CONCERNS REGARDING RECENT QUARRY BLASTING EVENTS AND REGULATORY OVERSIGHTS

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing to report concerns regarding blasting activities associated with the Northumberland Capital Corp. quarry located off Uniacke Mines Road in Mount Uniacke.

My husband and I reside approximately 1.2 KM from the quarry site and experienced significant blast impacts on the following recent blast dates: *May 22 (approximately 1:00pm) – our home shook and we experienced loud concussion effects *May 29 (approximately 1:45pm) – The blast was so sudden and forceful that we initially believed something had struck the side of our house.

These are not isolated concerns. Residents have been reporting similar experiences for many years. Contradiction between Community Experience and Historical Assurances provided by quarry representatives in past years that residents living more than 1km from the site should not hear or feel blasting effects. Our experience, and that of many others in the surrounding area, suggests otherwise. This raises an important question: “If residents continue to experience noticeable blast impacts beyond the stated distance, why has this issue not been satisfactorily addressed before approval of the quarry expansion?" BLAST MONITORING AND REGULATORY STANDARDS

We have reviewed the amended Industrial Approval dated October 3, 2025, specifically Section 11 (g), which requires monitoring of all blasts for concussion and ground vibration to ensure approval limits are not exceeded. We recognize that blast monitoring reports may indicate compliance with industry-standard limits, however, we believe an important local factor must be considered –
*Much of the surrounding area is situated on bedrock.
*Ground vibrations and concussion effects may travel differently through local geological conditions *If this was known, why were site-specific thresholds or additional mitigation measures not considered to better protect nearby homeowners?" Compliance with industry standards does not necessarily mean residents are not experiencing significant impacts. *Blast Notification System - despite the amended approval containing expanded monitoring requirements, we see no requirement for a blast notification system for nearby residents. Community members have been requesting blast notifications for years. Advance notice would allow residents to prepare for blasting events and would likely reduce frustration as to why a blast notification requirement was not included as a condition of approval, particularly given the long history of public complaints associated with this quarry.

CONCERNS REGARDING DATA COLLECTION AND PUBLIC CONFIDENCE

It is our understanding that concerns and evidence regarding historical blast monitoring practices were submitted to the Department prior to the quarry expansion approval decision. Given the continued reports arising from recent blasting events, public confidence in the monitoring and reporting process remains low. We believe these concerns warrant careful review to ensure that monitoring practices, reporting methods, and regulatory oversight are providing an accurate reflection of the impacts being experienced by nearby residents.
COMMUNITY LIAISON COMMITTEE CONCERNS

*Approximately 80% of nearby homeowners within the quarry’s impact area remain unrepresented on the committee
*Residents have raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, including the participation of the quarry’s blast consultant as a committee member while also providing blast-related services to the proponent
*The proponent occupies two of the committee’s seats and, when combined with the blast consultant's seat, three committee positions are occupied by individuals connected to the quarry operation.
*The committee appears substantially smaller than originally intended, leaving limited opportunity for meaningful community representation. With the quarry expansion now approved, we believe the Community Liaison Committee’s structure, membership and representation criteria should be reviewed to ensure it is serving the intended purpose. In particular, the committee should provide broader representation for nearby homeowners, avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest, and ensure that community-member positions are filled by individuals who reside within and represent the Mount Uniacke area most directly affected by quarry operations.
A restructured and properly balanced committee would help restore public confidence, improve communication between residents and the proponent, and provide more meaningful community input as the expansion proceeds.

REQUEST FOR RESPONSE: We respectfully request *Confirmation that both blasts were investigated *Copies of, or access to, the associated blast monitoring results *An explanation of why a blast notification system has not been required *Information regarding any plans to review blast impacts on nearby homeowners *Consideration of improvements to the Community Liaison Committee structure and representation.

We would appreciate a response addressing these concerns.

Sincerely
Kathy and Doug Smith
Residents within 1.2km of the NCCI Quarry Site