The Honourable Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry and the Honourable Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment have released a discussion paper on Guidelines for Manure Management for Prince Edward Island.
"This project has been initiated in response to public concerns expressed about new and expanding livestock operations on the Island," said Mr. MacAdam. "Another concern of the public was that the environmental review process does not have strong public participation. Development of the discussion paper for this project, and the resulting consultation are designed to deal with these issues." The discussion paper was prepared by Linkletter Engineering as background information for stakeholders attending a February 16 meeting at the Dutch Inn in Cornwall to discuss new guidelines for manure management. It will also be used at a public meeting on February 24 at the Farm Centre in Charlottetown.
The project to develop new guidelines that will include the minimum distance that should separate livestock operation from neighbours, is jointly sponsored by the two departments. Most other provinces either are addressing this issue now, or have done so recently.
"Public consultation is an important part of this project. Generally, we hear from people only when they are concerned about a specific issue, such as a new hog farm in their community," said Mr. Hammill. "For government to effectively fulfil its role, appropriate guidelines and regulations need to be in place." Mr. Hammill said the proposed guidelines also respond to issues raised in the report of the Round Table on Resource Land Use and Stewardship.
Mr. Hammill added that proper farm management usually addresses fears of local residents about potential odour, water pollution and the capacity of the land to handle distribution of the manure. "We have been working to address these issues as part of this project," he said. "Both departments, as well as the general public, have a lot at stake regarding future economic development and environmental protection."
The discussion paper is available at Island Information Service or Regional Services Centres throughout the province. Written comments from the public are to be received by March 13 and should be directed to the attention of D.F. Griffin, Corporate Services, Department of Fisheries and Environment, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, P.E.I., C1A 7N8. Fax (902)368-5830. E-mail - dfgriffin@gov.pe.ca
For more information contact:
Diane Griffin (902) 368-5205
Fisheries and Environment
or
Teresa Mellish (902) 368-5605
Agriculture and Forestry