And the waiting continues....

The territory's environmental assessment board has granted a 13-day extension for public comment on a proposal by Cee & Cee Dirt & Gravel Ltd. to do test pitting for a potential future quarry north of Crestview.

That means there won't be a recommendation issued to the Yukon government on the test pitting until at least later this month or possibly into June, with the new deadline for comments set for May 16.

Assessor Monique Chatterton of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) said last Thursday this second extension for public comments comes after Cee & Cee issued a response to the numerous concerns that came out of earlier public input periods on the proposal.

New rules adopted for YESAB in 2010 allow for another additional comment period of between 10 and 35 days – in this case, 13 days – if it's warranted.

"It allows for that public comment,” she said.

During the first phase, numerous residents and groups spoke out against the idea. They argued it would add dust and noise to the nearby neighbourhood, interfere with trail use and could have a negative environmental impacts, among other issues – especially if the a full quarry operation

went ahead in the future.

On April 28, Cee & Cee issued its own response to the concerns.

On heritage resources, the company said it would clarify any areas that may have a possible heritage resources with the territory's heritage resources branch and maintain a 30-metre setback from them, as well as contacting the branch immediately if any artifacts are found on the site.

It also planned to get in touch with the territory's Department of Highways and Public Works to clarify its concerns in accessing the area – and did.

A further e-mailed document by the department from Tuesday shows officials no longer have a major concern, given that the mini-excavator is much smaller than they initially thought.

Addressing the concerns over the impact the operation would have on those who use the area recreationally, Cee & Cee said it will use existing trails to get to the site without requiring any clearing.

It also pointed out:

• it had stated the company's planned routes on its site plan;

• test pits would be excavated off existing trails in open areas that wouldn't need clearing; and

• no widening of existing trails would be required for the project.

On overlapping with the existing trail system, Cee & Cee said it couldn't find any maps showing all the trail locations and use, making it difficult to assess potential overlap with the project.

"From our observations, it appears that we will be utilizing existing ATV trails and will not be utilizing non-motorized vehicle trails,” Cee & Cee president Lawrence Ulrich wrote.

"The status of the existing ATV trails are such that they will support our investigation without the need for improvements or clearing.”

Though many argued the project is too close to the Crestview area, Cee & Cee pointed out the nearest test pit to the neighbourhood would be about 350 metres away from the closest home.

"Ultimately, our project boundary will be modified to maximize availability of potential granular reserves/resources and maintain required setback distances that were recognized at the time of our application,” Ulrich noted.

"We anticipate that the final boundary for quarry development may be smaller than our proposed explorational limits.”

Finally, Cee & Cee stated that from its observations, there aren't any ponds nor creeks in the area.

However, the company is looking forward to receiving maps from any groups that expressed concerns from issues around trails to water bodies, and would maintain a 30-m setback from any ponds or creeks.

"We look forward to receipt of such information, given the importance of maintaining adequate setbacks, verifying trail use suitability and clarification purposes,” Ulrich wrote. "We will forward documentation of our discussions with any stakeholders – i.e. Highways and Public Works and heritage branch, etc. – as per your request when they become available.”

Stakeholders now have 11 days to comment to YESAB on Cee & Cee's response.

If no more comment extension periods are granted, YESAB would have up to 14 days after this public input period to make a recommendation that would then go to the Yukon government for a decision.

Cee & Cee would also have to apply to the city for amendments to the Official Community Plan and zoning before it could begin any digging. Ulrich could not be reached for comment.