Fall River quarry now in hands of Environment Department

The Nova Scotia Court of Appeal has ruled in favour of a controversial quarry in the Fall River area.

The news comes as a disappointment for some residents who have been fighting the quarry for over three years.

"It basically prevents anybody from having any idea how to plan for their future," said Stacey Rudderham, a resident of the area. "How do you know where to build because it doesn't really matter what the bylaws say, you might end up with a quarry next door."

Since 2011, residents like Rudderham of the Miller Lake West subdivision have been vocal in their opposition.

The Court of Appeal ruled that Rudderham and the Halifax municipality had no jurisdiction to stop the quarry.

Scotian Materials Ltd. is the company that now plans to move forward with the project, which also includes a concrete and asphalt plant.

Their plans are now in the hands of the provincial government.

"Well, it lays out the road we need to follow," said Robert MacPherson, president of Scotian Materials."So, we will be proceeding with applying for the permits through the Department of the Environment and subject to meeting all their requirements, we would hope to be granted approval for the quarry.

"I feel very disappointed," said subdivision resident Sharon Houle. "We chose this location based on less traffic and bringing our kids to live where there's wilderness, and where there is wildlife."

In the long term, an industrial development is planned when digging is complete.

But, as Rudderham says, construction may notend after this one project.

"We've been told there are two more quarries waiting to apply across the highway directly across from where the quarry is being proposed."

Rudderham says a group of concerned residents will continue to fight against the quarry, and hope to set up a meeting with Environment Minister Randy Delorey.

ScotianMaterials hopes to have all permits in place within a year.