Prince George, B.C.- The Regional District of Fraser Fort George has approved a  request to establish a gravel screening and crushing operation on Otway Road, but it will only be  for one year.

 

There have been four public hearings on this application as the proposal has undergone several changes.

The application has raised several concerns with neighbouring residents including:

·        noise,

·        dust,

·        traffic, and

·        the anticipated degradation of Otway Road.

 

Residents are also concerned about safety issues especially with bicycle traffic on a road that has no paved shoulder. The heavy summer use of Otway Road by cyclists and others going to Wilkins Park, combined with new heavy truck traffic on the road is considered by residents to be a recipe for accidents to happen.

 

The condition of Otway Road is a major concern. Already narrow with dissolving shoulders, three CN railway crossings, and minimal room for all users, it is strongly felt  the road could not withstand the extra pressure.

 

Otway Road is mostly within the City of Prince George and has had some repaving recently. Comments from the City of Prince George suggested that the number of hauls proposed in the permit should not be a problem for the road. They were however, unable to comment on the volume of unprocessed material moving offsite, as no limits can be put on that.

 

The Regional District has no regulation for gravel removal only. Therefore, hauling of unprocessed gravel could start immediately, with no restriction on the number of loads per day, hours of operation, or any other terms that might address some of the concerns expressed by residents.

 

The Temporary Industrial Use Permit developed by Regional District Staff would limit the permit to one year, not two, and would restrict the number of truck loads of processed gravel to a maximum of three per hour.  The permit also requires that machinery be equipped with water sprayers. In discussion with a crusher operation it was discovered the washing and spraying of gravel is only important for production of concrete and is not recommended for asphalt. Dust control must be practiced however at all times on site, in this case the applicant will put down calcium chloride.  It may be reasonable to remove this condition from the permit as well.

 

The Regional District Staff note that while a Mines Permit would have some restrictions, they would not be as detailed as those proposed in the Temporary Industrial Use Permit for the crushed material.

 

Staff say having a Temporary Industrial Use Permit in place ensures that, while crushing and screening can take place, there is at least some restriction on the number of loads being hauled per hour of processed material.  While unprocessed material could still move offsite with no regulation, it is considered that most of the traffic would be as a result of crushed material moving offsite.

 

Director Debora Munoz says she's happy the approval is only for one year as this will give  everyone time to  assess the impact of the operation.