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May 21, 2017 Environment and Parks

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May 21, 2017 Environment and Parks May 21, 2017 Environment and Parks Regulatory Approval Center 5th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza 9915 – 108 St. Edmonton, Alberta, T5K 2G8 Phone: 780-427-6311 Fax: 780-422-0154 Re: Application No. 001-00390571 Border Paving Ltd. Water Act Notice of Application This Application is located very close to what might be considered the most important trout stream in Alberta. Located as it is within a two-hour drive of nearly 2,500,000 people, the stream sees anglers from throughout Alberta. It is the closest trout stream to the City of Edmonton. Further, the stream also attracts anglers worldwide. But the North Raven River was not always the jewel it is today. Abused for many years by the agricultural industry, it was in terrible shape. Sportsman dollars raised originally through the Buck for Wildlife program formed the monies available to change the stream’s fortunes. Exclusion fencing to keep cattle off the stream and instream works to rebuild and reclaim the stream banks reversed the decline. Starting back in the late 1970’s and continuing on to the present, I was a part of the repair of this stream personally dedicating thousands of hours and money. Originally doing what I could myself and later as co-Habitat Chairman of the Central Alberta Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the North Raven River recovered. In partnership with Barry Mitchell of Red Deer, the other co-chairman, we along with a legion of volunteers rebuilt large segments of the stream. Sufficed to say, I have an invested interest. But we were not alone, Government Agencies, like Fish and Wildlife, also worked tirelessly on the stream. Financial support for Trout 1 of 3 Unlimited work was available from the Alberta Conservation Association who also now supports many efforts on the North Raven. Support from Junior Forest Wardens and others assisted in bank side revegetation. All of the activities required the approvals of adjoining landowners, the Clearwater County, Provincial Agencies, like the Department of Environment and Federal Agencies. Personally I represent Trout Unlimited on the joint operating committee for Leavitt Springs Property located on the ¼ section directly north of the Application. I attended the Open House and listened to Border Paving describe how the pit was to be operated. Border Paving clearly stated that this was to be a “dry pit” and was not to interact with the groundwater. I was relieved and told the Border representatives that I found no concerns with the pit construction. Now I find out that such is not the case. The application is for a pit that will intersect with the groundwater. As the pit operation is changed and groundwater will be affected, it is prudent that the application is rejected. Each of us could trot out our experts, who depending on who was paying them, who will make their best guesses as the effect of Border Paving, would have reacting with the groundwater. Obviously, we will not know the effects until they happen at which point the effects are or likely irreversible. The rejection must be based on the possible effects on the North Raven River. Increases in water temperatures with the resulting effects on both fish and invertebrate life are inevitable. The end pit as detailed in the application is located within close proximity to several primary spawning areas in the headsprings. These spawning areas are part of my yearly examination of the spawning activities of both brook and brown trout. Although I do not live in close proximity of the propose gravel pit, I believe that with my ongoing commitment over the past 45 years to the health of this stream, my opinion must matter. 2 of 3 As this application and resulting approval could affect what is a Crown Jewel in Alberta destroying several millions of dollars of repairs and hundreds of thousands of hours of effort, this application respectfully must be rejected. Regards, Don Andersen Co-Habitat Chairman Central Alberta Chapter of Trout Unlimited. 5616 54A Ave. Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, T4T 1H6 [email protected] 403-845-2069 .
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