The R.M of Stanley recently approved a gravel pit expansion a couple of miles south of the City of Morden.

The proposed expansion had several neighbouring residents concerned. A public hearing was held last week.

Some of the concerns brought forward included water conditions, noise, weed control, road safety, road conditions, and dust.

"I feel like it's good that the council is taking it seriously and wanted to discuss the issue further," said concerned citizen Dena Gerbrandt.

While council approved the application Monday, Reeve Morris Olafson said there are a few stipulations to go along the approval of the expansion.

Stipulations included no crushing in the afternoon on Saturdays, the addition of a speed limit sign on Road 10, and restrictions on the use of engine retarder brakes in the area.

"The rest of it is pretty much under the Mines and Natural Resources normal rules," said Olafson.

Elite Crushing Owner and gravel pit operator Levi Wiens explained they're looking into and implementing a few other methods to help reduce the amount of noise the pit may generate.

"We have gone ahead with a dual exhaust system to help dampen that noise," said Wiens.

While back up alarms on heavy machinery are mandated by Work Place Safety and Health, upon some research, Wiens has found quieter, yet equally effective alarms.

"I can't wait to install them to actually hear how they sound," said Wiens.

He noted the access to the expanded portion will be through the original gravel pit on Road 10, just off PR 432.

It's also Wiens' goal to have the expansion portion of the gravel pit re-claimed as fast as possible.