Clarification from gravel group

I'm writing to correct Penny Richardson's letter that appeared May 23. Your readers are best served when they have complete and accurate information.

First, James Dick Construction's OSSGA Environmental Achievement Award was in recognition of a hydraulic buffer at its Caledon Sand & Gravel site, designed to protect a wetland, and not for rehabilitation as Ms. Richardson states. The Environmental Achievement Award recognizes OSSGA members that have developed and successfully implemented industry-leading policies, programs or projects that make positive contributions to the environment in order to raise member awareness on environmental issues and motivate leadership within the industry.

Second, I'm pleased to report that there have been noticeable increases in rehabilitation in the past four years. Compared to earlier periods, the amount of area being rehabilitated has more than doubled, according to The Ontario Aggregate Resources Corporation.

On the issue of MNR resources, staffing is being increased and program budgets are receiving an influx of new money from a 92% increase in the licence fee paid by aggregate producers. Enforcement is up; MNR field staff suspended licences 34 times last year, issued rehabilitation orders on 21 occasions, and convictions and fines are up significantly. The industry welcomes this higher degree of scrutiny.

Finally, OSSGA's awards are judged by a review jury comprised of members of our Community Relations and Rehabilitation Committee, and no member ever is involved in passing judgment on their own award, as Ms. Richardson suggests.

Our industry produces stone, sand and gravel which are essential to the economic and environmental prosperity of this province. We take a great deal of pride in our industry advancement awards program which promotes best practices, and recognizes members who demonstrate leadership in protecting our natural resources for generations to come. For more information on our industry and our awards program, please visit our Web site at www.ontariossga.com.

Carol Hochu, President Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association