|
Sand and gravel are finite, non-renewable resources that are essential in the construction of roads, railways, schools, etc., as well as for more specialized industrial uses such as sewage filtration, agriculture, erosion prevention, etc. In British Columbia there are about 2,600 active aggregate pit operations producing approximately 50 million tonnes of sand and gravel per year. This output is valued at over $170 million annually and directly employs 4,000 to 5,000 people. However, many communities and municipalities are currently, or will shortly, experience aggregate shortages as local reserves are depleted or sterilized. Effective management of the aggregate resource represents a considerable challenge to both planners and the industry.
In 1994, the BC Geological Survey initiated the Aggregate Program in answer to this challenge. The goals of the program are:
- to establish an Inventory of natural and crushed aggregate pits in British Columbia
|
|
|
- to improve information transfer and data management between key provincial ministries.
|
The Northeast BC Aggregate Mapping Program is managed by the Oil and Gas Division, Resource Development and Geoscience Branch. |
