Whitewater · Severn (Figures 1 and 2). MAQ Aggregates Inc. (MAQ) has retained Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd. (Whitewater) to complete the compliance groundwater and surface water monitoring

Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd.

WhitewaterHydrogeologyLtdPhone: 705.791.1988Email: tecia@white‐water.ca

HEWITT QUARRY

2010 COMPLAINCE MONITORING

REPORT

Prepared for:

MAQ AGGREGATES INC.

Date: March 2011

Hewitt Quarry: 2010 Compliance Monitoring Report MAQ Aggregates Inc

Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd. i March 2010

Table of Contents 1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.1 2010 Site Operations ..................................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 Sinking Cut ............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1.2 Water Takings ....................................................................................................................... 1

2.0 HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL EVALUATION ........................................................... 1

2.1 Groundwater Elevations ............................................................................................................... 1

2.1.1 OW15 Well Nest .................................................................................................................... 2

2.1.1 OW17 Well Nest .................................................................................................................... 3

2.1.1 OW18 .................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1.2 OW21 Well Nest .................................................................................................................... 5

2.1.3 OW22 Well Nest .................................................................................................................... 6

2.1.4 Domestic Water Wells ........................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Groundwater Quality .................................................................................................................... 9

2.3 Surface Water Flow ....................................................................................................................... 9

2.3.1 Surface Water Station R1 and R3 ........................................................................................ 10

2.3.2 Trout Pond ........................................................................................................................... 10

2.4 Surface Water Quality ................................................................................................................. 11

3.0 CONCLUSIONS ........................................................................................................................ 11

4.0 Recommendations .................................................................................................................. 12


Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd. 1 March 2010

1.0 INTRODUCTION

This report has been prepared to comply with the requirements in the Ontario Water Resource Act (OWRA)

Section 34 Permit to take Water (PTTW) (MOE No: 6533‐7BJS3N) and Section 52 Certificate of Approval

(MOE No.: 1779‐7FBQ7E). The Hewitt Quarry is located Part Lots 12 and 13, Concession VIII, Township of

Severn (Figures 1 and 2). MAQ Aggregates Inc. (MAQ) has retained Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd.

(Whitewater) to complete the compliance groundwater and surface water monitoring for the site.

No groundwater takings occurred in 2010 and as a result, monitoring under the CofA was not required for

this reporting period.

1.1 2010 Site Operations

1.1.1 Sinking Cut

The Hewitt Quarry began operations in August of 2010. Sinking cut blasts occurred on August 9th, 19th, 23rd,

and November 25th and 26th 2010. A complaint was received from Ms. Goldie McDonald after the November

blasts. It was confirmed that all blasts in 2010 conformed to the sites noise requirements.

1.1.2 Water Takings

As discussed above, no water takings occurred in 2010. This information has been provided to the Ministry

of the Environments (MOE) Water Taking Reporting System, via fax. A copy of the submission is provided in

Appendix A.

2.0 HYDROGEOLOGICAL AND HYDROLOGICAL EVALUATION

2.1 Groundwater Elevations

Monthly water levels from the on‐site and off‐site monitoring wells have been collected over the 2010

monitoring period. These results are provided in Table 1. In addition, several of the monitoring wells at the

Hewitt Quarry have been equipped with continuous dataloggers to allow for a more detailed analysis of the

groundwater conditions at the site. Specifically, to allow for the assessment of the seasonal trends as well as

the response to local precipitation events. The datalogger values were calibrated to the monthly manual

readings.



2.1.1 OW15 Well Nest

Groundwater elevation data collected from the OW15 well nest is presented on Graph 1. OW15‐I and

OW15‐II are constructed in the Gull River and Shadow Lake Formations, respectively. OW15‐III is plugged,

which was constructed in the lower Precambrian and is no longer monitored. The seasonal water level

change at OW15‐I and OW15‐II is approximately 1.5 m, and responds relatively quickly to precipitation

events and snow melt.

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OW 15 - Water Level Elevation HydrographsHewitt Quarry

OW 15 I

OW 15 II

OW15-I (manual)

OW15-II (manual)

Cautionary Trigger Zone (216.1‐217.1 masl)

Graph 1




Groundwater elevation data collected from the OW17 well nest is presented on Graph 2. OW17‐I is located

adjacent to the property’s topographic low. The overburden thickness is approximately 3 m at this location,

and as a result, protects the caprock from dissolution by the aggressive meteoric waters, providing a

relatively poor environment for the development of karstic features. Therefore, the response to

precipitation events is not as rapid in comparison to OW15‐I and OW18. The water level response ranges

between 217.6 and 218.5 masl in 2010. It should be noted that the logger reached its maximum water depth

on October 22, 2010. Therefore, no continuous levels are available after that date. Monthly manuals were

continued and results are within historical seasonal averages. Water level data collected from OW17‐II and

OW17‐III report similar findings.

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OW17 - I

OW17 - II

OW17-I (manual)

OW17-II (manual)

OW17-III (manual)

OW17‐I Cautionary Trigger Zone (214.7‐213.7 masl)

Graph 2

OW17‐II Cautionary Trigger Zone (212.0‐211.0 masl)



2.1.1 OW18

Groundwater elevation data collected from OW18 is presented on Graph 3. OW18 was constructed

immediately adjacent to a sinkhole located along Stream System #3. The continuous water level data for

OW18 illustrates the relatively rapid respond to precipitation / snow melting events (i.e. a 2 m water level

increase in less than 24 hours). It is noted that water level “peak” is for a relatively short duration (less than

24 hours) and is interpreted to represent the temporary conveyance of melt water along Stream System #3.

The ground elevation at OW18 is 220.6 masl. Therefore, the water level “high” measured in the monitoring

well is considered to represent the water level in Stream System #3 during flowing conditions. Once the

water surplus is no longer available, water levels return to the “seasonal norms”.

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OW 18 - Water Level Elevation HydrographHewitt Quarry

OW18-I (manual)

OW18 - I

Graph 3




OW21 well nest is located on Telford Line, just southwest of the Hewitt Property. The summer low, which

occurred in August, is lower than what has been reported in previous years. The shallow well (OW21‐I)

responds rapidly to precipitation events, which drains from the system relatively quickly due to the wells

proximity to the Bobcaygeon Escarpment. The lower groundwater systems (OW21‐II and OW21‐III) are

isolated from the upper system and experience a muted response to seasonal conditions. It does appear

there is a gradient change between OW21‐II and OW21‐III during the seasonal low period (late summer and

early fall), which corresponds with the construction of the sinking cut. On‐going monitoring well allow for a

more detailed evaluation of the water level data collected from the Shadow Lake – Precambrian contact at

this location.

Hewitt operations have begun to remove portions of the Bobcaygeon Formation by extracting into the

escarpment (Phase 1 of site operations). The extraction of the Bobcaygeon has not resulted in any

measureable influence on the groundwater elevations at this location as water levels from the summer low

returned to seasonal normals for the fall and winter. Since Phase 1 will continue to be the primary source of

aggregate in 2011, the monitoring results will be assessed on a more frequent schedule.

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OW21-I

OW21-II (manual)

OW21-III (manual)

Cautionary Trigger Zone (222.4‐221.4 masl)

Graph 4




OW22 is located on the adjacent property in proximity to the Phase 1 extraction area (Bobcaygeon

Escarpment). This “senty” well was installed as a condition of the Ontario Municipal Board to monitor the

drawdown conditions in the vicinity of the extraction area. This sentry well was installed to provide water

level data between the quarry face and the domestic well on the adjacent property (DW17). OW22‐I reports

water levels in the range of 226.5 to 230.3 masl. These levels are within the historic seasonal range.

OW22‐II is constructed in the lower Shadow Lake / Precambrian. As a result, the water levels do not respond

to seasonal climatic conditions as seen in the shallower well and typically has water levels in the range of

222.0 to 222.5 masl. On August 9, 2010, the first sinking cut blast occurred and extraction commenced. A

response at OW22‐II was reported. During the month of August, water levels decreased due to

depressurization of the Precambrian and reached a new equilibrium at an elevation between 219.5 and

220.0 masl (within the cautionary trigger range). Although the water level response (decrease) occurred

fairly rapidly, the new static water level is within the predicted range for this area determined during the

impact assessment (Azimuth, 2006).

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OW22 - II

OW22‐II Cautionary Trigger Zone (220.0‐219.0 masl)

Graph 5

OW22‐I Cautionary Trigger Zone (224.6‐223.6 masl)



2.1.4 Domestic Water Wells

A domestic water well monitoring program is being undertaken to comply with the conditions of the PTTW.

The permit specifies that a total of two domestic water wells have dataloggers installed to allow for the

continuous measurements of water levels (DW14 and DW14).

Unlike the on‐site wells, the domestic wells are drilled down to the Shadow Lake / Precambrian units and

constructed as “open holes”. As a result, the wells can obtain water from various water bearing zones

(fractures) which intersect the borehole.

The hydrograph for DW17 shows that the water levels in this well have been unaffected by the operations at

the Hewitt Quarry. Although a drawdown response at the Shadow Lake / Precambrian contact has been

reported in Sentry wells (OW21 and OW22), a response has not been detected in the open holes. DW14 was

inaccessible for the 2010 monitoring period.

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Domestic Water Level Elevation HydrographsHewitt Quarry

DW-17

Graph 6

Hewitt Quarry: 2010 Compliance Monitoring Report MAQ Aggregates Inc.


Well No. Top of Casing

03‐Jan 13‐Feb 10‐Mar 23‐Apr 15‐May 19‐Jun 31‐Jul 20‐Aug 10‐Sep 17‐Oct 02‐Nov 31‐Dec

OW15‐I 223.22 220.00 219.84 220.00 219.89 220.19 220.20 219.60 219.58 219.77 219.87 219.91 219.85

OW15‐II 223.23 219.90 219.79 219.90 219.85 220.11 220.22 219.67 219.57 219.78 219.87 219.89 219.84

OW16 218.40 213.76 213.78 213.98 214.12 214.21 214.31 214.11 214.02 213.94 213.78 N/A 214.13

OW17‐I 220.81 217.89 218.16 218.35 218.23 218.22 218.22 217.90 217.80 217.80 218.21 218.00 218.22

OW17‐II 220.81 218.00 218.07 218.00 218.11 218.20 218.01 217.98 217.95 217.90 218.02 218.10 218.16

OW17‐III 220.81 218.20 218.28 218.40 218.29 218.28 218.25 218.21 218.00 218.19 218.26 218.15 218.47

OW18 221.21 219.00 218.56 219.00 219.00 219.74 219.00 218.94 218.90 218.94 218.90 219.04 219.13

OW21‐I 228.02 225.8 225.77 226.00 225.52 226.18 226.5 223.98 223.61 223.47 225.38 226.41 225.88

OW21‐II 227.90 220.01 219.48 219.71 219.23 219.89 220.21 219.73 219.32 219.53 219.42 220.12 218.93

OW21‐III 227.90 220.31 219.82 220.05 219.57 220.23 220.55 219.75 218.42 218.86 218.52 220.46 218.29

OW 22‐I 230.98 N/A 229.06 228.98 228.41 227.56 227.16 227.15 227.21 227.24 228.58 228.74 229.01

OW 22‐II 231.25 N/A 222.31 222.42 222.31 222.24 222.22 222.15 220.01 219.53 219.65 219.71 219.84

TABLE 1: MANUAL WATER LEVEL MEASURMENTS (2010)



2.2 Groundwater Quality

The historical groundwater quality, which represents the background or pre‐quarry conditions, has been

summarized in Appendix B. The summary takes the ranges in concentrations for each parameter at each site

and compares the historical values with the groundwater samples which were collected during the

operational year. The April sample from this monitoring period is representative of background conditions

but has been included in the complete 2010 dataset to ensure that the results from last sample prior to the

sinking cut was also with the historic concentration ranges.

Results indicate that the groundwater quality from the Bobcaygeon, Gull River, and Shadow Lake /

Precambrian contact are within the expected concentration ranges. There is evidence that the shallow wells

in proximity to roads have been influenced by road salt (OW15‐I and OW21‐I). It is understood that these

roads have not historically been salted during the winter months. Confirmation with the Township of Severn

will be obtained prior to the submission of the 2012 compliance report.

A single year of data collected during aggregate extraction provides little insight to the influence of the

operation on the groundwater quality. It is recommended that this sampling program continue to allow for a

sufficient oeprational database to be developed.

The samples collected from the two domestic water wells (DW12 and DW14) meet the Ontario Drinking

Water Standards.

2.3 Surface Water Flow

The manual surface water measurements are provided in Table 2. At the Hewitt Quarry there are three

stream systems referred to Stream System 1, 2, and 3 (as you cross the property from the north‐east to the

south‐west. The northern most stream (System 1) is fed by a wetland area to the east of the property and

under two road side culverts. During the spring freshet, flow is difficult to measure due to the flooded

conditions (culverts submerged). During the summer months this system dries up quickly due to the karstic

conditions.

Stream System #2 is measured at R5 (headwaters). Flow is typically minimal during spring freshet, and dries

up during the summer months. Stream System #3 is closest to the quarry operations. Extraction is currently

occurring on either side of the stream (which will be maintained during the quarry operation). R2 and R3

monitoring a sinking area in the karstic system. R3 is typically dry except during spring freshet. R4 monitors

the down gradient road culvert prior to entering farmers fields, then the North River.



Table 2: Surface Water Monitoring Program

Notes:

F=Frozen, D=Dry, P=Ponded

Units = L/s

2.3.1 Surface Water Station R1 and R3

During 2010, MAQ was preparing for the discharge of incidental waters from the site and constructing the

settling pond system as per design requirements under the CofA (C.C. Tatham, 2009). As part of this

construction, along with the re‐building of Brennan Line, there is a need to construct new monitoring

locations at R1 and R3. C.C. Tatham is currently setting up new stilling wells along the new surface water

course. This continuous surface water data will be available in 2012.

2.3.2 Trout Pond

The headwater for Stream System #2 is located along the western property boundary. This stream (when

flowing) enters a private trout pond that is reported to be spring fed. During high flow periods (i.e. spring

and storm events), this flow drains from this pond and crosses Telford Line. Continuous water level data has

been collected from this pond for the monitoring period (non‐frozen conditions). Water levels in the pond

are plotted on Graph 7. The water level data from the latter part of 2010 has not been corrected for

barometric pressure (hence the larger fluctuations in the readings).

Station. Jan Feb Mar Apr 10 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct 10 Nov Dec

R1 F F F P P 21 D D 12 11 5 D

R2 F F F P D D 18 21 11 D

R3 F F F <5 5 D P P <3 5 D D

R4 F F F 80 41 20 P P 80 88 40 P

R5 F F F 8 10 3 D D D D D D

R6 F F F 72 88 75 D D D D D D

R7a F F F P P 42 D D D D D D

R7b F F F P P 63 D D D D D D

R8 F F F D D D D D D D D D



2.4 Surface Water Quality

The surface water sampling locations were difficult to access or completely removed during a portion of

2010 due to road re‐constuction and culvert replacement on Brennan Line, and land clearing at the Hewitt

Quarry. RR4 (located on Telford Line) was flowing during the spring freshet and the fall. The results indicate

that surface water runoff from the Hewitt property was within the historic ranges for 2010.

Surface water samples were also collected at the Trout Pond. Similar to RR4, the water quality remains

within historic ranges. On‐going monitoring is required to develop a database for trend and impact analysis

of the Hewitt Quarry on the surface water regime.

3.0 CONCLUSIONS

The operation of the Hewitt Quarry began in August 2010. The conclusions based on site information for the

first year of operation are as follows:

1. The creation of the sinking cut and sump area has influence only on the low groundwater system

(contact between the Shadow Lake and Precambrian) as anticipated. However this influence has

occurred earlier in the site operations than predicted. Azimuth (2006) predicted (through numerical

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Hewitt Quarry

Trout …

Graph 7



modelling), that the Shadow Lake / Precambrian aquifer will experience depressurization. As a

result, the predicted drawdown in this unit was approximately 2 m.

2. This depressurization has not influenced the nearby domestic water wells (located off‐site).

3. Groundwater quality has been unaffected by the operations at the Hewitt Quarry.

4. Surface water quality has been unaffected by the operations at the Hewitt Quarry.

4.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are made for 2011:

1. Meet with the Ministry of the Environment to discuss the results of OW21 and OW22.

2. Continue with the approved monitoring programs stipulated in the PTTW and CofA.

Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd.


20 Strabane Ave

Barrie, ON

L4M 1Z6

Phone: 705-791-1988

Email: [email protected]

March 31, 2010

Attention: WTRS Department of the Ministry of the Environment Fax (416) 235-6549

Re: M.A.Q. Aggregates Inc.: Ministry of the Environment Water Taking Reporting System

Submission

Permit To Take Water Water Takings for 2010

6322-7WMN4Y (Hewitt Quarry) No Water Takings

3780-7RLPYP (Reeb Quarry) No Water Takings

5716-7L6KBF (McCarthy Quarry) No Water Takings

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Yours truly,

Tecia White, M.Sc., P.Geo.

Senior Hydrogeologist / Owner

Whitewater Hydrogeology, Ltd.

Documents

Whitewater · Severn (Figures 1 and 2). MAQ Aggregates Inc. (MAQ) has retained Whitewater Hydrogeology Ltd. (Whitewater) to complete the compliance groundwater and surface water monitoring