 m fromthe working face, no significant adverse effects on groundwater resources are anticipated.

5.6 Air Quality


NSDEL monitors air quality at ten stations across Nova Scotia susceptible to air quality problems.Common air pollutants monitored regularly are sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM), carbonmonoxide (CO), ground level ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (N2O), and hydrogen sulphide (H2S).Generally, exceedances for these contaminants are generally small and infrequent in Nova Scotia. Theclosest NSDEL monitoring site is located at Point Tupper/Port Hawkesbury, approximately 15 km fromthe project site. Local emissions (not quarry related) have caused periodic air quality exceedances,particularly with respect to SO2. These exceedances are attributed to the industrialized nature of PointTupper/Port Hawkesbury (NSDEL 1998); however the use of natural gas in the place of other fuels atsome industries in the are has since reduced the SO2 emissions and exceedances. Particulate emissionshave not likely significantly changed since NSDEL published the State of the Nova Scotia Environmentreport in 1998. It is not anticipated that the common air pollutants are exceeded at the quarry locationdue to the separation distance of approximately 12 km from the industrial area at Point Tupper/PortHawkesbury.


As per the existing Industrial Approval conditions, particulate emissions will not exceed the followinglimits at the site property boundaries:

• Annual Geometric Mean 70 :g/m3

• Daily Average (24 hrs) 120 :g/m3

Efforts to minimize the generation of dust at the site have been made by paving the quarry access road,covering laydown and work areas with blasted materials, and covering stockpiled topsoil with seed andhay. Fugitive dust emissions will be controlled with the application of water, retrieved from thecollection/sedimentation ponds, as per current practice. Monitoring of particulate emissions (dust) willbe conducted at the request of NSDEL.


5.7 Socioeconomic Environment


The quarry is located in the community of Troy, Inverness County. Adjacent communities are PortHastings to the south and Low Point to the north. The town nearest the quarry is Port Hawkesbury,approximately 12 km southeast, with an approximate population of 3701 (Statistics Canada 2001). Thepopulation of Inverness County has declined by approximately 4.7 percent from 1996 to 2001, with theTown of Port Hawkesbury’s population declining 2.8 percent in the same period.

Port Hawkesbury is a marine service centre on the shore of the Strait of Canso. The Canso Causeway,built in 1955, carries the Trans-Canada Highway and Transcontinental Railroad across the Strait ofCanso to Port Hastings, Cape Breton Island. Construction of the causeway created a deep water portwhich is used for large bulk carriers. Additional transportation networks include the HalifaxInternational Airport (approximately 240 km from the quarry) and the Port Hastings Charter Airport(approximately 10 km from the quarry).

The area surrounding the quarry is relatively undeveloped. The majority of residences are located alongRoute 19. There are two residences approximately 500 m from the southwest boundary of the proposedpermitted quarry area, both of which are currently greater than 800 m from the working face. Joe andSandra MacDonald, who are part owners of the quarry, own one of the residences.


Blasting operations associated with the proposed expansion will be conducted in accordance withcurrent operations at the quarry as permitted by NSDEL (Approval No. 2001-020402 issued in June2001) and in accordance with the Nova Scotia Pit and Quarry Guidelines (NSDEL 1999). Blasting willbe conducted in accordance with the General Blasting Regulations made pursuant to the Nova ScotiaOccupational Health and Safety Act. It is understood that additional blast monitoring activities and/orreporting may be required by NSDEL.

As per the requirements of the current operating Industrial Approval and standard provincial guidelines,sound levels from the operation in the expansion area will be maintained at a level not to exceed thefollowing sound levels (Leq) at the property boundaries:

Leq 65dBA 0700-1900 hours (Days)60dBA 1900-2300 hours (Evenings)55dBA 2300-0700 hours (Nights)

Sound monitoring will be conducted at the request of NSDEL.


No new aesthetic impacts are anticipated due to the expansion. The existing quarry is visible whentravelling along Highway 104, the Trans-Canada Highway, a distance of approximately 5 km. Theproposed expansion, which will extend a horizontal distance of approximately 500 m upon completion,is unlikely to significantly alter the view from the Trans-Canada Highway. The quarry is not visiblefrom Route 19.

Traffic associated with this project is not anticipated to increase. The proposed expansion will allowoperation of the quarry to continue at its current rate. An increase in traffic may occur should TPWutilize aggregates from the Weeks Construction quarry in larger highway paving/construction projects.Access to the quarry site is an approximately 1 km, paved road from Provincial Highway Trunk 19specifically constructed for operation of the quarry. From the quarry, products are and will continue tobe transported via tandem and tractor trailer trucks to the local markets. Trunk 19 is a Schedule Cprovincial highway which allows for year-round triaxle trucking. Trunk 19 connects directly tohighways 104 and 105 which are also designed to handle year-round triaxle trucking. WeeksConstruction does not anticipate an increase in trucking as a result of continued quarry operation. Nonew access roads are required for the project.

Recreational activities such as hunting or fishing are not anticipated to be affected by the proposedproject due to the rugged terrain, steep slopes, and lack of viable fish habitat in and adjacent to theproposed expansion area.

Another, much larger quarry, owned and operated by Martin Marietta Materials Canada Ltd., is locatedin Aulds Cove, approximately 9 km from the Weeks Construction quarry at Troy. It is not anticipatedthat the operation of both provincially approved facilities within the same general region will result incombined environmental effects that are unacceptable. For example, the Martin Marietta quarrytransports its material almost exclusively via ship which will therefore not contribute to potentialcumulative impacts to highway damage or safety.

No significant adverse environmental effects are predicted for the socioeconomic environment.


6.0 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

In December 2002 Project Information Sheets (Appendix F) were distributed to all residences withinapproximately 1.5 to 2 km of the quarry. Additional Project Information sheets were left at a localconvenience store, accessible to other community residents. The Project Information Sheets included anoverview of the proposed work, a location map, and contact information to submit comments or requestsfor additional Project information. No comments have been received from community members as aresult of the distribution of the Project Information Sheets.

The public will also be provided with an opportunity to review this Registration and provide commentsto NSDEL through a formal process established in the Environmental Assessment Regulations. Inparticular, newspaper ads will be placed notifying residents where this document can be reviewed(including two local locations) and how to provide comments. In addition, Weeks Construction willcontinue its practice of public notification of blasting activities and response to concerns brought toattention by local residents.

One comment from the public on an earlier version of the Environmental Assessment Registrationdocument regarding the visual impact of the quarry on the surrounding community is addressed inSection 5.7.2 of this document.


7.0 CONCLUSIONS

Operations associated with this proposed undertaking will be conducted in accordance with terms andconditions of the existing Industrial Approval for the existing Weeks Construction quarry operation atTroy as well as future amendments to the Approval. Environmental effects from the quarry expansionwill include the loss of terrestrial habitat within the quarry footprint. This area does not include uniquehabitat or rare or sensitive species; therefore, these effects are not anticipated to be significant.Assuming the mitigative measures specified in this report are implemented, and the quarry is operatedaccording to existing provincial guidelines and approvals, no significant adverse residual environmentalor socioeconomic effects are likely.


8.0 REFERENCES

Atlantic Canada Conservation Data Centre (ACCDC) 2002. Nova Scotia Vascular Plant Tracking List.

COSEWIC. 1999. Canadian Species at Risk. Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife inCanada. Ottawa, ON.

Erskine, A. J. 1992. Atlas of Breeding Birds of the Maritime Provinces. Nimbus Publishing and theNova Scotia Museum, Halifax, 270 pp.

Gilhen, J. 1984. Amphibians and Reptiles of Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS.

Grant, D.R. 1994. Quaterny Geology, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Geological Survey of CanadaBulletin 482, 159 pp., 2 maps.

Health Canada 1996. Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality, 6th Ed. Prepared by Federal-Provincial Subcommittee on Drinking Water of the Federal-Provincial Committee on Environmentaland Occupational Health. Canada Communications Group Pub., Ottawa, Canada. 90 p. Updated 2001.

Keppie, J. D. 2000. Geological Map of the Province of Nova Scotia. N.S. Department of NaturalResources. Minerals and Energy Branch. Map ME2000-1. Scale 1: 500,000.

Nova Scotia Department of the Environment and Labour (NSDEL). 1999. Pit and Quarry Guidelines.Revised May 1999.

NSDEL. Pumping Test Inventory. NSDEL Open File Reports 1973-2001.

NSDEL. Water Well Records. Annual Publications 1965-1978; Database Inventory 1978-2001.

NSDEL. 1998. The State of the Nova Scotia Environment. July 1998.

Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (NSDNR). 2002a. Endangered Species and Status ofWildlife. Internet Publication: http;//www.gov.ns.ca/natr/WILDLIFE/genstatus/specieslist.asp.

NSDNR 2002b. Species at risk in Nova Scotia. Wildlife Species Protected under the EndangeredSpecies Act in Nova Scotia. http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/endngrd/specieslist.htm.

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