Seven local residents in a community near Cochrane, Alberta, are contesting the provincial government’s approval of a gravel pit operated by BURNCO Rock Products Ltd. The pit, established in 2016 by the Calgary-based company, spans an area equivalent to around 100 football fields and sits above the Bow River, with the closest point being a hundred meters away.
In 2023, the provincial government sanctioned a plan by BURNCO to enlarge the pit’s footprint by approximately five times its original size. BURNCO has assured that it will only mine a fraction of the expanded area at any given time and intends to restore the land gradually to its original state as pasture and farmland.
However, concerns raised by local residents revolve around perceived environmental risks associated with the operation, particularly regarding potential impacts on groundwater. The disagreement now hinges on the water usage approval granted to BURNCO for the expanded site in 2024, currently under review by the provincial Environmental Appeals Board (EAB). A scheduled virtual appeal hearing in mid-March was postponed due to procedural and legal issues, with no new date set at present.
The Stoney Nakoda Nation is also involved in the appeal, citing potential adverse effects on groundwater, surface water, and wetlands in their application to the EAB to participate in the hearing. Additional parties challenging the water use approval include the Town of Cochrane, Rocky View County, and other residents granted intervenor status in the appeal process.
While the Town of Cochrane expressed non-opposition to BURNCO’s project, it stressed the need for further clarity and assurance to comprehend and manage potential impacts of the gravel pit. Rocky View County’s stance remains unknown as they did not respond to inquiries.
Although the City of Calgary expressed concerns in 2022 about the pit’s impact on Bow River water quality, subsequent discussions with BURNCO in the following year led Calgary to conclude that the risk was minimal. The appellants argue that the government’s regulations inadequately assess environmental risks before greenlighting such projects.
Ann McKendrick McNabb, one of the appellants and a landowner in the vicinity of the pit, emphasized the necessity for more data on potential environmental impacts on local water sources and ecosystems. She highlighted the need for updated regulations and thorough audits to ensure the proper management of projects impacting the Bow River corridor.
While BURNCO conducted various studies, including wetland assessments and reclamation plans, the appellants advocate for an independent, audited environmental impact assessment (EIA) as a prerequisite for the company’s operations. Despite gravel pits being exempt from mandatory EIAs since 2020, the environment minister retains discretionary power to order an assessment, which has not been invoked for the Cochrane West gravel pit.
BURNCO defended its operations, citing compliance with Alberta’s environmental permitting process and asserting a history of no major impacts as suggested by the appellants. The appellants underscored the financial and time costs incurred to challenge the project’s water use approval, criticizing the flawed appeal system that places a disproportionate burden on ordinary citizens.
Jason Unger, from the Environmental Law Centre, criticized the current approvals process for limiting public participation in the early stages of resource projects, advocating for a more transparent and inclusive community dialogue on such developments. The environment ministry refuted claims of unfairness, emphasizing ample public input opportunities while ensuring a fair and focused process.
Despite requests to halt BURNCO’s water use approval pending a final decision by the environment minister, the appeal board has declined, allowing the company to continue its operations. Alberta’s Environment and Protected Areas department defended the province’s gravel pit approval regulations as a balanced approach to safeguarding the environment but refrained from commenting on the ongoing dispute concerning the Cochrane West gravel pit.