Opponents or proponents have 30 days to speak up dealing with a proposed gravel pit in the Joe Rich area.

Signs went up this week for an application for the Pyman Road pit off Highway 33 just outside of Kelowna city limits.

The sign says a numbered company (360 308 BC) has filed with the Ministry of Mines for a sand and gravel pit application on private land in the Black Mountain area.

The Regional District says it recently received the application, but points out that the final decision is up to the province.

"Our Development Services staff has recently received the application, referred from the Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources Mining and Minerals Division in Kamloops," says spokesman, Bruce Smith. "Staff is in the early stages of reviewing it and referring it out to RDCO departments and advisory agencies for comment. Once input has been received, staff would prepare a report for Regional Board consideration and comment, which would be passed on to the Ministry which makes any decisions on the application."

Smith says information on the application can be obtained by calling the Ministry at 250-371-6051.

"As these applications are made to and decided by the Ministry, public correspondence should be directed to the applicant and the Ministry office in Kamloops, and if they wish, provide a copy of the correspondence to the Regional District, Development Services Department."

Link: Guide to the processing of extraction application referrals Link: Gravel pit operation grinds to a halt Link: Regional District okays pit Link: Lakeshore gravel pit nixed Link: Gravel pit opposition growing