The City of Abbotsford has pinpointed specific areas for possible future gravel pits, to help bolster an industry worth tens of millions of dollars each year.

While the move would eliminate the potential approval of gravel applications in all areas of the city, it could result in more projects breaking ground in these new "eligible areas."

The city is proposing four such areas: one in the southwest area of Abbotsford, and three to the east. The eastern locations take in portions of Sumas Mountain, parts of the old Electoral Area H on Sumas Mountain, and Barrowtown.

A number of gravel pits already operate in these locations.

The proposals will now be pitched to the public during a series of meetings, the dates for which have not been confirmed.

According to a study presented to council on Monday, the southwest area could have the greatest potential impact on residents.

It identifies lands south of Fraser Highway, between Sumas Way and the Langley border, which could be appropriate for gravel extraction. The majority of those pockets have been identified as being between Mount Lehman Road and 276th Street, away from parks, water sources, prime farmland, subdivisions and other built-up areas.

Meanwhile, council may vote to exclude the area north of Simpson Road due to the relatively high number of soil removal operations that have been approved there in the past.

The issue of eligible areas for gravel extraction has been on the table for more than a year, with a first phase of public meetings taking place in 2008.

Coun. Patricia Ross said at Monday's council meeting that the discussion should be delayed further until a biophysical inventory is completed on Sumas Mountain, and an ongoing study of water courses is finished. However, the majority of council ruled that these studies should be completed in tandem with the public consultation.

Ultimately, Abbotsford Mayor George Peary said there will be "push and pull" as the city's proposals are debated with the public.

"This report will set a course for the next 50-plus years," he said.

"What we are trying to do is set a path that will alleviate some of the angst of looking into applications on an ad-hoc basis. This is the first step on a journey."

Abbotsford produces 6.4 million tonnes of aggregate – gravel, fill, sand and crushed rock – each year.

The 6.4 million tonnes has an economic value of $40 million to $50 million, plus another $20 million to $30 million for transportation.