It's been a hard fought battle, but residents of Fall River and surrounding areas can breathe a sigh of relief because Northern Construction and Supplies will not be building a rock quarry in their back yard.
On Jan. 28 the URB board announced it had dismissed Northern's appeal against HRM's decision to turn down the application to build the quarry.
In January 2011, the New Brunswick-based company applied to the Nova Scotia Department of Environment to operate the quarry off Perrin Drive in Fall River, near the Miller Lake West subdivision. At that time more than 150 people attended a public meeting to share their concerns and frustration at not being given enough time and information to have their voices heard. Despite Northern's persistence residents never gave up, organizing rallies and hiring lawyers.
Coun. Barry Dalrymple said calls and emails started coming in as soon as the decision came down. Some people were in tears when they heard the decision.
"I am ecstatic," he said. "A ton has been lifted off my shoulders. I can mentally and physically feel the relief."
Residents' primary concerns were regarding noise, air, water pollution and property values. Northern owns the 800 hectares, which Dalrymple said are partially zoned for residential and commercial.
