Aggregate extraction activities (i.e. identification and siting, footprint design, operation and rehabilitation) meet or exceed the requirement of all applicable laws in the jurisdictions in which they occur.
Core requirements
a) For existing sites, the applicant demonstrates it has obtained the necessary permits to extract aggregate at the operating site seeking SERA certification; including, in instances where the applicant is not the owner of the land, written permission from the land-owner granting the right to extract and operate.
b) The applicant’s licences/permits for the site to be certified, or its application for a new site, specify an annual tonnage limit and a defined period of time and phasing plan, in which extraction operations are allowed to take place (e.g. either the licence/permit itself specifies a time limit for the extraction of the resource or the applicant themselves have adopted a self-imposed time limit). This can include a renewal provision for one, up to a maximum 10-year, extension provided market demand and acceptable community relations justify same.
c) The applicant, or one or more persons employed or engaged by the applicant, has a proven track record of substantial compliance with or exceeding applicable laws, taken and assessed collectively (see Appendix 1 for a list of applicable legislation).
d) The applicant publicly states its long-term commitment, on a site by site basis, to adhere to the SERA standards articulated in this document, and as modified and approved from time to time, through its company mission statement or related public documents, signed by the CEO (or equivalent) and posted prominently in the organization.