Uxbridge aggregate pit awarded for rehabilitation work

DAN CEARNS The Standard

UXBRIDGE: A local aggregate pit location has won an award, for its work on rehabilitating the site.

On Wednesday, July 17th, the Ontario Stone, Sand and Gravel Association (OSSGA) awarded the Judges’ Choice Award, in Progressive Rehabilitation, to The Miller Group’s Boyington Pit, located on Concession 8, in Uxbridge.

“The Judges’ Choice Award celebrates the techniques and approaches within the industry which raise the bar for progressive site rehabilitation,” Michael McSweeney, OSSGA’s Executive Director said, in a statement. “The Miller Group’s Boyington Pit proves, with responsible land stewardship and well-planned rehabilitation practices, it is entirely possible to achieve productive agricultural land, post extraction.”

According to the press release, the work involved “309 hours grading, loading and hauling overburden and fine sands, to shape the floor,” as well as “the planting of corn, soybean and wheat crops with a harvest of the first-and second-year crops.”

Scott Boyle, from Miller Paving, called the award “a great honour” and said the company has “come a long way.”

“We made a conscious effort, a few years ago, we were going to refocus on rehabilitation. It takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of hard work, and it takes a lot of money. But when we see results like this, we really feel it’s been worthwhile.”

Ward 4 Councillor, Willie Popp beamed about the work Miller had undertaken on the site.

“There was a lot of passion from our residents and a lot of passion from our council too. Fast forward to now, silence had a lot of residents thinking many different things were happening, and not the most positive things in the world. To be so incredibly shocked, surprised, and frankly awestruck by what you’ve done here, I stand here on behalf of the residents of Uxbridge and say, congrats on the well deserved award for what you have done to the area.”