Lafarge schedules public meeting on gravel mine expansion

Lafarge schedules public meeting on gravel mine expansion
25 February 2010


Studies conducted by a biologist and archaeologist will be available at an upcoming meeting on the expansion of a gravel mine in Pitt Meadows that’s faced vocal opposition from nearby residents.

“We are going to present some of the findings and get public feedback,” said Brad Kohl, general manager of aggregates and marine division for Lafarge Canada (Vancouver area).

Pitt River Quarries wants to expand its gravel mine in the Pitt Polder into the rock face of Sheridan Hill.

The expansion will move the mine to within 15m from the east property boundary – 100m from the nearest houses on Sheridan Hill – and allow Lafarge Canada Inc. to continue mining at the site for another 10 to 15 years.

Excavation would be seen from the southwest side of Sheridan Hill, from Harris, McNeil and Richardson roads and all of the properties in that area of northern Pitt Meadows.

The application to expand currently sits with the provincial inspector of mines.

The archaeological study was commissioned at the suggestion of the Ministry of Energy and Mines, but Lafarge decided to hire a biologist after residents expressed concerns about the mine’s expansion affecting area wildlife, including Sandhill cranes.

“If people make accusations about things that are out there, it is based on their opinion, not fact. So we want to make sure we are sitting at the table, dealing with the facts,” said Kohl.

Lafarge intends to present an overall site layout at the meeting scheduled for March 3 and display 3-D models of what the slopes of Sheridan Hill will look like once excavated.
Published under Cement News