Quarry extension in environmentally-sensitive area
At a glance
Depth of knowledge in hydrogeology, water resources, and engineering, led GHD’s interdisciplinary project team to the successful approval and implementation of Ontario’s quarry water expansion; the first such approval to be granted in over 30 years in an environmentally-sensitive area which is a United Nations World Biosphere Reserve.
The challenge
In support of our client’s quarry expansion application, GHD was hired to develop a water management plan for a limestone quarry in southern Ontario. This comprehensive water management system is operated to protect and maintain water resources and related ecological features.
The planned water management system for the quarry included: a reservoir with more than five-million-cubic meters (1.3-million gallons) of storage; components to discharge water to downstream surface water features; and a groundwater recharge well system that includes more than 100 recharge wells along several kilometers (miles) of the quarry perimeter.
Our response
GHD completed a comprehensive hydrogeological study of the quarry and surrounding area, which allowed us to design a water management system for the proposed quarry expansion. GHD provided expert witness testimony, engineering design and construction services, implemented a database management system including web-based agency access to real time monitoring data, and prepared various animated graphical presentations. GHD is currently operating the water management system and providing ongoing consulting services related to environmental compliance and water management.
The outcome
- Comprehensive hydrogeological study
- Developed database management system
- Engineering design and construction services
- Expert witness testimony
- Water management system design