In an area where groundwater…

In an area where groundwater is already described as seriously at risk, the Queensdale Well described as being unable to supply water on a sustainable basis, and multiple aggregate extraction operations already exist, I am concerned that Tri-City Materials Limited has applied for water-taking permits that would see an additional 1,195,200 litres of water taken from PW-1 Well every day for up to 10 years. I am also concerned about chemical content in wash ponds and fractures resulting from blasting or mining that can send surface-to-groundwater contaminants into our neighbourhood's potable water. The massive volume of water Tri-City Materials Ltd wants to draw from Well PW-1would be taken from the same aquifer that private wells are drawing potable water from in an area where we don't even know by what volume/measurement the aquifer is being negatively affected. Potable water is a fundamental human right. I'd hate to see our supply of quality drinking water impacted by another gravel extractor. Many of us remember clearly when the aquitard was pierced by a gravel extraction business no longer in operation. As well, the location of the quarry where Tri-City wants a permit to take water is in an area where aggregate is already being extracted by other corporations who are also using significant volumes of water from the aquifer (and wash ponds). Wasn't the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe supposed to protect residents from corporate excess & environmental damage of this kind Given Ontario has 6000 licensed quarries and enough aggregate inventory to last 50-100 years, I question why we need yet one more quarry, drawing far too much water from the aquifer. Thank you for allowing GET residents the opportunity to speak to this request for a permit to take water.

[Original Comment ID 215810]