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Frac sand transloading facility hearing set for Monday

A Subdivision and Development Appeal Board hearing set for Sept. 15 in Eckville will centre around

A Subdivision and Development Appeal Board hearing set for Sept. 15 in Eckville will centre around the recent approval of a temporary frac sand transloading facility in that town.

An application from Source Energy Services for the facility to be constructed on Station Grounds south of 50 Ave. was recently approved by the Municipal Planning Commission. But the decision is being appealed by some town residents who live near the site — as well as others who don't.

Town CAO Jack Ramsden said 15 separate appeals have been submitted, on a number of grounds.

Some residents feel the station's proposed location relative to nearby residences and businesses is inappropriate due to the nature of the proposed operation. Increased traffic and noise, and non-conventional working hours are among some of the other concerns expressed.

A Source Energy Services representative said every effort would be made by the company at the hearing to answer questions and clarify any misinformation that may exist, and to present a full disclosure of information as it relates to the proposed facility.

There are several scenarios that could play out as a result of the hearing, according to Ramsden.

“(The board) can do basically three things: They can uphold the appeal and turn down the development permit; they could uphold the permit and leave it as it was; or they could also approve the permit and add conditions,” he said.

The hearing will take place at the Eckville Legion at 6:30 p.m. Open to the public, it's being held at the Legion to allow for a larger number of people, as well as extra space for the provision of any evidence that may be presented.

A final decision on the matter may not be arrived at by the end of the hearing, and will be made in closed session.

Whatever the outcome, Ramsden hopes it will prove positive.

“I want what's good for the community,” he said.