David Bowen, a Ketepec resident, is concerned about the impact the clay project will have on property assessments. (Danielle McCreadie)
Saint John council has approved a controversial clay pit and quarry project for their regional landfill.
The quarry would provide a much needed marine clay source for lining the Crane Mountain Landfill. The landfill is expanding, and will need to build eight new cells—which each hold three years worth of garbage—until it closes in 2048.
The Fundy Regional Service Commission (FRSC), the applicants for the project, says being able to source their own clay from the Acamac Backland property could save them over $8 million.
After 12 to 13 years of searching for a quality clay source, the FRSC says this area is the only one that fully meets their requirements.
Clay source proposed location for Crane Mountain Landfill
(submitted by GEMTECH)
Around 30 west side residents packed the council chambers on Monday to raise their concerns about the project, including a negative impact on quality of life.
David Bowen, a Ketepec resident, is worried his property value will decrease.
“Should a pit or quarry be approved, my tax assessment will be appealed and I’m sure many of the 900 residents from South Bay to Martinon will do the same,” he said.
Several were concerned about the impact the clay excavation will have on well water, but engineers with the FRSC insisted that it won’t.
There were also many concerns about air quality, especially with blasting in the rock quarry. Experts said residents will be offered a pre-blast survey.
Resident Roberta Lee says she believes the risks will outweigh the reward.
“Would we even be considering ever a rock quarry and clay mine near a residential community in Rothesay? In Quispamsis? In Grand Bay- Westfield? Why should the city of Saint John bear all the burdens and take all the risks?” she said.
Other residents are worried about the impacts on wetlands and wildlife in the area.
Mark MacLeod with the FRSC says the current wetland isn’t even fully functional, but current legislation will require them to change that.
“We’re talking about taking a scarred piece of land, making it into a viable, restored wetland, and oh, by the way, the materials that we extract to do that, we’re going to use at the landfill. To me that’s a win win,” he said.
The project is still awaiting a completed Environmental Impact Assessment from the province, which it will need in order to move forward.
Councillor David Hickey, who voted against the project approval on Monday, says that assessment should’ve been completed before coming to council.
“I understand the business case for this, I understand the financial savings, but I cannot feel comfortable making a decision on this without and extensive EIA completed to determine whether or not this will actually have an impact on the wetlands and subsequent runoff and streams,” he said.
The impact assessment is expected to be completed by next spring.
