Our Experience in Sand & Gravel Permitting
Provincial and municipal governments use a range of regulatory approvals to manage sand and gravel activities under their jurisdiction. On Crown land, a Surface Materials Lease (SML) or Surface Material Licence (SMC) is required pursuant to the Public Lands Act. On Private land, registration is required pursuant to the Code of Practice for Pits. The application process typically requires the collection of environmental data and the submission of a mine and reclamation plan. Some municipal jurisdictions require a development permit for sand and gravel operations on lands under their jurisdiction.
Green Plan has widespread experience in environmental planning for the sand and gravel industry. In addition to completing approvals for private operators and municipalities. Green Plan has also participated in several government policy initiatives and is the lead author of the Guidelines for Acquiring Surface Material leases on Crown Land.
- Surface Material Leases and Licenses (SML or SMC) applications
- Conservation and Reclamation Business Plans
- Registration and Activity Plans, as per the Code of Practice for Pits, for sand and gravel operations on private land
- Municipal authorizations; development permits
- License of Occupation (DLO/LOC) for new roads, right of ways
- Water Act Authorizations; wetland assessments and mitigation plans, water management, water licensing, etc.
- Notification as per the Code of Practice for Watercourse Crossing and Code of Practice for Outfall Structures on Water Bodies
- Federal Fisheries Act Authorizations; fish habitat compensation plans
- Pit Management: Compliance Monitoring, Land Management tracking etc.
Found gravel on public land in Alberta?
Green Plan LTD. has more than 35 years of experience assisting our clients that operate aggregate pits, and we can help you acquire all the environmental permits necessary to get your aggregate development up and running as soon as possible. Pits on Public lands are called Surface Material Leases (SML), and they expire after 10 years with the possibility of renewal. The application for an SML is submitted to Alberta Forestry and Parks (FP), and requires the following:
• A pre-disturbance field assessment to verify the local soil and vegetation conditions prior to the implementation of the pit.
• The submission of a Conservation Operation Reclamation Plan (CORP), which is the main supporting report to the SML application.
• Depending on the location of the pit, a Historical Resources application may be required.
• The submission of an application to verify if Indigenous consultation is required for the project.
Are wetlands present within the anticipated pit location?
• A wetland field assessment is necessary for wetland classification and the confirmation of the wetland boundaries.
Is disturbance to wetlands anticipated to occur?
• A Water Act application for approval for disturbance of wetlands must be submitted.
• A Wetland Assessment Impact Report (WAIR) must be submitted as part of the application.
Our team will assist you with applications for new SMLs or with the renewal of existing/expired dispositions.
Found gravel on private land in Alberta?
Green Plan Ltd. has more than 35 years of experience assisting our clients that operate aggregate pits, and we can help you acquire all the environmental permits necessary to get your aggregate development up and running as soon as possible. For pits in Alberta larger than 5 ha (Class I pits), registration under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) is required, and must include the following:
• A pre-disturbance field assessment to verify the local soil and vegetation conditions prior to the implementation of the pit.
• The submission of an Activities Plan (the main supporting report for EPEA registration).
• Depending on the location of the pit, a Historical Resources application may be required.
Are wetlands present within the anticipated pit location?
• A wetland field assessment is necessary for wetland classification and the confirmation of the wetland boundaries.
Is disturbance to wetlands anticipated to occur?
• A Water Act application for approval for disturbance of wetlands must be submitted.
• A Wetland Assessment Impact Report (WAIR) must be submitted as part of the application.
What is necessary for the maintenance of an EPEA Registration?
• A 5-Year Report showing the current status of the pit must be submitted to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (EPA) every 5-Years until a Reclamation Certificate is granted.
• Changes to pit size and operations may require amendments to existing approvals