City council has approved the required zoning amendment for a new gravel quarry north of the Crestview subdivision.

In her report to council on the matter before third reading was passed at Monday’s meeting, planning committee chair Coun. Jocelyn Curteanu noted concerns had been raised with the city regarding the impact on nearby wetlands and the Trans Canada Trail.

One area resident spoke against the proposal at the public hearing before council and four others wrote letters opposing the project, she said.

Curteanu said issues raised included noise, dust and safety concerns related to truck traffic pulling in and out of the quarry site.

There is a required buffer of at least 30 metres between wetlands and trails, she pointed out.

Curteanu said pushing quarry developments outside city limits does not reduce environmental impact, but rather increases it by adding longer transportation times.

And the longer the haul, she said, the higher the cost.

“The best location for a quarry is near to the intended use of the resource,” Curteanu said in her report.

Cee and Cee Dirt and Gravel applied for the rezoning of 2.75 hectares on the west side of the Alaska Highway, across from its existing quarry site.

The company maintains the coarse gravel in the new quarry will be mixed with the finer material from the other quarry, thereby extending the life of the older quarry.

The company estimates the life of the new quarry is between seven and 11 years with a total resource of 190,000 cubic metres of material.

Cee and Cee applied in 2011 for a 20-hectare site in the same general area but closer to Crestview, though it was rejected by the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board.

The board found a quarry of that size would have a substantial impact on the nearby neighbour which could not be mitigated.

The board has approved this project, but has also called for the minimum buffer of 30 metres.

“I have had quite a few reservations about the development of this quarry, I have to admit,” Coun. Betty Irwin told her council colleagues Monday.

“I am happy to see many of my reservations have been dealt with.”

She said she was happy to see the requirement for buffers, and the prohibition of any work near nesting birds.

The reduction in the original application from 4.7 hectares to 2.7 hectares is about as small as the quarry can go and still remain viable, she pointed out.

“We do need those gravel resources,” said Irwin.

Coun. John Streicker said the additional highway traffic and crossings will be a safety issue addressed by the Yukon government and its Department of Highways and Public Works.