ST. JOHN’S, N.L. – Sparkes Trucking Ltd. has received environmental approval to extend its existing sand quarry near Piper’s Hole River and estuary.
A bulletin issued by the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment on Friday, Aug. 17 indicated the project has been released from further environmental assessment subject to three conditions.
According to a previous department bulletin, the company is proposing to add an additional three hectares to the quarry, located roughly six kilometres west of Swift Current.
The approval is conditional on Sparkes Trucking Ltd. maintaining a minimum 50-metre-wide undisturbed buffer around all water bodies, including wetlands.
The company also must not clear land during the breeding, nesting and rearing periods for migratory birds, April 15 to Aug. 15.
As well, vegetation must not be cleared or any operations conducted within 800 metres of a bald eagle or osprey nest during the nesting season (March 15 to July 31). For the rest of the year, a 200-metre buffer applies.
The 200-metre barrier also pertains to all other raptor nests. If any raptor nest sites are found, they must be reported to the forestry and wildlife division of the Department of Fisheries and Land Resources.
