Florian Possberg is pressing ahead with his hog barns near Kelvington, Sask., regardless of a recent court ruling.
“We’re going to keep working until we hear otherwise,” said Possberg.
But environment minister Lorne Scott says Big Sky Pork will be required to stop construction of the project as soon as it is safe to do so.
“Construction cannot continue as long as an environmental assessment is ongoing or has been ordered. Those regulations are clearly stated in the act,” said Scott.
A Saskatoon judge recently ruled that Big Sky Pork Inc. barns should be considered developments under provincial environment laws. The barns had previously fallen under regulations within the agriculture department set up for farms. Projects classed as developments must undergo different environmental assessments.
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Project in limbo
The Kelvington project has been reviewed by provincial agriculture and environment officials and approved, but the court ruling makes the situation unclear.
“In our opinion, we aren’t breaking any laws,” said Possberg.
Scott said in an interview that he hopes to convince Possberg to halt construction as soon as possible. If not, the department will seek a court injunction that will call a halt to further building.
“They are not allowed to just keep building until it is completed and then not put the hogs in. They must stop construction,” said Scott.
A group of people has opposed the project, saying it will pollute local water and cause other environmental damage.
Possberg plans to appeal the judgment. He said construction must continue in the meantime because the barns must be ready to receive piglets in the spring, and basic construction must be done before the winter. The appeal is scheduled to be heard Nov. 19.
Presently, the lagoons are being built and the land leveled for construction.
Possberg said his lawyer has advised him that the ruling does not prevent construction.
