In Alberta, aggregate is defined as “any sand, gravel, clay, or marl that is excavated from a pit, whether in a processed or unprocessed form, but does not include reject.” Aggregate resources are essential building materials used in the construction of infrastructure such as roads and buildings. Extracting and processing aggregate typically involves the use of large, heavy machinery, which can have potential impacts on nearby landowners.
In the Province of Alberta, the regulation of aggregate development is split between the province and municipalities. Rocky View County has committed to developing a plan that balances the need to protect the environment and quality of life of residents, while also weighing the importance of aggregate as a resource. This webpage provides all relevant information for ongoing or proposed aggregate development in the County.
Concerns with a Pit?
If you have concerns about a specific pit, please click the button below to provide detailed information. Please be as specific as possible to help the Aggregate Inspector understand and address your concerns effectively.
Approval Process
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Proponent Seeks Provincial Approval
Under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (“EPEA”), the Alberta Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas (or its successor agency) is responsible for reviewing applications for aggregate extraction pits. These applications are evaluated against the Code of Practice for Pits (Alberta), which outlines the requirements for provincial approval. The Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas will also consider the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation (Alberta) when making their decision.
If the project involves withdrawing water, altering natural water flow, or draining a water source, approval under the Water Act (Alberta) is also required.
Note: Pits under 5 hectares (12.35 acres) in size are considered to be Class II pits and are exempt from meeting provincial regulations. - 2
Proponent Undertakes Pre-Application Engagement
While seeking provincial approval, a proponent may also begin the municipal approval process. In accordance with the County’s Aggregate Development Performance Standards [PDF/0.9MB], a proponent is required to conduct public engagement prior to submitting a redesignation and master site development plan (“MSDP”) application. The proponent must:
- Hold at least one open house to present the project and gather feedback. The proponent shall follow the outlined mail-out and notification included within the Aggregate Development Performance Standards document.
- Offer additional engagement opportunities for residents who can’t attend the open house.
A complete Engagement Summary shall be included as part of an application package that details the feedback received from the community and how the concerns raised are being addressed in the application.
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Submission of Redesignation and MSDP Application
Once public engagement is complete, the proponent may submit a redesignation and MSDP application. In the County, these applications are submitted as a single package. A redesignation application seeks to alter the land use designation provided within the County’s Land Use Bylaw (“LUB”) to a district that permits aggregate extraction. Moving forward all redesignation applications for aggregate development will have to apply for the Special – Natural Resource land use district.
The purpose of an MSDP is to provide guiding policies for the design and operation of the subject lands to allow the public and Council to have a clear understanding of the future vision of the land. The County’s Municipal Development Plan (“MDP”) has been updated to include clear requirements for proponents when submitting an MSDP application that draw on the County’s new Aggregate Development Performance Standards.
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Public Hearing Held for Redesignation
In Alberta, a public hearing is required before Council can give second reading to a bylaw that adopts or amends a statutory plan or the Land Use Bylaw (LUB). For example, amending the LUB may involve redesignating or rezoning specific parcels of land. Public hearings provide an opportunity for community members to express support or raise concerns about a specific application. The public can participate by submitting written comments or video/audio recordings in advance, or by speaking directly to Council in person at the hearing.
As noted above, all aggregate-related redesignation applications must redesignate the lands to the Special – Natural Resources land use districts. - 5
Development Permit Application
If Council approves both the redesignation and MSDP application, the proponent may then submit a development permit application. To provide greater clarity, the Land Use Bylaw (LUB) has been updated to include specific requirements for development permits related to aggregate operations. The County’s Development Authority will review the development permit application and decide whether to approve or refuse it. If approved, the Development Authority may impose conditions that must be met prior to the permit being issued, as well as ongoing conditions for the duration of the operation. These ongoing conditions will be based on the County’s Aggregate Development Performance Standards.
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Operations and Monitoring
Once a development permit is approved and the prior-to-release conditions have been met, the proponent may begin operations in accordance with the ongoing conditions outlined in the development permit. To ensure continued compliance, the County may conduct up to four inspections of the site within a 12-month period, as set out in the Aggregate Site Monitoring Bylaw. These inspections are intended to verify that the operation is meeting all permit conditions. In addition, proponents are required to submit annual reports to the County, in accordance with the reporting requirements outlined in the Aggregate Development Performance Standards.
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Site Reclamation
After a site has been fully extracted, a proponent would then begin the process of reclamation. The proponent would be required to complete the reclamation of the site in accordance with the Reclamation Plan that was submitted to the province as part of the provincial approval process. When reclamation is complete, the proponent may apply for a Reclamation Certification under the Conservation and Reclamation Regulation. If an inspector approves the reclamation, the operator would obtain their Reclamation Certificate and all securities returned.
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Transition of Land
At the same time as applying for a Reclamation Certificate, the proponent must also apply to amend the LUB to reflect the new post-reclamation land use. All costs associated with this process are the responsibility of the proponent.
Municipal and Provincial Regulation Library
Aggregate Development Performance Standards
The Aggregate Development Performance Standards [PDF/0.9MB] document details the technical documentation required as part of application packages submitted to the County. The Aggregate Development Performance Standards includes 14 technical sections and 3 operations / management sections that shall be adhered to and include the following:
Read the County's Aggregate Development Performance Standards. [PDF/0.9MB]