Residents and groups have been granted another two weeks to let a regulatory board know what they think of proposed test work near Crestview which could lead to a quarry site.

Cee & Cee Dirt and Gravel applied to the territory for a land use permit to test for the possibility of a future gravel quarry. It would dig between eight and 10 test pits that are two by eight feet each, with a maximum depth of 3.6 metres.

On Monday, the Yukon Environmental Socio-economic Assessment Board (YESAB) granted the extension to April 18. Monday was the original deadline set for comments.

The extra time was sought by the Crestview Community Association, which argued it needs the time to do more research on the issue.

"For the YESSA process, we need to complete some research about potential environmental and socio-economic effects, but the timing of the application presents significant challenges,” association member Bill Slater wrote in a letter asking for the extension.

"We are aware that some government researchers have conducted investigations about ecological values in the vicinity of the project, but the results are unpublished, and those experts are currently unavailable due to holiday schedules.”

As Slater pointed out in an interview this morning, it's only now that some of the research on birds, other wildlife and plants in the area is becoming available. And, as the snow continues to melt, the group is also beginning to look at the site's possible heritage value.

"The heritage side, I expect, we'll be challenged,” he said, noting it's not an uncommon issue for YESAB applications through the winter.

An application for a full quarry operation would also see the association look at other issues such as ground water.

But, as Slater pointed out, at this stage, the group is focusing on the impacts which will come with the test work. He is grateful to YESAB for the extension, which will give it more time to do the research to make a submission.

A two-week extension for comments is not unusual in cases where there is such high public interest, YESAB spokesman Rob Yeomans said Tuesday afternoon.

The board has already received more than 40 comments on the proposal, with an overwhelming majority in opposition, while others cite major concerns for wildlife in the area.

"Vegetation disturbance and removal has the potential to impact migratory birds, species at risk and their habitats, and, as the proposed activity timing window is in spring 2011, there may be a risk of inadvertent disturbance or destruction of bird nests and eggs,” wrote Janet Scott. She is the co-ordinator/officer of environmental programs for the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Scott cited portions of the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

Where there is work being done that overlaps with the breeding season, it's recommended Cee & Cee do pre-clearing surveys, she added. If there are nests being used, she said, the work should be postponed until there's no longer nesting there.

Concerns were also expressed in the submission over species at risk, with horned grebes and rusty blackbirds being two species at risk which have been seen in the area. Cee & Cee would be required to adhere to legislation surrounding species at risk.

Maintenance of riparian buffers and protection of site drainage networks are also recommended.

Many of the other comments came from nearby residents. They called attention to possible noise, dust and environmental issues, along with a loss of recreation space the area is heavily used for.

"I have lived here since 1977, but would really consider leaving if such a monstrosity was forced on us,” wrote Valerie Ross. "If I did move, that would be a loss of tax dollars to the city because I would not buy a new place.”

The site is also located on the traditional territory of the Ta'an Kwach'an. In its submission to YESAB, it was pointed out a quarry would dismiss the values set out in the city's Official Community Plan (OCP).

It would "undermine attempts at responsible development, balanced land use and sustainability, that are so important as Whitehorse grows.”

However, as city planner Kindon Kosick noted in a submission, an amendment to the OCP would not be needed.

"As there is industrial development immediately to the east of the proposed site, this proposal appears to be generally compatible with the surrounding area and an OCP amendment will not be required, although some revisions of the site boundaries may be necessary,” he stated.

"There are some nearby locations that are designated environmentally sensitive and green connection areas which will need to be avoided.”

Minimum distance from the testing site and the nearest property line should be 300 metres.

"To provide the most flexibility for future use, it is recommended that no clearing occurs within 500 m of Crestview; however, this is only a recommendation not a requirement.”

A zoning amendment would be required, as would a development permit.

The Yukon government also made a number of submissions, with environment and forestry officials not citing any major concerns over the project. They noted they're satisfied with mitigation measures proposed by Cee & Cee.

The Department of Highways and Public Works encouraged Cee & Cee to get in touch with officials about plans to access the site.

As of this morning, only one submission could be found in favour of the development.

Crestview resident Mark Bowers made it clear the Crestview Community Association does not represent his views over its concerns with the proposal.

After noting that gravel quarries have operated close to Crestview, he argued the materials that could come from a quarry are needed.

"Gravel, sand and various aggregates are an essential commodity in Yukon,” Bowers wrote.

"Denial of test pitting to assess the potential would impair the ability of residents of Whitehorse and surrounding area a stable and quality supply of needed construction material. I am in full support of the test pitting and the development of a gravel quarry at this site if the tests show it to be a viable site.”

Cee & Cee president Lawrence Ulrich could not be reached for comment this morning.