Dust control solution

Times Contributor  

 

Concerns over trucks hauling gravel from Wheatland County gravels pits were addressed in council on Sept. 17, with Councillor Ben Armstrong putting forward a solution for council’s consideration.

“Trucks hauling gravel from the Naglor-Treacy, Ridgeland, and Indian Springs pits are creating drastic conditions for residents,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong said it is the same all over the county, and with county trucks also hauling gravel, it was important that council came forward with some help for this particular situation. Currently water truck applications are occurring only when the county receives a complaint and the application is not controlling the problem with so many trucks rolling in and out of the pits.  

Armstrong suggested money be allocated out of the Community Aggregate Payment (CAP) funding, which is set aside by the county, to cover the dust control in these commercial hauling areas.  It was suggested that 400-800 ft road allowance bordering the   pits access intersections be covered with calcium and gravel applications, at an approximate cost of $1,200. The CAP fund currently sits at $8,000. 

 

Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association (SAEWA)

Movement on establishing a SAEWA plant in Southern Alberta is moving forward with an Executive committee meeting that was held on August 22. They began a review of the product development plan, which was scheduled for completion at the end of September. There were meetings with Alberta Development to encourage dialogue about changes to regulations needed for the plant to become operational.

“The dialogue was very open and they were receptive to the issues discussed,” said Wheatland Councillor Ben Armstrong.

A grant for $250,000 was secured by the county of Bighorn to form a subcommittee to develop governance guidelines and voting structure policies for the project. Once those are in place there may be opportunities to apply for other grants to build the plant. 

SAEWA’s Annual General Meeting will be held November 22 in Champion. There are six communities that have put forward their desire to host the project and 24 vendor groups that are currently in support of the plan. The location of the plant will bring jobs and produce energy from gases collected through recycling waste products. For more information see www.saewa.ca