PONOKA, Alta. (Staff) – Hylko Feitsma never anticipated so much opposition to his plans to build a large feeder pig operation.
After winning the first round of four challenges, the Ponoka hog farmer’s case is being watched closely by the intensive livestock industry. They fear future expansion plans will be thwarted by neighbors who don’t want those types of agricultural operations nearby.
Doug Robinson, spokesperson for the group of eight who are challenging Feitsma’s request to build, said they are worried about manure runoff which could contaminate their water, flood their basements and devalue their property.
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He predicts that community health boards and the courts will be hearing more of these kinds of applications to prevent construction of such farms.
Besides a hearing with the health board, the group has submitted a request to the Alberta Court of Appeal to challenge the approval of the development permit.
Robinson, who lives on an acreage about 1.5 kilometres south of the proposed farm, said the site is unsuitable because it’s too close to the Battle River where contaminants could drain.
Another concern is odor.
“I personally don’t know if I can live with the odor from 5,000 hogs,” he said.
Wayne Gardner lives downstream from the site and said the water table is about one metre from the surface. Not only is he worried about groundwater contamination but is concerned about sewage backup into his home.
Murray Mackay said he’s worried about the smell when manure is spread. He said the prevailing winds blow from Feitsma’s place to the town of Ponoka. He’s also concerned there isn’t enough water in the aquifers to adequately supply domestic users, as well as a large hog operation.
Feitsma’s lawyer, William Russell said during public hearings last week that some people in the area just don’t want a hog barn and the easy way to stop the proposal is by claiming it poses a health risk.
