Frequently Asked Questions
How long will the application process take?

What are aggregates?

Aggregates are rock products like sand and gravel. Although non-renewable natural resources, they are crucial to the construction of modern infrastructure such as roads, bridges, homes, and buildings. Each Albertan uses 10-15 tonnes of aggregate per year and estimated provincial consumption is 42-62 million metric tonnes per year (from Alberta Sand and Gravel Association).

What is an aggregate operation?

Aggregate operations are the various activities associated with recovering material from the ground and creating a product that can be used in our everyday lives. This can include extraction (digging), crushing (sizing), screening (sorting), and washing (cleaning) of aggregates.

What is the proposed route for the conveyor system?
  • Start in the southeast corner of the Scott Property
  • Cross below Burma Road and Rocky Ridge Road into the provincial STAR pit property
  • Run along the south side of Burma Road, behind a landscaped berm
  • Turn south at 85th Street NW and run along the east side of the STAR pit property, behind a landscaped berm
  • Cross below 85th Street NW north of the correctional centre to the Heidelberg’s Spy Hill facilities
Are there any potential impacts that could be caused be the conveyor system?
The conveyor system is being proposed to address local concerns about traffic and dust; however, it does come with its own potential impacts including possible restrictions to wildlife movement, vegetation and wetland loss where the footings are located and drainage impacts due to the berm location.  As part of the project development, Heidelberg will evaluate these potential impacts and develop mitigation measures which could include wetland avoidance, wildlife passage considerations and culvert placement.
What is the lifespan of the project?
The site is a significant deposit and could sustainably supply aggregates to the local market for 25 to 30 years depending on the final mining plan and market demand.
What are aggregates?

Aggregates are rock products like sand and gravel. Although non-renewable natural resources, they are crucial to the construction of modern infrastructure such as roads, bridges, homes, and buildings. Each Albertan uses 10-15 tonnes of aggregate per year and estimated provincial consumption is 42-62 million metric tonnes per year (from Alberta Sand and Gravel Association).

What is an aggregate operation?

Aggregate operations are the various activities associated with recovering material from the ground and creating a product that can be used in our everyday lives. This can include extraction (digging), crushing (sizing), screening (sorting), and washing (cleaning) of aggregates.

What is the proposed route for the conveyor system?
  • Start in the southeast corner of the Scott Property
  • Cross below Burma Road and Rocky Ridge Road into the provincial STAR pit property
  • Run along the south side of Burma Road, behind a landscaped berm
  • Turn south at 85th Street NW and run along the east side of the STAR pit property, behind a landscaped berm
  • Cross below 85th Street NW north of the correctional centre to the Heidelberg’s Spy Hill facilities
Are there any potential impacts that could be caused be the conveyor system?
The conveyor system is being proposed to address local concerns about traffic and dust; however, it does come with its own potential impacts including possible restrictions to wildlife movement, vegetation and wetland loss where the footings are located and drainage impacts due to the berm location.  As part of the project development, Heidelberg will evaluate these potential impacts and develop mitigation measures which could include wetland avoidance, wildlife passage considerations and culvert placement.
What is the lifespan of the project?
The site is a significant deposit and could sustainably supply aggregates to the local market for 25 to 30 years depending on the final mining plan and market demand.
What is the NRCB?
The NRCB is a quasi-judicial and regulatory agency in Alberta. It operates under the Natural Resources Conservation Board Act and is responsible for making impartial, knowledge-based decisions on major natural resource projects and confined feeding operations.
What types of natural resource projects does the NRCB review and approve?
The NRCB can review forestry, recreational or tourism, and water management project as well as any project designated as a “reviewable project” by the Cabinet.
What is the “Reviewable Project” Designation Process?
One of the powers of the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas is to refer a proposed project to Cabinet with a recommendation that the Cabinet designate the project as a reviewable project. This provides for a process for the NRCB to evaluate a proposed project to determine if it aligns with the public interest. The assessment considers various factors, including social, environmental, and economic impacts and may include public hearings.
How can stakeholders participate in an NRCB review?
People can participate in an NRCB review by attending public hearings, making presentations, submitting written comments, and engaging in consultations.