A dust assessment study for the Aldershot East extraction was undertaken at the time the Westhaven subdivision was developed and found no health risk to the neighbourhood; even the most conservative estimates found dust levels below Ontario’s provincial air quality standards, based on an extraction rate of 400,000 t/yr. (Currently Meridian Brick extracts 200,000 t/yr.) Currently, Meridian Brick is working to conduct an updated dust and toxicology study.

Preliminary results have found that silica and particulate concentrations emitted from Meridian sources alone are predicted to be significantly less than both acute and chronic health-based benchmarks, even under worst-case conditions. Furthermore, cumulative silica and particulate concentrations are predicted to be less than both the acute and chronic health-based benchmarks at all receptor locations. Potential health risks to individuals in the surrounding community related to silica and particulate emissions from the proposed expansion are expected to be negligible.

Once quarrying operations begin, a dust monitoring program specific to the East cell will be implemented and results from this program made available to the City of Burlington, Region of Halton, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.

In 1996 and 1998, SS Wilson Associates Consulting Engineers conducted a noise study regarding the Aldershot quarry and the planned Tyandaga West subdivision, finding the subdivision compatible with the quarry. Responding to resident concerns, Meridian Brick retained SS Wilson in 2015 to update the noise study. This study addressed not only work and equipment noise, but also tree clearing and construction noise as requested by the City of Burlington. The study also accounted for the new bulldozer and loader equipment utilized by the company. This investigation found that shale operations will achieve applicable sound criteria, with predicted sound levels for the extraction to be in compliance with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s strictest sound level criteria.

The study noted that the actually measured ambient sound levels in the area generated by wind around the trees south of the neighbourhood are comparable to the extraction noise. The study also found that the existing berm and substantial intervening foliage are adequate for existing and future noise control.

Based on resident feedback in 2015, Meridian has replaced back-up beepers on earthmoving equipment with a more silent version. There is no blasting or processing at the site, and work on the site is limited to between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., with no work taking place on holidays or weekends. Notably, as work proceeds further below grade, noise levels will diminish.

Meridian Brick is required to identify and protect any species at risk. Meridian Brick has identified some species, mostly plants, and retained ecologists to prepare a mitigation plan. At least one species, the American Colombo, will be protected by reducing the extent of the proposed excavation. These plants, other than the American Colombo, will be relocated to designated areas long before the rehabilitation begins.

Acknowledging concerns from some residents regarding the potential presence of a species at risk salamander dwelling in the area, Meridian Brick contracted a team of ecologists to conduct salamander surveys. The survey has not to date observed any species at risk – ie. Allegheny Mountain or Northern Dusky Salamander or Jefferson Salamander. Further surveys will be undertaken in 2017, including dip net testing for Dusky Salamander larvae.

While some Red-backed Salamanders have been caught and released, no species at risk have been found in the quarry.

The site will be progressively rehabilitated and forested as the site is excavated. Meridian Brick has prepared an ongoing progressive rehabilitation plan to commence within three years of initial East Quarry excavation. This includes grassing of slopes as well as tree planting and grading while the site is being actively quarried. This means the East Quarry will be restored to a fully treed and forested landscape. In all, approximately 29,000 trees will be planted to rehabilitate the Aldershot East and Centre quarry.