Today in the Legislative Assembly, the Hon. Kevin J. MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries and Environment, outlined the approach the government is taking to address the public issues associated with the livestock industry.
"In response to public concerns about livestock operations and through the continued efforts of my colleagues, Jamie Ballem, Beth MacKenzie and Andy Mooney, who spent considerable time meeting with community groups in Ebenezer and New Glasgow, I have made a commitment that the government would update its process and guidelines for dealing with environmental concerns," stated Mr. MacAdam. "I am pleased to have my department work in association with the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to recommend new guidelines. Furthermore, I am grateful for the input received as a result of the meetings which took place with the community groups and these M.L.A.'s. It is as a result of these meetings that we have been able to move forward and make this announcement today."
Linkletter Engineering has been hired to produce a report by the end of March to recommend guidelines and regulations for manure management. This report will include recommendations for separation distances between livestock operations and homes and other businesses. It will also suggest changes in how environmental assessment is done on new and expanding livestock operations.
The Hon. Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry indicated that "as livestock operations have become larger and more specialized, the level of public concern has increased. This is primarily because of anticipation about odour and concern for protection of groundwater." However, Mr. Hammill says that he realizes "There are new and better ways to deal with these, and I want to see the most modern methods used on the Island."
Two high profile cases have demonstrated public concern. One group from Ebenezer recently made a presentation to the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Environment. Jamie Ballem, the Chair of the Standing Committee, said "Society is demanding the assurances that the guidelines developed in 1986 are adequate. If they are not, then these guidelines should be up-dated. We must be sure that whatever the results, they are workable. I see this process as dealing with an important issue in a positive way."
An important part of this project is public consultation. Mr. MacAdam indicated that in order to get the best possible recommendations, input will be sought from a wide variety of stakeholders including the Federation of Agriculture, the Hog Commodity Marketing Board, the Cattlemen's Association, the Dairy Producers Association, other livestock groups, the Federation of Municipalities, environmental groups, and the general public.