[Don Andersen]

Border Paving Application

Many of the folks who had read the Facebook or web site pages may not be aware of the steps that are taken for a Development Permit to be issued for the construction of the Gravel Pit. To aid in the understanding of what happens and when it happens I contacted Eleanor Pengelly, Development Officer, Planning & Development Department of Clearwater County where the proposed Gravel Pit will be located.
Here are some general guidelines for the process regarding gravel (aggregate) pit applications in Clearwater County and timelines in the process.

1] The applicants hold a pre-application meeting with the County's planning department

2] The County provides the applicants with mailing information for adjacent landowners

3 The applicants schedule an open house to inform adjacent landowners of the proposal – this is to take place at the Butte Community Hall November 28/19.

4] The applicants invite adjacent landowners to the open house and advertise the open house in a local newspaper

5] The applicants hold their open house and present their proposal to the public, gathering feedback and answering questions (up to this point, the County directs inquiries to the applicants and encourages the public to attend the open house)

6] After the open house, as part of their development permit application, the applicants submit an open house report to the County, including who attended, what the concerns are and how the applicants will mitigate those concerns

7] Once the County deems the development permit application complete, the County sends out a referral package to adjacent landowners and affected parties such as Alberta Environment, to solicit comments regarding the proposal.

8] The County gives 30 days for referral comments to be received (all written comments received are compiled to be presented to the Planning Authority)

9] At this point, the applicants may provide additional information or amend their application

10] Once the final application information is complete, the County schedules the application to go to the Planning Authority (the Municipal Planning Commission) for a decision (this board meets once a month)

11] Once a decision is made, copies of the decision are sent out to the adjacent landowners. Municipal development permits are subject to appeal for three weeks from the date of decision


12] If appealed, a Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) public hearing is held. The SDAB can approve, change or refuse the permit

13] If a municipal approval is granted, the applicants provide a copy of their development permit to Alberta Environment so that the provincial applications can go forward (such as Water Act approvals, Code of Practice Registration, Reclamation etc.)

14] As far as municipal timelines go, these can vary anywhere from three to six months, depending on the complexity of the application and sequence of events.



OK – now you have the process, I will add some personal comments about the process
1] If you want additional information about the Proposal, contact Bobbi Medin at Border Paving at 403 343 1177.

2] If you wish more clarification please contact Holly Bily (lead development officer) or Eleanor Pengelly at the Clearwater County Office.
3] In addition to provincial approvals, gravel pits are subject to municipal development permit approval.

If you wish to comment on the Proposed Gravel Pit, you should:

1] Attend the public information session hosted by Border Paving November 28/19 at the Butte Community Hall from 5>8 pm. Your attendance and comments will be reflected in the Border Paving Development Permit Application to Clearwater County.

2] Letters to the Dept. of Environment regarding the application. I would write the Minister, Jason Nixon detailing your concerns.

3] My understanding, if the development permit is issued by Clearwater County, a Water Act Approval is required. This application triggers an another process where advertisements and public comments can be made. At this point, The Dept. of Environment Approval Officer Terrina Perley in the Red Deer Office should be where you write to express your concerns.


4] It must be understood that your concerns may not be considered as you do not fall within the guidelines of the Dept. of Environment for the directly effected. To be directly effected you generally must live within a short distance of the proposed development. Over the last near 30 years, the "directly effected concept" has virtually stymied may citizens who have concerns of how their province is managed. However, loud voices scare politicians. Make yours heard.


Regards,



Don Andersen