Smooth Rock Falls pleads guilty to unlawful aggregate operations

MNR News Release

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A northern Ontario municipality has been fined $2,000 for unlawful aggregate operations.

The Corporation of the Town of Smooth Rock Falls pleaded guilty for operating an aggregate pit without a licence.

The court heard that between June 1 and September 30, 2010, a conservation officer and an aggregate inspector from the Ministry of Natural Resources noticed that material was being extracted from an unauthorized pit. The investigation found that a pit was operated by the Corporation of the Town of Smooth Rock Falls and that the municipality did not have a licence.

Once the municipality realized the pit was unauthorized, staff cooperated fully with respect to the termination of operations, the application for the necessary permit and the rehabilitation of the site, as directed by the ministry.

Justice of the Peace Jean Marie Blier heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Smooth Rock Falls, on October 14, 2011.

The extraction of aggregates must be done in accordance with a licence issued under the Aggregate Resources Act. This act ensures the management and operations of Ontario's aggregate resources are conducted in a way that minimizes damaging effects on the environment and ensures the rehabilitation of pits and quarries.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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