Residents fighting the Rockfort quarry proposal of James Dick Construction Limited (JDCL) gained some significant support last week.

The Board of Directors of Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) voted unanimously to oppose the application.

The motion proposed by CVC staff, which was moved by Caledon Councillor Allan Thompson, saw only minor amendments before it was passed. It cited the fact CVC had to take a position on the application before the upcoming Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) hearing, which is slated to begin in May.

Thompson observed at one point during the discussion that the job of CVC is to protect the environment, not worry about economics.

JDCL is looking to establish a quarry in the lands known as Caledon Resource Area 9, much to the consternation of many in the community, including the Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCC), which has been in the thick of the fight. The lands in question consist of some 220 acres at Lots 1, 2 and 3, Concession 6, in west Caledon. The application involves a rezoning and amendment to the Towns's Official Plan, as well as a licence to have a quarry below the water table. CVC is just a commenting agency on this application.

James Parkin, a planning consultant with MHCP, representing JDCL, stressed to the board the fact the material they are seeking to mine is close to its market. Having mining operations close to market is very much in the public interest, he argued, adding that includes environmental benefits.

"This proposal is not an experiment," he declared. "The application has been well thought out."

"There is a high degree of certainty that this will function as planned," he added.

Much of the public concern has dealt with fears that the mining operation could impact on the groundwater flows through the bedrock beneath the ground, and that could damage water supplies and quality. Parkin said the company has put forth plans for mitigation measures, should these problems arise. He added consultants retained by the Town of Caledon to peer review studies said the mitigation measures represent a "reasonable conceptual approach."

He also said there are high-quality environmental features in the area, but they are well away from the actual quarry site.

Hydrogeologist Richard Murphy, of Conestoga- Rovers and Associates, told the board they were confident the hydrogeology in the area has been appropriately characterized, adding further work will be done during the construction and engineering process.

He added there have been numerous discussions with CVC's hydrogeological experts, and he was sure there are "appropriate safeguards in place."

As well, he said an adaptive management plan (AMP) has been set up. If the mitigation plan fails to meet its targets, an immediate response would be needed, and mining would have to stop until a solution to the problem is in place.

He also stressed concerns about a possible catastrophe are not based on a clear understanding of AMP.

Board member Allan Elgar of Oakville was concerned about Murphy's use of the word "feel" when he was offering his assurances. "The word 'feel' doesn't give me a strong feeling about anything," he remarked.

Elgar also wondered if the pit is really needed. Parkin told him the plan is to mine dolostone. There were five quarries in Halton Region where this material was available, but only three of them are still operating, and their life spans are limited. He asserted the need for a new supply of this material is clear on the west side of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Parkin also told Thompson the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) will administer AMP. He added information will be available on how the targets are being met. He added JDCL is willing to put up financial securities to guarantee its work, and that's on top of the requirements of the two ministries.

JDCL Vice-President Greg Sweetnam commented on what he called some "fundamental misunderstandings" about the possibilities that local wells drying up, as he maintained there are "tons of water."

Thompson countered some local wells are not that deep. "We're talking rock here," he remarked, adding local development pressures have caused the loss of about half of the dairy industry in Peel and Halton. Thompson stated that he wanted "absolute guarantees that we're not going to compromise people's water."

"People's wells are fully protected through AMP," Murphy replied.

"I'm sure you guys believe everything you've had done," observed board member Joan Robson of Halton Hills, but she asserted the average person needs something more definitive than that.

Parkin agreed it's sometimes hard for the lay person to grasp all the material, but he suggested they look a little deeper into what's been provided.

Sweetnam also stressed there will be benefits realized the day mining starts on the site. The fact that the pit is close to the markets means some 40,000 kilometres worth of truck trips won't be made that day.

"This is the best site in the GTA," he declared, wondering if this application is turned down, where the needed aggregate material is going to come from. "This is the better way."

Lorraine Symmes, representing the Coalition of Concerned Citizens (CCC), was quick to attack some of JDCL's positions.

The issue of the need for this material had come up a lot, but she maintained that is not an issue for OMB.

Protection of the water and environment is important, she maintained, adding the peer reviewers retained by the Town, Peel Region and CCC have all stated the risks to the local water are too great from this proposal. She also cited information from Dr. Ken Howard, hydrogeologist for CCC, which indicated JDCL's model of the aquifer is flawed, in that it assumes the bedrock is consistent throughout, rather that containing fractures, etc.

She also made it clear that she wasn't convinced the AMP will be able to address all the concerns. "No AMP is going to bring the water back," she declared.