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
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Manitoba mom praises quick-thinking fire department for freeing daughter stuck in playground equipment
A Manitoba mother is praising firefighters for their quick work in helping her daughter who got stuck at a playground in Lorette, Man.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.