Should a 1-Million-Tonne Gravel Pit Be Approved Near Ayr?
Official title: J-AAR Materials Limited - Issuance of a licence to remove over 20,000 tonnes of aggregate annually from a pit or a quarry
J-AAR Materials wants to open a large gravel pit on Wrigley Road in North Dumfries, near Ayr. They're asking to extract up to 1 million tonnes of aggregate per year from a 40-hectare site. The pit would operate above the water table, meaning no underwater extraction.
Why This Matters
Live near Wrigley Road in North Dumfries? This pit could mean more truck traffic, noise, and dust in your area. The company says they'll minimize impacts, but neighbours should weigh in. Even if you don't live nearby, aggregate pits supply the gravel and sand that build roads and homes across the region.
What Could Change
If approved, J-AAR Materials could extract up to 1 million tonnes of gravel annually from this site. That's a major operation—expect regular truck traffic on local roads. The licence would include conditions for noise control, water protection, and site rehabilitation after extraction ends.
Key Issues
- Should this gravel pit be approved at this location?
- Are the proposed measures adequate to protect nearby residents from noise and dust?
- What impacts will truck traffic have on local roads?
- Is the site rehabilitation plan sufficient?
How to Participate
- Attend the public information session on February 11, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the North Dumfries Community Center in Ayr to learn about the proposal and ask questions.
- Review the application materials by contacting Melanie Horton at melanie@esherplanning.com to request the site plan, environmental reports, and other supporting documents.
- Submit your comments through this consultation page on the Environmental Registry by the deadline. Comments should also be sent to the applicant and the Ministry during the 60-day consultation period.
Events
| Date | Event | Location | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 11, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EST | Public Information Session - J-AAR Materials Gravel Pit Application | North Dumfries Community Center, Ayr |