Hardeman Seeking Extension

Tuesday, 25 March 2014 12:00

Hopes to extend timeline on closing date for comment for Carmeuse Lime Canada's permit application.

TORONTO -- Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman made a move this week to extend the timeline for closing dates on comments for the permit application before the Environment Ministry allowing Carmeuse Lime Canada to pump water out of its west quarry pond in Beachville.

It follows a recent call last week by the Community Liaison Committee studying the Walker landfill to increase the consultation timeline from 30 days to 90 days.

Walker Environmental Group believe the Carmeuse Lime site in Zorra Township is capable of supporting a modern landfill facility.

Hardeman says he wrote a letter to the minister of environment on Monday.

"I hand delivered it in the house because I didn't want it to get stuck in the mail -- to ask for an extension on the closing dates of the comment periods for both the application for the drawing of the water and the application for the terms of reference for the Walker application."

Hardeman says it gives the community more time to read and digest what Carmuese Lime is applying for, and also give more time to make important comments or ask questions. Hardeman says he sees no reason why the environment ministry wouldn't agree to an extension.

"I see no reason why they would not allow an extension of the deadline for comment. It isn't something that immediately something else is going to proceed -- it's just that the deadline for comment, and then the ministry starts reviewing all the information to make a decision -- this is just putting a longer time frame on it. They could be reviewing already, but they would be accepting new information or more information as they move forward -- so I'm quite hopeful they will agree to it."

Hardeman says since he hand delivered the request for an extension, the Minister James Bradley will realize time is of the essence on the matter.

The Ministry of Environment initially outlined a thirty day comment period ending April 11.