Red Deer County council rejects gravel pit application near residential home

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The couple vocalized numerous concerns regarding their nearby water well, which was previously contaminated with dust, noise and other impacts to their family home that they share with their two children.

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Other residents also voiced opposition to using the lands for industrial development as it was designated an Environmentally Significant Area (ESA) by the County in 2011, due to its proximity to the Red Deer River.

The applicant shared that there are other gravel pits already in the area and they intend to only extract gravel for aggregate removal on that property for five years, including reclamation of the land.

Councillor Christine Moore sided with residents and questioned administration on the conflicting information regarding the height of the water table in the area as well as the County’s lack of knowledge on setback requirements from water wells.

Councillor Lonny Kennett added there are too many red flags with the water table, proximity to the river bank, and potential errors becoming costly to the nearby family.

He fell back on his experience working in the oil field.

“We spend thousands of dollars on a lease on sucking up as much of the dust in the air as we can. On top of that, we use protective equipment. I cannot see putting this house in a bubble to keep the silica dust out and having this family, the only way they could enjoy the outside, is with dust masks on. I cannot see that happening and I cannot see any resident in the county thinking that’s acceptable,” he said.

He said the applicant has shown negligence to monitor previous water issues that have arose and only acted because they were asked to during the public hearing.

On the other hand, Councillor Philip Massier voiced in favor of the applicant, stating that they only wish to use a portion of the land for the gravel pit, not the entire land, and have promised to complete the work in a timely fashion.

Mayor Jim Wood also supported the applicant, stating that he was present when the ESA designation was created with a public opinion of opposition.

“ESAs never were meant to stop development. ESAs were brought in to, in fact, make sure that we take a good look at the environmental significant areas before development takes place,” he said.

He questioned that while no one wishes to have a gravel pit near them, the product is necessary for roads and other uses. He expressed concern over council’s decision causing a precedence for future gravel pit requests.