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
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
An Ontario senior thought he called Geek Squad for help with his printer. Instead, he got scammed out of $25,000
An Ontario senior’s attempt to get technical help online led him into a spoofing scam where he lost $25,000. Now, he’s sharing his story to warn others.
Her fiance has been in prison for 49 years. She's trying to free him before it's too late
Christine Roess is a retired consultant. Ezra Bozeman has spent the last 49 years in prison, serving a life sentence for a murder he says he didn’t commit. Against the odds, the two fell in love.