Gravel mine plans near Big Hill Springs Provincial Park are 'nonsensical', conservation group says
Albertans have a week to submit their concerns over a plan to build a gravel mine under a kilometre away from a popular provincial park.
The Alberta Wilderness Association (AWA), a conservation group opposed to the project, says the company behind it – Mountain Ash Limited Partnership – has applied to the provincial government to remove 13 wetlands, which are critical to the park's survival.
The Mountain Ash sand and gravel mine, which was approved by Rocky View County last year, would be located approximately 800 metres from the main spring that feeds the waterways in Big Hill Springs Provincial Park and more than half the flow of Bighill Creek, the AWA says.
By removing the wetlands targeted in the development, there could be "severe and irreversible damage" to springs and waterways in the area.
"Those springs and flows have made the provincial park one of the most popular recreational destinations in Rocky View County," the AWA said in a release.
Furthermore, the group says after the provincial government spent public money on the park redesigning the trails and adding other features, it's illogical to allow an application to alter the park so severely.
"It's nonsensical, after investing $1.2 million to improve the visitor experience at Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, to approve a Water Act application and industrial activities that are likely to destroy the very features visitors come to appreciate," said Ian Urquhart, AWA's executive director.
AWA says scientific studies have also shown the type of mining used by the project will also result in damage similar to what is caused by open-pit coal mining.
CTV News contacted Alberta Environment and Parks about the proposal and a spokesperson says the government is committed to protecting the environment while improving experiences in the outdoors for Albertans.
"The proposed Summit Project is currently going through the regulatory process and would only be allowed to proceed if it meets all legal and regulatory requirements for water and the environment," said Bridget Burgess, communications advisor for Alberta Environment and Parks, in an email.
Residents concerned about the project are invited to email the ministry's approvals unit with their statement of concern ahead of the Jan. 31 deadline, quoting DAPP0001717 & EMS No. 001-00481044 in the subject line.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.