SASKATOON (Staff) — A four-year research project that began in 1993 could give Albertans more feedback on the impact of feedlot manure in ground water and on crop land.
Ron Axelson, general manager of the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, says that in the meantime, proposals to govern intensive livestock operations have been developed through co-operation from Alberta Agriculture, Alberta Environmental Protection, Alberta Health and from rural municipal governments.
He said the proposals will be presented to rural municipalities within the next few months with the objective of having them integrated in the local land planning process.
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Proposals would require intensive livestock operations to undergo a multi-step development permit process. It would have various safeguards to ensure scrutiny in cases of particular environmental sensitivity.
“The number of conflicts is expected to increase as the province’s livestock industry expands and rural residential developments continue to move into traditional farming areas,” the proposal said.
If approved, the permit process is expected to:
- Reduce the potential for nuisance, environmental and health conflicts within the rural community.
nStrengthen local government development approval decisions.
- Clearly set out development requirements for producers, thus providing certainty.
- Ensure development standards are not an economic burden for producers.
- Use existing municipal development permit systems and municipal resources.
