On June 16, we were horrified to watch for hours as huge plumes of dust rose from the Hillstone Aggregates gravel pit west of our home near Big Hill Springs Park.
Six Rocky View County councillors apparently think this is acceptable air quality for local residents, as they not only continue to grant operating approvals for the existing gravel operation, but they further redesignated another 300-acre parcel (Mountain Ash Ltd’s proposed Summit pit) half the distance away.
The cumulative effects of multiple gravel operations in this area will make our acreage unlivable and ruin the experience of 250,000 annual visitors to Big Hill Springs Park, located less than one kilometre away.
Rocky View councillors have seen many photos of the relentless dust emissions over the years as local residents have fought to prevent the area around the Big Hill Springs Park from becoming surrounded by gravel mines.
Councillors similarly ignored Dr. Jon Fennell, renowned local hydrogeologist, who stated: “If developed, the Summit Pit will represent a significant, and permanent, alteration to the sensitive headwater area of the Big Hill Springs complex ... The risk from this proposed development, and any other gravel mining operation near Big Hill Springs Provincial Park, is too great to ignore.”
If massive plumes of gravel dust choking local residents don’t matter, and the very real risk of destroying the aquifer that has created one of the most unique and treasured Parks in Canada doesn’t matter … One must seriously ask, “What would it take to stop gravel mining in this area?”
Apparently only political pressure can make politicians pay attention. Therefore, we will be joining the thousands who have already signed the petition and supported the Big Hill Creek Preservation Society’s opposition to this outrage.
#savebighillspringspark
Linda Kostecky
Morley Kostecky
