Backgrounder
Authorities are failing to take legal action against the operation of a sandpit that threatens local environment and water quality for 5,000 Wakefield Spring users!
The risk to the Wakefield spring grows each day.
Faced with inaction by Provincial and Municipal authorities, SOS Wakefield has obtained an independent opinion from experienced environmental lawyers. This confirms that Couillard Construction cannot legally operate without a provincial Certificate of Authorization. The opinion also confirms that both Provincial and Municipal authorities have legal grounds to take enforcement action.
We have shared the details of this research with the authorities listed below, and we urge them to use these legal remedies to stop this potentially disastrous operation until any reasonable doubt over its effect on the Spring can be put to rest with a hydrogeological study and the source protection plan promised by the Municipality.
As concerned and affected residents, citizens, voters and taxpayers, we call on the pit owner/operator and Provincial and Municipal authorities to assume their environmental, social and legal responsibilities.
- Since May 3, 2012, Couillard Construction, contractor for Transports Quebec (MTQ), has been excavating sand at the corner of Rockhurst and Highway 105 without a Certificate of Authorization and despite provincial standards.
- On June 7, 2012, Environment Quebec (MDDP) issued a Notice of Non-Conformity, citing infractions of the Environment Quality Act.
- The Municipality of La Pêche has raised concerns that the sandpit is not duly zoned.
- Natural Resource Canada experts have identified the area at the corner of Rockhurst and Highway 105 as part of the feed into the Wakefield Spring.
- Over 40 legal sandpits can be found in the La Peche area, SOS has been informed.
- And yet, Couillard Construction continues to excavate sand from the corner of Rockhurst and Highway 105.
The risk to the Wakefield spring grows each day.
Faced with inaction by Provincial and Municipal authorities, SOS Wakefield has obtained an independent opinion from experienced environmental lawyers. This confirms that Couillard Construction cannot legally operate without a provincial Certificate of Authorization. The opinion also confirms that both Provincial and Municipal authorities have legal grounds to take enforcement action.
We have shared the details of this research with the authorities listed below, and we urge them to use these legal remedies to stop this potentially disastrous operation until any reasonable doubt over its effect on the Spring can be put to rest with a hydrogeological study and the source protection plan promised by the Municipality.
As concerned and affected residents, citizens, voters and taxpayers, we call on the pit owner/operator and Provincial and Municipal authorities to assume their environmental, social and legal responsibilities.
