REPORT TO

MAYOR AND COUNCIL

PRESENTED: JUNE 22, 2009 - REGULAR MEETING REPORT: 09-93

FROM: ENGINEERING DIVISION FILE: 5280-14-001
SUBJECT: RECLAMATION OF BOULDER PIT AT 3500-244 STREET

RECOMMENDATION(S):
That Council receive the report, “Reclamation of Boulder Pit at 3500-244 Street” and;

That Council approve the transfer of funds up to the amount of $75,000 from Operating
Contingency for purposes of reclamation work at Boulder Pit.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In earlier years, when the Township was conducting aggregate mining operations at its
municipally owned pits, royalties accruing to the Township were paid into a reserve account for
the purpose of funding future reclamation work required by the Provincial Mines Act.

It is anticipated that the costs of reclamation will be partially offset by revenue from tipping fees
received as a result of importation of clean fill.

Neighboring property owners were advised of the proposed reclamation by letter dated March 4,
2009. On May 3, 2009, staff met with these property owners to provide further information and
answer questions. No objections were raised.

The site access route will be from 248 Street via 36 Avenue. The school at the intersection of
Fraser Highway and 244 Street (currently an adult education facility) will not be affected.

By memo dated May 22, 2009, the Engineering Division advised Council of its intention to
reclaim Boulder Pit (shown in Attachment A). As the work is not specifically identified in the
2009 Operating Budget, funding will be required from a reserve account on an interim basis,
pending transfer of funds from the Gravel Pit Reclamation account.

PURPOSE:
To obtain authorization from Council for expenditures up to the amount of $75,000 for expenses
likely to be incurred in the reclamation of Boulder pit.
RECLAMATION OF BOULDER PIT AT 3500-244 STREET
Page 2 . . .

BACKGROUND/HISTORY:
The Township has retained ownership of a four hectare property on 244 Street, south of Fraser
Highway (shown on Attachment A) which was, at one time, used for gravel mining. More
recently, the property has been utilized by Township Operations staff for materials storage and
as a location to off-load street sweepings. The Township discontinued operational use of the
site in 2004.

Staff currently proposes to remediate the property and level the site for future use. This will
require the removal and disposal of approximately 16,000 cubic metres of stockpiled material
containing construction debris, and the importation of approximately 28,000 cubic metres of
clean fill.

DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The costs of disposing of the undesirable material are estimated at $75,000. These costs will
be partially offset by revenue from the importation of fill. By using the same trucks to import
clean fill and remove the stockpiled material, truck traffic to and from the site will be minimized.
This efficiency will also serve to reduce costs.

The volume of material to be handled (28,000 cubic metres) represents approximately 4,300
truck loads. Over a four to five month period, this will involve an average of approximately fifty
truck loads per day (however, daily counts may vary depending on the availability of material,
weather conditions, and other factors).

The access route to and from the site (shown in Attachment B) will be strictly limited to
36 Avenue. This road surface is in good condition and the anticipated truck traffic is not likely to
cause any significant deterioration. This route is also considered to be least likely to result in
local inconvenience.

Neighbouring property owners were advised of the proposed reclamation by letter dated
March 4, 2009. Staff subsequently met with all (adjoining) property owners to provide further
information and provide details of the proposed work.

The property is on the edge of, but is not part of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). The
property will be rehabilitated to an agricultural standard since it could potentially present a
unique opportunity to be included into the ALR.

Legislation:
The British Columbia Mine Act (RSBC 1996) regulates the reclamation of former mine sites.

Financial Implications:
As this expenditure is not in the 2009 Operating Budget it is recommended that Operating
Contingency be used as a funding source.

Respectfully submitted,

Clive Roberts
MANAGER, DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION
for
ENGINEERING DIVISION
RECLAMATION OF BOULDER PIT AT 3500-244 STREET
Page 3 . . .

This report has been prepared in consultation with the following listed departments.

CONCURRENCES
Division / Department Name
FINANCE DIVISION D. SPARKS

ATTACHMENT A – Location Plan

ATTACHMENT B - Truck Access Route