Bowman Pit Case

This web site includes information about a gravel pit that is 4 kilometers from the picturesque village of Elora, in sourthern Ontario, Canada. The area of the pit is directly between two cold water creeks. The expansion of this pit completely surrounds a Provincially Significant wetland. This pit is operated by the Murray Group Limited.

2003 Bowman Pit Expansion

In 2003, the Bowman Pit operator again proposed to expand the pit, with two new sub-pits. See article in Guelph Mercury. This proposal is in the negotiating and hearing process as of March 2003.

1999 MNR Investigation of Bowman Pit Complex

In 1999, at the request of neighbours of the pit, the MNR (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources), conducted an investigation of alleged violations in the pit operations. These allegations claimed excavation into the water table, endangering a cold water stream, and excess depth of excavation. The MNR carried out the investigation. The applicant's conclusion is that the MNR's investigation did not meet minimal standards of reasonableness, and that the MNR is unable to meet its reponsibilities to enforce the Aggregate Resources Act. See details.

1999 MNR Violation of Freedom of Information Act and Destruction of Evidence

The Ontario Freedom of Information Act requires the MNR (Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources) to respond to requests for information within 30 days. The MNR violates this provincial law 80 per cent of the time, as recorded in the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner's 1999 Annual Report. See the attached record of MNR's destruction of evidence. This destroyed evidence, which was the site plan for the Darrington gravel pit, was requested under Freedom of Information. See also the Ontario Environmental Commissioner's concern about this destruction of evidence.

2000 Bowman Pit Expansion

The negotiations for the Shoemaker extension to the Bowman pit complex took place from roughly June 1998 through February 200, as recorded in this section.

Concerns on Proposed Extension to the Bowman Pit: June 24, 1998. A 20 page report by concerned neighbours presented to the Township Council of Pilkington at a Public Meeting.
Bowman Pit and the Environment: June 18, 1998. A 3 page overview, made available to neighbours.
Concerns about Statement of Environmental Impact July 7, 1998. A 3 page report giving concerns on the Limnoterra Statement of Environmental Effect.
Meeting with Planck, Lottimer, Hache, Seibel & Holt July 14, 1998. A two page note on this meeting.
Two Views of Bowman Pit From Murray Group submission to Pilkington Council. These show what appears to be excavation beyond the Darrington pit limits, near Carroll Creek, and into the wetlands. These require an explanation.
Murray Group Violations, and an Offer to Negotiate. October 6, 1998. A 10 page report to the Pilkington Councillors. This report is contains copies of government records, so it may take several minutes to be loaded on your computer. It gives clear governmental evidence of a pattern of violations. The three indicated violations are: (1) Excess noise, (2) Minimal rehabilitation and (3) Environmental damage including a 6 metre depth violation.
Official Comment on Proposal to Modify Asphalt Plant. June 14, 1999. A 19 page Official Comment on Murray Group's proposal to modify their asphalt plant. The Comment urges disallowing the modification and points out a number of violations involving the asphalt plant, including operating without a Provincial Certificate of Approval. As a result of this Comment, the Murray Group's asphalt plant was shut down by the MOE (Ministry of Environment), for operating without a valid Certificate of Approval. The Comment contains an acoustic audit by RWDI (Professional Engineering firm) showing violation by the Murray Group of Provincial noise limit NPC-232, with emission of 51 decibels when 45 decibels is the limit.
Newsletter. September 1999. Progress of negotiations.
Newsletter. October 1999. Progress of negotiations.
Newsletter. Results of OMB Mediated Settlement. February 2000. This is a two page newsletter, telling the story of the over two year negotiation and its settlement. There is also a Summary of the Minutes of Settlement which gives details of the agreement between the neighbourhood group and the operator (Murray Group). The Canadian Environmental Law Association newsletter has an overview of the pit negotiation.

See also description of Neighbourhood Liaison Committee set up for the Bowman Pit Expansion (for the Shoemaker Pit).